[{"UniqueID":134993,"EventID":"S1F-00749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive has made in enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive has made in enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all.","AnswerText":"Today we announced the way forward for the Careers Service, to help people into lifelong learning and employment. We have committed funding for 42,800 additional places in further and higher education. We have scrapped tuition fees for eligible Scottish students. We have launched learndirect scotland and Individual Learning Accounts. We are helping all Scots learn today for tomorrow's jobs.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134994,"EventID":"S1F-00760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister, further to the answer to question S1W-10109 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 12 October 2000, what progress has been made with the two market-led pilots on sellers' surveys.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, further to the answer to question S1W-10109 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 12 October 2000, what progress has been made with the two market-led pilots on sellers' surveys.","AnswerText":"We have been monitoring the progress of the two sellers survey market pilots - Surveys Online and Clyde Properties. Both of these initiatives have explored innovative approaches towards identifying new methods and working practices within the house purchase system in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134995,"EventID":"S1F-00784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to improve services for the most deprived neighbourhoods.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to improve services for the most deprived neighbourhoods.","AnswerText":"Across the Executive a wide range of policies have been developed and put in place to address social exclusion and improve the quality of life in deprived areas. Earlier this week, we announced the distribution of the £90 million Better Neighbourhood Services Fund specifically targeted at improving services in deprived neighbourhoods. Pathfinders for the fund will involve the community in determining the services to be improved and will deliver agreed outcomes to make real improvements for local people.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134996,"EventID":"S1F-00798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how much of the #10 million aid package for the textile industry announced by the Minister for Small Business and E-Commerce at the Department of Trade and Industry on 6 June","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how much of the #10 million aid package for the textile industry announced by the Minister for Small Business and E-Commerce at the Department of Trade and Industry on 6 June 2000 has been allocated in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The DTI package has not been allocated according to geographical area.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134997,"EventID":"S1F-00805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive is making in removing barriers to employment.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive is making in removing barriers to employment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to employment opportunity for all. Employment in Scotland is at record levels - the highest level since 1960. The recent Social Justice Annual Report showed key employment indicators improving.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134998,"EventID":"S1F-00823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to address the backlog of repairs and maintenance of school buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to address the backlog of repairs and maintenance of school buildings.","AnswerText":"Jack McConnell recently announced an additional £17.2 million in the current financial year to assist authorities in dealing with immediate repairs, maintenance and equipment problems in schools. In addition, by 2003-04 capital allocations for local authority investment in infrastructure will have increased by nearly 40% compared with current levels. We are also providing revenue support for school Public/Private Partnership schemes with a capital value of £530 million and, under the New Deal for Schools, we are making an additional £115.7 million available over five years from 1997. We hope to be able to announce decisions on the allocation of a further £5 million to support early development of potential school PPP projects in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134999,"EventID":"S1F-00835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to make Scotland more attractive as a venue for major sporting events.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to make Scotland more attractive as a venue for major sporting events.","AnswerText":"Our bid for the Ryder Cup has been based on a partnership between the Executive its agencies and the private sector. We shall build on that experience in developing our wider strategy for major events in the course of this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135000,"EventID":"S1F-00839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Executive will make available in full its report An Exploration of Regional Climate Change Scenarios for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Executive will make available in full its report An Exploration of Regional Climate Change Scenarios for Scotland.","AnswerText":"I welcome this opportunity to inform Parliament that the full report of this important study for Scotland will be published tomorrow.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135001,"EventID":"S1F-00854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister  what plans the Scottish Executive has to support entrepreneurs.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister  what plans the Scottish Executive has to support entrepreneurs.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises that we need to support our entrepreneurs. They are crucial to our economic success. We need to raise the rate of new firm formation in Scotland, enhance business survival and improve growth. We must become a country where starting up and running a successful business is an ambition of most and an achievement for many.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>The way forward is set by the publication of <I>A Smart Successful Scotland </I>- the first comprehensive statement by the Executive setting out the direction and priorities for the Enterprise Networks. Encouraging entrepreneurship is one of the strategy's three key challenges, and we will continue to work with the networks to drive forward improvements in this area.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135002,"EventID":"S1F-00874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what new initiatives the Scottish Executive plans to ensure that people are prepared for work.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what new initiatives the Scottish Executive plans to ensure that people are prepared for work.","AnswerText":"On Monday we announced an extra £2.5 million to boost the delivery of information technology skills. This money will kick start the delivery of IT qualifications within our national adult training programme and fund a further 1,350 IT training places for unemployed people.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135003,"EventID":"S1F-00878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the current position is regarding the Executive's proposed drug court pilot scheme and its likely impact on the demand for treatment services.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the current position is regarding the Executive's proposed drug court pilot scheme and its likely impact on the demand for treatment services.","AnswerText":"Iain Gray, in his answer to question S1W-13514 on 21 February, announced the establishment of a working group for piloting a drug court in Glasgow. It is too early to comment on the implications for treatment services but we have provided an extra £10 million for treatment and £21 million for rehabilitation services across Scotland over the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135004,"EventID":"S1F-00905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action it plans to take, in the light of the recent UNISON survey, to reduce the volume of student nurses leaving the nursing profession.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action it plans to take, in the light of the recent UNISON survey, to reduce the volume of student nurses leaving the nursing profession.","AnswerText":"Around 75% of student nurses complete their training courses successfully.<P>In conjunction with the higher education institutions, which provide nurse education, the Scottish Executive has been and is continuing to take positive steps to reduce the drop-out rate from courses.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135005,"EventID":"S1F-00910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what conditions were inserted into the trunk road management and maintenance contracts to protect the pension rights of employees transferring under the Transfer of Undertaki","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what conditions were inserted into the trunk road management and maintenance contracts to protect the pension rights of employees transferring under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations.","AnswerText":"The new contracts do not contain any conditions relating to pensions to be paid to employees transferring under TUPE.<P>TUPE does not cover occupational pensions.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135006,"EventID":"S1F-00924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to reassure farmers and their representative bodies that the foot and mouth disease outbreak is under control.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to reassure farmers and their representative bodies that the foot and mouth disease outbreak is under control.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive fully recognises the seriousness of this disease. The veterinary assessment in Scotland is that all the cases to date are linked. The slaughter and eradication process is working well with cases dealt with promptly as they arise. It is not possible to predict at this stage how many cases will finally emerge. The Executive has daily dialogue on the outbreak with Scottish farming representatives.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135007,"EventID":"S1F-00927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to encourage more people to take up engineering apprenticeships.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to encourage more people to take up engineering apprenticeships.","AnswerText":"There are now over 5,000 Modern Apprentices training in engineering, a threefold increase since 1997. We are working with the Enterprise Network and the engineering sector to build on this success by promoting the benefits of modern apprenticeships to engineering employers and potential apprentices. We are also abolishing the upper age limit for Modern Apprenticeships to give lifelong learning opportunities for people to train in jobs at apprenticeship level.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135008,"EventID":"S1F-00931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister, further to the answer to question S1W-14238 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 16 March 2001, what increase in funding there has been for Scottish Opera between the previously projected","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, further to the answer to question S1W-14238 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 16 March 2001, what increase in funding there has been for Scottish Opera between the previously projected allocations for the years 2000-01 to 2003-04 and the amounts now allocated.","AnswerText":"Scottish Opera will receive an additional £1.9 million this year and £1 million in each of the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135009,"EventID":"S1F-00936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in widening access to further education.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in widening access to further education.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to be able to say that on Monday 19 March, Wendy Alexander, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning announced a £19.5 million package of new support measures for further education students. The new measures will improve levels of support for thousands of further education students from autumn 2001, particularly those from low income families and will for the first time create a level playing field for students on FE and HE courses.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135010,"EventID":"S1F-00971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what further steps will be taken to encourage more young people to stay on at school and enter higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what further steps will be taken to encourage more young people to stay on at school and enter higher education.","AnswerText":"We are taking major steps to widen access for young people to higher education, particularly those from low income families: by investing £22 million over the next three years in more pilots of Education Maintenance Allowances in schools; a new student support package which will be worth more than an extra £50 million when fully implemented, and £18 million over the next three years through the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, specifically for widening access.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135011,"EventID":"S1F-00983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Executive will announce its additional financial allocation arising from the UK 2001 Budget.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Executive will announce its additional financial allocation arising from the UK 2001 Budget.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Budget benefited from a £200 million addition as a result of the 2001 Budget. We will allocate the funding to meet our priorities of social justice and announce specific allocations in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135012,"EventID":"S1F-00992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate supply of Gaelic medium teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate supply of Gaelic medium teachers.","AnswerText":"The supply of Gaelic medium teachers continues to be a priority for Scottish Ministers. The Executive asked SHEFC to pursue ways to increase the supply of Gaelic-medium teachers for introduction in academic session 2001-2002. SHEFC have responded by allocating 10 funded places to Strathclyde University for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education specifically to support primary Gaelic-medium provision.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135013,"EventID":"S1F-01014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive's economic development policies are being adapted to take account of the economic downturn within the electronics sector.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive's economic development policies are being adapted to take account of the economic downturn within the electronics sector.","AnswerText":"We know that the electronics industry globally is undergoing massive change, and we are determined to move Scottish manufacturing up the value chain to focus more on research, design and development activities. We are therefore accelerating our move into these areas, linked to our universities and support for indigenous high technology growth companies, as a route to secure jobs in the future.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135014,"EventID":"S1F-01072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to enhance Scotland's research and development base.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to enhance Scotland's research and development base.","AnswerText":"The Executive's detailed plans to enhance Scotland's research base are set out in <I>Working together for Scotland, The Framework for Economic Development</I>, <I>A Smart, Successful Scotland</I> and the <I>Report of the Knowledge Economy Cross-cutting Initiative</I>. The first comprehensive Science Strategy for Scotland will be published later this year.<P>As announced in November 2000, over the three-year period from April 2001 the Executive will increase funding for higher education institutions in Scotland by 14%. This will help address three key challenges:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">maintaining and enhancing the excellence of our research base; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">maximising the economic benefits of publicly funded science; and <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">making it much easier for companies to access and use our research base in order to increase levels of research and development spending in Scottish companies, which currently lag well behind UK and international benchmarks.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Further, we have committed £18 million over the next three years to the Proof of Concept Fund, administered by Scottish Enterprise.<P>In addition, research matters will be a major element of the planned Higher Education Review. That work will be informed both by advice from the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and by the outputs of the Inquiry currently being undertaken by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135015,"EventID":"S1F-01090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to reduce dependency on ben'odia'epines.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to reduce dependency on ben'odia'epines.","AnswerText":"The risks of dependency and withdrawal, following long-term use of benzodiazepines, are well known to the medical profession. Medical practitioners have been given comprehensive guidance on how to prescribe these drugs safely and effectively<P>People who may have developed dependency problems can obtain help from a wide range of medical, psychiatric and community services. Where benzodiazepines are used in conjunction with illegal drugs, these services will benefit significantly from the additional £100 million which the Executive has allocated to counter drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135016,"EventID":"S1F-01103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether a ban will be placed on rearing genetically modified fish in sea cages in light of the Royal Society's recommendation in its report published on 21 May 2001 and, if s","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether a ban will be placed on rearing genetically modified fish in sea cages in light of the Royal Society's recommendation in its report published on 21 May 2001 and, if so, how soon such a ban would be implemented.","AnswerText":"The rearing of genetically modified fish in marine pens would require consent under the GM Deliberate Release Regulations.<P>If the regulators were not satisfied that marine pens could be deployed without posing a threat to the environment, they would reject an application which proposed their use. There has, in any case, never been an application to release GM fish in Europe.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135017,"EventID":"S1F-01109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the tourism industry is overcoming the adverse effects of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the tourism industry is overcoming the adverse effects of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Tourism businesses have already received substantial aid from the £13.5 million package of emergency relief announced on 28 March, and the additional £5 million made available to Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway on 10 May.<P>Executive officials are now discussing with interested parties strategies for addressing the medium and longer-term effects on tourism.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135018,"EventID":"S1F-01116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive is making in ensuring that fewer people in Scotland are excluded from the financial and banking systems.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive is making in ensuring that fewer people in Scotland are excluded from the financial and banking systems.","AnswerText":"We are progressing a far-reaching package of measures to tackle financial exclusion - 13% of Scots currently have no financial products. We launched an Action Plan for the credit union movement in March, backed by £1.5 million and announced a pilot telephone debtline. Working with local authorities and the banks, we are promoting basic bank accounts and insurance products.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135019,"EventID":"S1F-01121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the waiting time targets for the NHS have been achieved and what the reasons are for any instances where these targets have not been met.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the waiting time targets for the NHS have been achieved and what the reasons are for any instances where these targets have not been met.","AnswerText":"On 31 March 2001, the national waiting time guarantee of 12 months for inpatient and day case treatment was met across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135020,"EventID":"S1F-01188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will ensure that the message of its new initiative on drug driving reaches all sections of society.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will ensure that the message of its new initiative on drug driving reaches all sections of society.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Road Safety Campaign, which is funded by the Scottish Executive, has produced a new leaflet which provides advice about police powers in relation to drug driving and the penalties faced by offenders. The leaflet is being distributed by police forces throughout Scotland via licensed premises and local drug action groups.<P>In addition, the Executive announced on Monday an extra £180,000 for the campaign to develop a cinema or television advert on drugs and driving. The advert will be targeted at young drivers in the light of Scottish Executive research which found that nearly 10% of drivers aged 17 to 39 have driven under the influence of drugs.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135021,"EventID":"S1F-01193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister to what extent the pattern of land ownership is expected to change should the proposals contained in its draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill be implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister to what extent the pattern of land ownership is expected to change should the proposals contained in its draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill be implemented.","AnswerText":"The community right to buy proposals in the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will give community bodies significant new opportunities to own and manage rural land for community purposes. They will be able to register an interest in land in which they can demonstrate a connection and will be able to buy that land when it comes on the market. Crofting communities will be able to buy their croft land at any time.<P>While there will be no dramatic change in the pattern of land ownership, these provisions will gradually lead to greater community ownership of land, a process which is already under way in many parts of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135022,"EventID":"S1F-01196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made towards achieving the aim of electoral reform for local government.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made towards achieving the aim of electoral reform for local government.","AnswerText":"The Executive's commitment to electoral reform, made in its <I>Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government</I>, is underlined by its detailed and continuing considerations of the recommendations made in the Renewing Local Democracy Report.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135023,"EventID":"S1F-01203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what further details on NHS waiting times will become available as a result of the decision to refocus from waiting lists to waiting times.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what further details on NHS waiting times will become available as a result of the decision to refocus from waiting lists to waiting times.","AnswerText":"Already, more information about waiting times and activity is available than ever before on the Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) website. As my colleague the Minister for Health recently announced, the Health Department has commissioned ISD, Scotland to put in new improved methods which will provide further information on waiting at local and national level across the NHS. We will begin to see this coming on stream next year.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135024,"EventID":"S1F-01219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive's draft budget for 2003-04 will require any use of its tax-varying power.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive's draft budget for 2003-04 will require any use of its tax-varying power.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135025,"EventID":"S1F-01319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in improving and expanding public transport at a local level. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in improving and expanding public transport at a local level. ","AnswerText":"Sarah Boyack announced the biggest single investment in public transport across Scotland on Monday awarding over £75 million to 26 projects. This follows an extra £100 million spent in three previous rounds of the Public Transport Fund and demonstrates the Executive's commitment to making a difference to public transport for the people of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135026,"EventID":"S1F-01322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Executive has made of UK research into the incidence of BSE in sheep.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Executive has made of UK research into the incidence of BSE in sheep.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is advised by Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee on the UK's research and surveillance programme for possible BSE in sheep. That research is on-going and is likely to be expanded in an effort to understand the many uncertainties which surround this issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135027,"EventID":"S1F-01333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister  what submissions the Scottish Executive has made to the Inquiry by Dr Iain Anderson and the Scientific Review led by the Royal Society, both established by Her Majesty's Gov","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister  what submissions the Scottish Executive has made to the Inquiry by Dr Iain Anderson and the Scientific Review led by the Royal Society, both established by Her Majesty's Government in response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak with a remit to cover Great Britain. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is contributing to both inquiries but no formal submission has yet been made. The Royal Society is making a fact-finding trip to Dumfries and Galloway this week and will meet my officials and other partners involved in disease control and eradication.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135028,"EventID":"S1F-01341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive proposes to take in light of The Nature of Scotland: A Policy Statement and whether any legislation will be introduced on the basis of the ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive proposes to take in light of The Nature of Scotland: A Policy Statement and whether any legislation will be introduced on the basis of the statement.","AnswerText":"We have completed an extensive consultation on the proposals contained in <I>The Nature of Scotland: A Policy Statement</I>. Following that consultation, I am convinced that there is clear support for our policies from a wide spread of relevant interests. The Executive now intends to come forward with legislative proposals at an early opportunity and a draft Bill will be published as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135029,"EventID":"S1F-01345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken by the Scottish Executive to protect vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change and, in particular, from flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken by the Scottish Executive to protect vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change and, in particular, from flooding.","AnswerText":"The Executive has published a significant amount of research into the likely effects of climate change in Scotland. Most recently, research into <I>Potential Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in Scotland </I>was published last month. This research will inform our consideration of a strategic level response to assist local decision makers to implement adaptation strategies to protect their communities. <P>On the specific risk of flooding, the Executive encourages local authorities to address flood risk of non-agricultural land, and has ensured that councils have the necessary powers and resources required. Additionally, with the launch of Floodline this morning, the Executive has provided for Scottish Environment Protection Agency's flood warnings and information on the risk of flooding to be more readily available.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135030,"EventID":"S1F-01350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether he has any plans to reshuffle the Cabinet.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether he has any plans to reshuffle the Cabinet.","AnswerText":"This will be a matter for the new First Minister once he or she takes up office.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135031,"EventID":"S1F-01351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues were discussed at the last meeting of the Cabinet. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues were discussed at the last meeting of the Cabinet. ","AnswerText":"The Cabinet met on 6 November when it discussed issues of importance to the people of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135032,"EventID":"S1F-01355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what evidence the Scottish Executive has of any increase in the number of racial attacks since 11 September 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what evidence the Scottish Executive has of any increase in the number of racial attacks since 11 September 2001. ","AnswerText":"The police have reported a number of incidents across Scotland linked to the 11 September atrocities. But it is too early to say whether there is an increasing trend in racist incidents. I have made absolutely clear that racist attacks have no place in today's Scotland and will not be tolerated.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135033,"EventID":"S1F-01356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what measures are being taken to support manufacturing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what measures are being taken to support manufacturing industry.","AnswerText":"Good progress has been made - and continues to be made - on a wide range of initiatives to support manufacturing as set out in <I>Created in Scotland</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135034,"EventID":"S1F-01357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to introduce additional live vaccines for human immunisation. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to introduce additional live vaccines for human immunisation. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135035,"EventID":"S1F-01363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in restoring animal exports to Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in restoring animal exports to Europe.","AnswerText":"Thanks to strenuous efforts by Ross Finnie, I am delighted he was able to announce on Tuesday that lamb and venison exports from most of Scotland can recommence soon. Agreement to resume pigmeat and beef exports was secured last month.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135036,"EventID":"S1F-01376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive has confidence in the ability of BEAR Scotland Ltd to fulfil its obligations in maintaining and keeping clear roads in the north of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive has confidence in the ability of BEAR Scotland Ltd to fulfil its obligations in maintaining and keeping clear roads in the north of Scotland.","AnswerText":"All the private sector companies responsible for trunk road maintenance need to demonstrate that their arrangements meet the detailed and exacting requirements set out in their contracts.<P>Contractors' performance is reviewed and monitored continuously by the Performance Audit Group who report to the Scottish Executive. If the contractors fail to perform there are a range of sanctions that the Scottish Executive could take.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135037,"EventID":"S1F-01383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister  what developments the Scottish Executive is initiating in respect of dental services.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister  what developments the Scottish Executive is initiating in respect of dental services.","AnswerText":"A number of the recommendations, outlined in the <I>Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland</I> which was published in August 2000, have been implemented and work continues to address the others.<P>I am pleased to say that this morning the Health Minister announced that an additional £3.8 million was being made available to improve NHS dental surgeries.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135038,"EventID":"S1F-01392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in establishing biomass projects under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland).","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in establishing biomass projects under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland).","AnswerText":"Under the Renewables Obligation Scotland, our objective is that renewable energy sources in Scotland will increase their share of the electricity market from around 12% now to 18% by 2010. We expect a range of renewable energy technologies to contribute to this increase, including wind, hydro, and biomass and, in the longer term, wave power.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135039,"EventID":"S1F-01445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will reconsider its policies on genetically modified (GM) crops.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will reconsider its policies on genetically modified (GM) crops.","AnswerText":"Our policy is clear. Firstly, there should be no commercial production of GM crops until the possible effects on the environment of growing them are thoroughly investigated. Secondly, the Scottish Executive is absolutely committed to the involvement of local communities in this issue and we are consulting how best that will be done.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135040,"EventID":"S1F-01454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister  what the estimated cost of absences from work due to illness was in the last financial year for which figures are available. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister  what the estimated cost of absences from work due to illness was in the last financial year for which figures are available. ","AnswerText":"About 10 million working days are lost in Scotland each year due to illness, which is equivalent to just over 2% of all working days. We estimate that the direct costs to the economy are around £800 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135041,"EventID":"S1F-01501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken to validate existing learning provider claims for Individual Learning Accounts payments to enable these providers to meet their wage bills prior to","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken to validate existing learning provider claims for Individual Learning Accounts payments to enable these providers to meet their wage bills prior to the end of 2001.","AnswerText":"All current claims are being validated to safeguard public funds. Almost 300 learning providers will be paid before the end of this month. The remainder will be paid as soon as possible thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135042,"EventID":"S1F-01510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what work has been undertaken to assess the social and economic implications for Scotland of the introduction of the euro on 1 January 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what work has been undertaken to assess the social and economic implications for Scotland of the introduction of the euro on 1 January 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has carried out two annual surveys on <I>Euro Use by Businesses in Scotland</I>. These reports are available on the Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135055,"EventID":"S1F-01773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the report of the review of licensing laws will take into account the Scottish Executive's strategy for tackling binge drinking.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the report of the review of licensing laws will take into account the Scottish Executive's strategy for tackling binge drinking.","AnswerText":"Sheriff Principal Nicholson's Committee are reviewing the licensing laws. They will consider health and public issues, and I have no doubt they will take account of the Executive's Action Plan on Alcohol problems.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135077,"EventID":"S1F-02268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister why the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park have been drawn so as to exclude all parts of Perth and Kinross. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister why the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park have been drawn so as to exclude all parts of Perth and Kinross. ","AnswerText":"The case for including the Highland Perthshire area was carefully considered. The area has much to offer in terms of high natural heritage value, recreational opportunities and wildlife. However, we felt that to include so extensive an area would reduce the clear focus and coherent identity of the park.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135802,"EventID":"S1O-02729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its national HIV/AIDS strategy document.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its national HIV/AIDS strategy document.","AnswerText":"The report is being published today and is available in the Parliament Reference Centre and, shortly, on the Executive's website.<P>I am grateful to the review group for their thorough consideration of this important subject. It is clear that, despite considerable success in responding to the challenge of HIV over the past decade and more, the momentum of prevention activity must be maintained. The report provides an invaluable framework within which concerted action by the Scottish Executive, NHS Scotland, local authorities, voluntary organisations and other interests can be revitalised and strengthened.<P>To assist the implementation process, the Scottish Executive is increasing funding to health boards from £6.1 million to £7.1 million in the current financial year and to £8.1 million in subsequent years for prevention work. This substantial increase reflects the commitment given in <I>Our National Health</I> that more resources would be made available to tackle infections like HIV and hepatitis C.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135803,"EventID":"S1O-02731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has held with Her Majesty's Government relating to alternative models for securing investment in council housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has held with Her Majesty's Government relating to alternative models for securing investment in council housing.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive maintains regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on this and other housing issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135804,"EventID":"S1O-02734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of paternity leave would have on Scotland's economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of paternity leave would have on Scotland's economy.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is a reserved area. The Department of Trade and Industry issued a Green Paper, <I>Work and Parents: Competitiveness and Choice</I>, on 7 December 2000. The paper includes an option to introduce paid paternity leave. The consultation runs until 7 March 2001.<P>The Green Paper sets out the estimated cost to the state and to employers within Great Britain if paid paternity leave is introduced. There are no separate estimated costs for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135805,"EventID":"S1O-02738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the murder rate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the murder rate.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to making Scotland a place where people are safer and feel safer. To that end we are working in partnership with the law enforcement agencies, with communities and with all who are concerned with the protection of the public. A recent example is the financial support we have given for the campaign launched in October 2000 by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland targeting violent crime.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135806,"EventID":"S1O-02739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines exist to encourage organisations in receipt of public funding to pay debts on time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines exist to encourage organisations in receipt of public funding to pay debts on time.","AnswerText":"The Late Payment of Commercial Debt Act 1998 provides a statutory right to interest on any debts which are not settled in 30 days or the agreed contractual period. The Act applies to both the public and private sectors.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135807,"EventID":"S1O-02740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met officials of the National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met officials of the National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive last met with officials of the National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers on 10 May 2000 and discussed issues relating to Caledonian MacBrayne's operations and the proposed future tendering of the CalMac network.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135808,"EventID":"S1O-02743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to bring forward legislation to require sprinklers to be installed in all new and refurbished homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to bring forward legislation to require sprinklers to be installed in all new and refurbished homes.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135809,"EventID":"S1O-02747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the fabric of schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the fabric of schools.","AnswerText":"I recently announced an additional £17.2 million in the current financial year to assist authorities in dealing with immediate repairs, maintenance and equipment problems in schools. In addition, by 2003-04 capital allocations for local authority investment in infrastructure will have increased by nearly 40% compared with current levels. We are also providing revenue support for school Public/Private Partnership schemes with a capital value of £530 million. I hope to be able to announce decisions on the allocation of a further £5 million to support early development of potential school PPP projects in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135810,"EventID":"S1O-02748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding disciplinary action against the Permanent Secretary, Muir Russell, in relation to any adverse i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding disciplinary action against the Permanent Secretary, Muir Russell, in relation to any adverse impact of his actions on the Holyrood Project.","AnswerText":"No. We see no need to make any representations.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135811,"EventID":"S1O-02750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that every pupil in primary education has access to music tuition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that every pupil in primary education has access to music tuition.","AnswerText":"The 5-14 curriculum guidelines on Expressive Arts advise that all pupils in primary and the first two years of secondary school should learn to sing and play instruments within a timetabled class music lesson. In addition, most local councils also provide opportunities for specialist instrumental tuition.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135812,"EventID":"S1O-02751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in the development of its strategy to address problems arising from timber traffic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in the development of its strategy to address problems arising from timber traffic.","AnswerText":"I hope to visit areas affected shortly to see problems at first hand and thereafter to work with local authorities, forestry and freight interests and road safety experts to examine practical ways of responding to this issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135813,"EventID":"S1O-02755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide relief for voluntary organisations from water charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide relief for voluntary organisations from water charges.","AnswerText":"The water authorities are responsible for administering reliefs to voluntary organisations.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135814,"EventID":"S1O-02756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent steps it has taken to reduce waiting times for first appointments with neurological consultants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent steps it has taken to reduce waiting times for first appointments with neurological consultants.","AnswerText":"Reducing waiting times across all health specialties and at all stages of the patient's journey is a key priority for the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Health Plan <I>Our National Health</I> reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that the patient's journey from GP practice to hospital treatment is better, faster and more responsive. <P>Provisional figures for 30 September 2000 show that between 1999 and 2000 the median waiting time across Scotland as a whole for a first outpatient appointment with a neurological consultant reduced from 80 days to 63 days.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135815,"EventID":"S1O-02766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what resources it will apply to the implementation of the recommendations of the McCrone Committee report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what resources it will apply to the implementation of the recommendations of the McCrone Committee report.","AnswerText":"The budget for 2001-02 will be laid before the Parliament in the next week or so. The budget will contain funding for teachers' pay. A draft budget for 2002-03 will be presented to Parliament later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135816,"EventID":"S1O-02767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has in relation to citi'ens' juries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has in relation to citi'ens' juries.","AnswerText":"The Executive has invited area-based SIPs to participate in the roll-out of the People's Jury initiative following the successful pilots and publication of guidance. The Executive will provide support for each area-based SIP which wishes to hold a People's Jury.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135817,"EventID":"S1O-02768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider the decision not to allow area aid payment for new lupins in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider the decision not to allow area aid payment for new lupins in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The EU legislation covering the Arable Area Payments Scheme requires that payments only be made on crops which are suited agriculturally and climatically for growing in the areas concerned. Existing evidence and scientific views suggest that sweet lupins are not suitable for growing in Scotland.However, my officials are beginning a round of further consultation and analysis with scientific advisers and members of the industry to evaluate the viability of newer varieties. Based upon the outcome of these discussions, the position on inclusion of sweet lupins in the scheme in Scotland will be reviewed in advance of the 2002 AAPS Scheme year.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135818,"EventID":"S1O-02770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to ScotRail on when the Inverness rail sleeper service will be re-instated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to ScotRail on when the Inverness rail sleeper service will be re-instated.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular discussion on a wide range of operational issues with ScotRail. I understand that ScotRail will consider the possible reinstatement of sleeper services north of Edinburgh once it has received details of Railtrack's relevant rail recovery plan, due today.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135819,"EventID":"S1O-02778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications of the recent Scottish health plan are for the delivery of healthcare in Argyll and Bute.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications of the recent Scottish health plan are for the delivery of healthcare in Argyll and Bute.","AnswerText":"Our National Health - a plan for action, a plan for change</I> reaffirms the Scottish Executive's commitment to facilitating continuous improvement in a modern, patient-centred NHSScotland. It signals a shift in the development of policy to the delivery of change. As such, the plan has far-reaching implications for the delivery of healthcare throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135820,"EventID":"S1O-02784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to encourage individuals to train as physiotherapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to encourage individuals to train as physiotherapists.","AnswerText":"Applications to Higher Education Institutions in Scotland for pre-registration physiotherapy courses remain buoyant and are not a cause for concern.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135821,"EventID":"S1O-02785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage the inclusion of red meat as part of a healthy diet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage the inclusion of red meat as part of a healthy diet.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diet Action Plan, <I>Eating for Health</I>, provides the framework for improving Scotland's diet. The plan acknowledges the valuable contribution which meat can make to health, provided it is lean, eaten in appropriate amounts and forms part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Implementation of the plan includes close liaison between the Scottish Executive, Food Standards Agency and Quality Meat Scotland in the latter's work to reduce further the fat content of red meat and to develop healthy meat products.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135822,"EventID":"S1O-02789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet representatives of Glasgow City Council and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to help resolve their current dispute.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet representatives of Glasgow City Council and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to help resolve their current dispute.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135823,"EventID":"S1O-02794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-budget statement will have for the promotion of rail freight in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-budget statement will have for the promotion of rail freight in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Rail freight is a reserved matter. The Scottish Executive of course has responsibility for freight grants in Scotland, and is in regular contact with the Strategic Rail Authority on a wide range of issues, including rail freight.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135824,"EventID":"S1O-02795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce measures to ensure that every child in early years education has access to music and the arts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce measures to ensure that every child in early years education has access to music and the arts.","AnswerText":"Guidance is already in place which outlines opportunities for experiencing music and arts in the three to five age group, appropriate in various early education settings. These early experiences are built on by the 5-14 Expressive Arts guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135825,"EventID":"S1O-02796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the building of the M74 extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the building of the M74 extension.","AnswerText":"I have had three very useful meetings with council leaders from Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Councils since I announced on 28 September that the Executive would fund the strategic link between Fullarton Road and west of the Kingston Bridge.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135826,"EventID":"S1O-02798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will restore primary destination status to Dunfermline to ensure new and improved signage to the city.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will restore primary destination status to Dunfermline to ensure new and improved signage to the city.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to review Dunfermline's status for trunk road signing purposes.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135827,"EventID":"S1O-02805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #9 million aid allocated to assist the salmon farming industry because of the infectious salmon anaemia outbreak remains unspent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #9 million aid allocated to assist the salmon farming industry because of the infectious salmon anaemia outbreak remains unspent.","AnswerText":"To date, HIE has assisted 18 companies with a total of £2.9 million. A number of other applications are currently under consideration which, if approved, could take the total assistance to some £4.3 million. This assistance has provided valuable reassurance for the industry at a difficult time and the scheme will therefore remain open for applications until spring 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135828,"EventID":"S1O-02807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is currently in hand to audit the environmental impact of its policies and programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is currently in hand to audit the environmental impact of its policies and programmes.","AnswerText":"In <I>Programme for Government</I>, the Scottish Executive committed itself to implementing Strategic Environmental Assessment of its plans and programmes. Consultants have been commissioned to produce proposals on how this commitment might be delivered.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135829,"EventID":"S1O-02819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in processing North Lanarkshire Council's bid for Public/Private Partnership funding to rebuild Airdrie Academy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in processing North Lanarkshire Council's bid for Public/Private Partnership funding to rebuild Airdrie Academy.","AnswerText":"Authorities were invited last September to submit bids for a share of resources totalling £5 million which we are making available to support the costs involved in the early stages of the development of potential school Public/Private Partnership projects. North Lanarkshire Council submitted a bid under these arrangements and I hope to announce decisions on all of the bids in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135830,"EventID":"S1O-02823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether league tables are the best way to present information on hospital care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether league tables are the best way to present information on hospital care.","AnswerText":"<I>Our National Health - a plan for action, a plan for change</I> commits the Scottish Executive to introducing a transparent new accountability review process and we will ensure that the Scottish public has the information it needs to form a view on the performance of the NHS. League tables are unlikely to be the best way of presenting this information.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135831,"EventID":"S1O-02829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether responsibility for national training organisations in Scotland, in particular their funding, rests with it or Her Majesty's Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether responsibility for national training organisations in Scotland, in particular their funding, rests with it or Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"National Training Organisations (NTOs) are employer-led sectoral bodies which operate across the UK as the bridge between employers and those involved in the policy and provision of education, training and developing employability. At government level, policy responsibility is shared between the devolved administrations and the UK Government, reflecting the devolved responsibilities for education and training. NTOs attract funding from employers, government departments and other public sector and commercial sources.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135832,"EventID":"S1O-02833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to review Scotland's licensing laws.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to review Scotland's licensing laws.","AnswerText":"In his statement on 7 December, the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care announced plans for a comprehensive review of Scotland's licensing laws (<I>Official Report,</I> 7 December 2000; Volume 9, C789).","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135833,"EventID":"S1O-02834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback it has had to date from interested parties in relation to Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback it has had to date from interested parties in relation to Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"My colleagues and I are very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive feedback that has been received following the publication of <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135834,"EventID":"S1O-02837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take, both specifically following the announcement of 40 job losses at Murray Allan in Innerleithen and more generally, to meet the need for inves","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take, both specifically following the announcement of 40 job losses at Murray Allan in Innerleithen and more generally, to meet the need for investment in job creation, skills training, transport and telecommunications infrastructure in the Borders.","AnswerText":"Assistance will be provided to those affected through dedicated local action teams in accordance with the principles outlined in the Scottish Executive PACE framework. I understand that the company has pledged to co-operate fully with the PACE team. The economic needs of the Borders are being addressed by the <I>New Ways</I> strategy, which has made a number of significant achievements since its launch in March 1999. The Borders Economic Development Forum is leading the way in turning this good start into more jobs, more growth and more prosperity for the people of the Scottish Borders. Scottish Enterprise Borders has been allocated an additional £2.312 million in 2000-01 for its local action plan, the third year of additional funding, in recognition of the particular needs of the region. I intend to visit the Borders on 14 February to hear at first hand about the issues facing the area and the work under way to build on the successes already achieved.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135835,"EventID":"S1O-02840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage and support disadvantaged young people entering further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage and support disadvantaged young people entering further and higher education.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to access further and higher education.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In higher education, our proposals for improving student support will particularly benefit those from the lowest income backgrounds. We have yet to announce details of improvements in the system of support for further education students, but they too will have a similar focus.<P>The Scottish Further Education Funding Council provides a funding premium to colleges for students from socially disadvantaged areas. Similarly, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council has been asked to devise a mechanism to provide additional support to institutions which reflects the extent to which they provide for students from under-represented groups.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135836,"EventID":"S1O-02845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle problems associated with mental health and social exclusion among young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle problems associated with mental health and social exclusion among young people.","AnswerText":"The social inclusion agenda of the <I>Framework for Mental</I> <I>Health Services in Scotland</I> has been carried forward and advanced in <I>Our National</I> <I>Health: a plan for action, a plan for change</I> which sets out a range of measures to reduce stigma where it arises through a national campaign and enhanced local care agency activity.<P>Individual needs should never be a reason to exclude anyone from care or society. That is the premise on which <I>Our National Health</I>, the Framework and our overall approach is based.<P>Copies of the <I>Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland</I> (Bib. no. 7392) and <I>Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change</I> (Bib. no. 10298) are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135837,"EventID":"S1O-02846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the appeal by the Convenor of Culture and Leisure at Glasgow City Council for an additional #2 million aid for Glasgow's museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the appeal by the Convenor of Culture and Leisure at Glasgow City Council for an additional #2 million aid for Glasgow's museums.","AnswerText":"No such appeal has been received. I met representatives of the council on 19 January as the first step of our commitment in the National Cultural Strategy to work with the council to examine the circumstances of their museum service.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135838,"EventID":"S1O-02850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it has a continuing responsibility for the standard of houses previously sold by government bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it has a continuing responsibility for the standard of houses previously sold by government bodies.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the repair and maintenance of houses sold by government bodies rests with those who bought them.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135839,"EventID":"S1O-02852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people enrolled on nurse training courses in the current academic year and how this figure compares with the previous academic year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people enrolled on nurse training courses in the current academic year and how this figure compares with the previous academic year.","AnswerText":"During the financial year 1999-2000 a total of 2,939 students commenced pre-registration courses to become a nurse or midwife, which is an increase of 93 over the previous year. Figures for 2000-01 are not yet available but are likely to show a further increase.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135840,"EventID":"S1O-02855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it intends to make available for the management and protection of special areas of conservation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it intends to make available for the management and protection of special areas of conservation.","AnswerText":"Following the recent spending review, the Scottish Executive has increased the resources for SNH from £42.3 million for the financial year 2000-01 to £48.5 million for 2001-02, an increase of 14.7%. Ministers expect SNH, in their current budgeting round, to allocate substantially increased resources to the management of protected areas.<P>In addition, the Rural Stewardship Scheme will support environmentally friendly farming practices to maintain and enhance important habitats. Preference will be given to applications from farmers and crofters who manage protected nature conservation sites. Provision for agri-environment schemes is £21.5 million for 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135841,"EventID":"S1O-02857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2595 by Susan Deacon on 30 November 2000, whether it is yet able to give a date for the recommencement of the BCG vaccination progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2595 by Susan Deacon on 30 November 2000, whether it is yet able to give a date for the recommencement of the BCG vaccination programme in schools.","AnswerText":"No. Discussions are currently taking place at a UK-level to establish the most effective way of ensuring regular supply of BCG vaccine in the UK in the future.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135842,"EventID":"S1O-02861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the introduction of speed wardens to enforce speed restrictions in residential areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the introduction of speed wardens to enforce speed restrictions in residential areas.","AnswerText":"Policy and legislation on speed limits, including speeding offences and penalties, is reserved. The introduction of speed wardens to enforce speed restrictions in residential areas would require primary legislation to decriminalise speeding offences. That is a matter for the consideration of the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135843,"EventID":"S1O-02862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to announce the awards for the four motorway and trunk road maintenance contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to announce the awards for the four motorway and trunk road maintenance contracts.","AnswerText":"I made an announcement on 23 January regarding the outcome of the four tender competitions in response to question S1W-12726 from Des McNulty.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135844,"EventID":"S1O-02863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils are still awaiting the results of examinations from the Scottish Qualifications Authority's 1999-2000 exam programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils are still awaiting the results of examinations from the Scottish Qualifications Authority's 1999-2000 exam programme.","AnswerText":"Every case of incomplete, inaccurate or missing results raised with the Scottish Qualifications Authority has been thoroughly investigated and a result issued to the candidate concerned. I have made clear to the SQA the importance of getting these candidates their final certificates - not just results - and that process is underway.<P>Following my announcement on 21 December that an independent Appeals Review would be established, 4,000 appeal cases are currently being re-examined. We will complete this review as quickly as possible to end the uncertainty and get fair and accurate results to all the young people affected.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135845,"EventID":"S1O-02864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of availability of the BCG vaccination for schoolchildren is sufficient.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of availability of the BCG vaccination for schoolchildren is sufficient.","AnswerText":"The routine schools programme was restarted in the London area on 19 July 2000 following some limited improvement in the supply of BCG vaccine. The programme will recommence in schools elsewhere in the UK when a secure supply of sufficient vaccine is assured.<P>Discussions are currently taking place at UK-level to establish the most effective way of ensuring a reliable supply of vaccine for the future.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135846,"EventID":"S1O-02870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the financial deficit of Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust is projected to increase to #10 million in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the financial deficit of Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust is projected to increase to #10 million in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"The Trust is forecasting that it will keep to its financial plans and return a reduced overspend of £8 million this financial year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135847,"EventID":"S1O-02872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering establishing a national youth strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering establishing a national youth strategy.","AnswerText":"Yes. We are considering how best to give young people and youth issues a stronger profile at national and local level.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135848,"EventID":"S1O-02873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect those who might be targeted by animal rights groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect those who might be targeted by animal rights groups.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the police, who will investigate any alleged incidents involving violence or intimidation by animal rights protesters.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135849,"EventID":"S1O-02877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how learndirect scotland will contribute to the achievement of social justice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how learndirect scotland will contribute to the achievement of social justice.","AnswerText":"Learning is critical to employability and to fulfilling potential.<I> </I>learndirect scotland is simplifying access to lifelong learning by giving people information and advice on all kinds of learning opportunities.<P>We have set learndirect scotland challenging targets for March 2002, including: engaging at least 23,000 learners from socially deprived areas and branding at least 100 learning centres within such areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135850,"EventID":"S1O-02878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that discipline in schools is improved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that discipline in schools is improved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1O-2893 today.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135851,"EventID":"S1O-02882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for smaller areas of deprivation which fall outwith Social Inclusion Partnership status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for smaller areas of deprivation which fall outwith Social Inclusion Partnership status.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a wide range of programmes and initiatives aimed at tackling poverty and deprivation wherever it occurs across Scotland. The Social Justice annual report sets out our achievements to date and the First Minister recently set out details in <I>Working Together for Scotland</I> how we will continue to work to improve the lives of all the people in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135852,"EventID":"S1O-02884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to mark appropriately, possibly through Historic Scotland, the historic site of the Battle of Bannockburn in the light of the findings of Dr Fiona Watson","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to mark appropriately, possibly through Historic Scotland, the historic site of the Battle of Bannockburn in the light of the findings of Dr Fiona Watson of Stirling University.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans at present. Dr Watson's report on the historic site of the Battle of Bannockburn was commissioned by Stirling Council. I understand that Dr Watson has not yet submitted her final report to the council.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135853,"EventID":"S1O-02889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to use the estimated annual #15 million saving through the trunk road maintenance contracts to negotiate with the Bank of America for an early re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to use the estimated annual #15 million saving through the trunk road maintenance contracts to negotiate with the Bank of America for an early return of the Skye Bridge to public ownership.","AnswerText":"The Skye Bridge is already owned by Scottish Ministers. The Executive has frozen the tolls at 1999 levels and reviewed the impact of the 1998 concessions for regular users, meeting its commitment in the <I>Programme for Government</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135854,"EventID":"S1O-02894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the funding arrangements are for Veterinary Investigative Centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the funding arrangements are for Veterinary Investigative Centres.","AnswerText":"The eight Veterinary Disease Surveillance Centres, operated by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) throughout Scotland, and SAC's Central Diagnostic Laboratory at Penicuik, are supported through grant-in-aid from the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department. SAC also receives substantial external income in respect of commercial diagnostic services provided through the centres. The Veterinary Investigative Centre at Lasswade is operated by the Veterinary Laboratory Agency, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135855,"EventID":"S1O-02896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"Nicol Stephen, when Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, met the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 13 July 2000 to discuss shipbuilding matters. I have recently had meetings with Patricia Hewitt, Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to discuss digital issues and with Helen Liddell when Minister of State at DTI to discuss energy matters. I plan to see The Secretary of State shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135856,"EventID":"S1O-02899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Water Industry Commissioner issues any guidance or makes any recommendations to the water authorities on appropriate skill levels and knowledge of staff such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Water Industry Commissioner issues any guidance or makes any recommendations to the water authorities on appropriate skill levels and knowledge of staff such as chartered engineers.","AnswerText":"The Water industry Commissioner does not issue guidance or make recommendations to the water authorities on appropriate skill levels and knowledge of staff such as chartered engineers.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135857,"EventID":"S1O-02907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will fund extended opening of community sports facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will fund extended opening of community sports facilities.","AnswerText":"The provision of leisure facilities, including community sports facilities, is a matter for individual local authorities in accordance with the Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135858,"EventID":"S1O-02913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make it its policy to minimise the number and scale of areas designated in structure plans for opencast coal mining.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make it its policy to minimise the number and scale of areas designated in structure plans for opencast coal mining.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to revise existing policies. Structure plans are only expected to show broad search areas where opencasting may be acceptable. Local plans should define these areas in more detail. Planning authorities must still assess individual proposals on their merits, taking account of the robust framework in <I>National Planning Policy Guideline 16: Opencast Coal and Related Minerals</I> and rejecting any proposals that are contrary to it.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135859,"EventID":"S1O-02914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to deal with any bullying and harassment experienced by health board staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to deal with any bullying and harassment experienced by health board staff.","AnswerText":"Disciplinary action is a matter for the NHS employer. However, all NHS Scotland employers are required to adopt the values and principles of the <I>Dignity at Work: Eliminating Bullying and Harassment in the Workforce</I> guidance, which I launched last month at the Scottish Partnership Conference. The guidance applies to all NHS Scotland staff and has been developed through the Scottish Partnership Forum, which represents all NHS Scotland staff group. The performance of NHS Scotland in complying with this guidance will be assessed through the new Staff Governance Standard announced in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135860,"EventID":"S1O-02917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will promote Scotland's distinctive attractions to encourage tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will promote Scotland's distinctive attractions to encourage tourism.","AnswerText":"The Executive's New Strategy for Scottish Tourism contains many new actions designed to grow tourism throughout Scotland. Visitscotland is the lead agency in promoting Scotland's attractions and encouraging tourism. Implementation of the recommendations contained in the recent Management Review of visitscotland will help to strengthen the Scottish tourism industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135861,"EventID":"S1O-02919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that the whole of Scotland has access to GP services of the highest quality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that the whole of Scotland has access to GP services of the highest quality.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is determined to improve access to primary care services. Section 4 of <I>Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change</I> sets out our commitment to ensure that patients in every part of Scotland can get access to an appropriate member of the primary care team in no more than 48 hours.<P>The<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4> development of Personal Medical Services (PMS) will allow Trusts and primary care teams to agree local contracts to meet the specific needs of the local population and deliver clear improvements in quality. PMS will also enable PCTs to employ salaried GPs to fill gaps in current service provision and enhance existing services, particularly in deprived and remote and rural areas.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The development of NHS 4, which will provide the public of Scotland with 24-hour access to advice and information, will ensure that patients are provided with direct access to the appropriate health or care service in one phone call. NHS 24 will build links with GPs and their out-of-hours services, as well as other NHS services, to ensure that a fully integrated system is put in place.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Section 8 of the Scottish Health Plan also gives details of our intention to ensure a greater focus on quality by simplifying and streamlining the current GP contract.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135862,"EventID":"S1O-02925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to impose statutory duties relating to flood defence and flood warning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to impose statutory duties relating to flood defence and flood warning.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to impose statutory duties relating to flood prevention or flood warning beyond those introduced by the Flood Prevention and Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1997.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135863,"EventID":"S1O-02930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has identified since 1 July 1999 any areas where the environmental management of its departments and buildings could be improved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has identified since 1 July 1999 any areas where the environmental management of its departments and buildings could be improved.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive reviews on a continuous basis the environmental performance of its buildings with a view to making improvements where possible. The Executive is currently reviewing its Statement, made in 1998, which sets out environmental objectives for the management of our buildings. Since 1999 we have introduced a range of environmental management improvements.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135864,"EventID":"S1O-02941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it intends to help health boards meet the costs of implementing European working time regulations with particular reference to junior doctors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it intends to help health boards meet the costs of implementing European working time regulations with particular reference to junior doctors.","AnswerText":"The agreement reached last year between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers provides for up to nine years (with a further three years at member state's discretion) to implement the Working Time Directive for doctors in training. The Executive will work with health boards, trusts and doctors' representatives to implement the Directive. The necessary changes to working practices and the cost of implementation will be addressed as part of this work. The Executive is committed to substantial increases in NHS expenditure over the next three years. <P>It will be for local NHS bodies to manage the increased resources available to them to meet the health needs in their areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135865,"EventID":"S1O-02950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much responsibility its Health Department and the Minister for Health and Community Care have in relation to NHS Trusts' control of their budgets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much responsibility its Health Department and the Minister for Health and Community Care have in relation to NHS Trusts' control of their budgets.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have responsibility for setting the financial targets that Trusts must meet, and for allocating resources to NHSScotland.<P>Under section 15 of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000, the Chief Executive of a Trust, as the Accountable Officer, is answerable to Parliament for ensuring that the public funds for which they are responsible are properly managed and safeguarded.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135866,"EventID":"S1O-02952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures the Scottish Executive will take to help with the erection of a suitable and lasting national memorial to the pipers of the Highland regiments who fought i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures the Scottish Executive will take to help with the erection of a suitable and lasting national memorial to the pipers of the Highland regiments who fought in the First World War.","AnswerText":"The National War Museum of Scotland which was recently opened at Edinburgh Castle is a tribute to all soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the conflict of all wars. The special role of the piper is acknowledged in several displays of the National War Museum and a set of pipes dating from the First World War believed to be from a Highland regiment is included on display.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135867,"EventID":"S1O-02956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will encourage tourism to islands by reviewing the regulations for the provision of signs for island visitor attractions on the mainland trunk road network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will encourage tourism to islands by reviewing the regulations for the provision of signs for island visitor attractions on the mainland trunk road network.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to review the Scottish Executive's Trunk Road and Motorway Tourist Signposting Policy","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135868,"EventID":"S1O-02961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what initiatives it is planning to combat sexual violence outwith domestic settings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what initiatives it is planning to combat sexual violence outwith domestic settings.","AnswerText":"We have put in place a wide range of criminal justice responses to tackle sexual violence including strengthening the sex offenders legislation, and providing resources to put more police on our streets. A White Paper in the spring will outline further proposals for legislation on serious and violent sexual offenders.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135869,"EventID":"S1O-02964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what support it gives to local authorities in dealing with nuisance caused by seagulls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what support it gives to local authorities in dealing with nuisance caused by seagulls.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have full powers to deal with such problems at their own discretion. Licences are issued by the Scottish Executive to cover situations where the lethal control of seagulls becomes necessary.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135870,"EventID":"S1O-02967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to establish a national strategy for flood prevention.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to establish a national strategy for flood prevention.","AnswerText":"The Executive is responsible for flood prevention policy in Scotland and we have no plans at present to establish a specific national strategy for flood prevention. However, given that the risk of flooding in Scotland is predicted to increase as a consequence of climate change, the need to adapt to this change will be reviewed as part of the Executive's plans to develop a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135871,"EventID":"S1O-02968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that there is an increase in the availability of affordable rented accommodation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that there is an increase in the availability of affordable rented accommodation.","AnswerText":"Last month we announced an increase in our target for the number of affordable houses to be built in the three years to March 2002. We will now fund the construction of 20,000 new and improved homes in rural and urban areas across Scotland. We are well on track to meet this new commitment.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135872,"EventID":"S1O-02969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that the views of pregnant women on maternity services are taken account of.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that the views of pregnant women on maternity services are taken account of.","AnswerText":"On 2 February I announced the publication of <I>A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland</I>. This was published following extensive consultation with women and professionals. <P>The Executive expects local health boards and NHS Trusts to consult widely when developing strategies for maternity service locally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135873,"EventID":"S1O-02974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its measures to ensure that this year's school examination diet is successful are progressing as planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its measures to ensure that this year's school examination diet is successful are progressing as planned.","AnswerText":"here are now monthly reports from SQA and monthly meetings of the Ministerial Review Group chaired by the Deputy Minister for Education. Meetings between the Executive and the SQA take place regularly at both ministerial and official level.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>On the basis of information from these sources I made my first report to Parliament on SQA's progress towards Diet 2001. This was announced in response to S1W-12934 on 31 January 2001 and has been placed in SPICe (bib. no. 11055).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135874,"EventID":"S1O-02975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the future of the New Community Schools initiative will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the future of the New Community Schools initiative will be.","AnswerText":"I hope that the pilot New Community Schools programme will in due course act as a catalyst for wider change. I am presently considering how this will be managed, and I expect to make an announcement soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135875,"EventID":"S1O-02976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1908,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":4,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether membership of the European Union has brought any benefit to Scottish businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether membership of the European Union has brought any benefit to Scottish businesses.","AnswerText":"Scottish businesses obtain significant benefits from the UK's membership of the EU. The EU is the destination of 63% of Scottish manufacturing exports, with France our most significant overseas trading partner. In the last five years Scotland has attracted £724 million of planned investment from continental Europe. Membership of the EU is considered crucial in attracting inward investment from not only within Europe but also the rest of the world. Scotland received £368 million in Structural Funds in 1994-99, making a significant contribution to Scotland's economic regeneration.<P>The Single European Market provides a stable framework in which Scottish firms can operate. The removal of trade barriers reduces business costs as well as increasing competition, stimulating efficiency and encouraging the creation of jobs and wealth.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135876,"EventID":"S1O-02978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to encourage women drug users to access counselling and rehabilitation services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to encourage women drug users to access counselling and rehabilitation services.","AnswerText":"Last week I announced a £100 million package on drugs. Within this total, substantial sums will be spent on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community education. Services for children and parents in drug misusing families will be one of the priority areas for support from the resources channelled through the Children's Change Fund.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Action at local level to encourage women drug users to access counselling and rehabilitation services is for Drug Action Teams.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135877,"EventID":"S1O-02979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what policies it has to help those who are victims of drug misuse and their families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what policies it has to help those who are victims of drug misuse and their families.","AnswerText":"The victims of drug misuse can range from individuals who misuse drugs, to their families and the wider community. Earlier this month I announced details of how the Executive's £100 million package of additional expenditure on drug misuse over the next three years will be targeted. <P>We have a priority to develop services targeted at families of people who misuse, as well as to increase the numbers of specialist staff available to provide treatment, care and support for individuals and families. Guidelines are currently being drawn up for local authorities and other agencies which work with drug misusing parents. These guidelines are aimed at minimising the effects on children in such family circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135878,"EventID":"S1O-02981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that the work undertaken by the Aberlour Trust and others to rehabilitate young people with behavioural difficulties is continued after","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that the work undertaken by the Aberlour Trust and others to rehabilitate young people with behavioural difficulties is continued after the age of 16. ","AnswerText":"Projects managed by Aberlour Trust or other voluntary organisations are normally operated in conjunction with the relevant local authority. The extension or coverage of such projects are therefore matters for local decision and there is nothing to prevent them continuing after 16.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135879,"EventID":"S1O-02984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether local authority snow ploughs travelling on trunk roads are permitted to use snow clearing equipment where the trunk road contractor has not cleared the road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether local authority snow ploughs travelling on trunk roads are permitted to use snow clearing equipment where the trunk road contractor has not cleared the road.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for trunk road snow clearing lies with the new Operating Companies and the Scottish Executive. The use of snow clearing equipment on trunk roads by the local authorities would be acceptable only if agreed in advance by the new companies or the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135880,"EventID":"S1O-02992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in reviewing the age of criminal responsibility and the Children's Hearing System in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in reviewing the age of criminal responsibility and the Children's Hearing System in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Law Commission are looking at the issue of the age of criminal responsibility as it affects both the criminal justice and children's hearing systems. The Commission will be reporting to the Scottish Ministers towards the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135881,"EventID":"S1O-02997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to regulate property management factors in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to regulate property management factors in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Housing Bill will provide for the regulation of factoring services provided by local authorities and Registered Social Landlords. The Housing Improvement Task Force, set up to consider how the quality of housing stock can be improved, will also consider the powers available to compel owners to invest in their property and the arrangements in place for the management of flatted blocks in private ownership.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135882,"EventID":"S1O-02998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the latest additional funding package of #100 million to tackle drug misuse over the next three years will be spent on (a) treatment and aftercare, (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the latest additional funding package of #100 million to tackle drug misuse over the next three years will be spent on (a) treatment and aftercare, (b) prevention and (c) enforcement measures.","AnswerText":"Approximately 56% of the additional drugs funding will be spent on treatment and aftercare, 12% on prevention, and around 31% will span both categories. The remaining 1% will be spent on enforcement measures to reduce the level of drugs getting into prisons.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135883,"EventID":"S1O-02999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish an independent body to deal with complaints against solicitors as recommended in the January 1999 report of the Scottish Consumer Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish an independent body to deal with complaints against solicitors as recommended in the January 1999 report of the Scottish Consumer Council.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans at present.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135884,"EventID":"S1O-03001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify the remit of the working group on a replacement for poindings and warrant sales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify the remit of the working group on a replacement for poindings and warrant sales.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-3002 today.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135885,"EventID":"S1O-03004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the New Housing Partnership budget for 2000-01 has been spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the New Housing Partnership budget for 2000-01 has been spent.","AnswerText":"The New Housing Partnerships budget for 2000-01 amounts to £114.5 million. In addition, £25.3 million has been carried forward from last year. This reflects slippage in councils' expenditure on approved projects, largely resulting from their commitment to full consultation with tenants. On the basis of indications from councils, it is expected that approximately £70 million will be spent in this financial year. The arrangements for carry forward of resources into next year will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135886,"EventID":"S1O-03006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in establishing a task force to develop a national physical activity strategy as promised in Towards a Healthier Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in establishing a task force to develop a national physical activity strategy as promised in Towards a Healthier Scotland.","AnswerText":"Plans for the launch of the Physical Activity Task Force are now at an advanced stage and I expect to send invitations to potential task force members in the very near future. Meanwhile, we are making arrangements for an initial meeting to take place at the end of March.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135887,"EventID":"S1O-03015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact of section 57(2) of the Scotland Act on devolved matters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact of section 57(2) of the Scotland Act on devolved matters.","AnswerText":"We are in regular contact with the UK Government on a range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135888,"EventID":"S1O-03025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to secure the future of Aberdeen's tourist information centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to secure the future of Aberdeen's tourist information centre.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board and its funding partners to decide.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135889,"EventID":"S1O-03027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation of the recommendations contained in The same as you? A review of services for people with learning disabilities is proceeding according to sche","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation of the recommendations contained in The same as you? A review of services for people with learning disabilities is proceeding according to schedule.","AnswerText":"Yes. We have invited bids to operate new Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities; we have announced a Change Fund of £36 million over three years; we are considering proposals from the National Autistic Society and the Scottish Society for Scotland to take forward establishment of a national service network for those with an autistic spectrum disorder, and the first Partnership in Practice agreements are to be submitted to the Executive by June this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135890,"EventID":"S1O-03036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action to ensure that every person in Scotland has equal access to medical services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action to ensure that every person in Scotland has equal access to medical services.","AnswerText":"Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>, published on 14 December 2000, sets out a wide range of measures to improve access to NHS services and to improve greater equity of access across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135891,"EventID":"S1O-03038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence exists on the importance of early years education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence exists on the importance of early years education.","AnswerText":"A wide range of international research evidence shows that high quality pre-school provision can benefit children not only in their early school learning but also in later life, contributing significantly to wider social and economic gains.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135892,"EventID":"S1O-03040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to progress the aims of the Better Government for Older People programme in the light of the report from the Scottish pilot projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to progress the aims of the Better Government for Older People programme in the light of the report from the Scottish pilot projects.","AnswerText":"The work of the Better Government for Older people pilots has been of great value. The Executive's response to the BGOP recommendations in <I>All our futures in Scotland </I>will help to inform future policy development. And we will continue to work with older people, the UK Government, local authorities and others to ensure older people's voices are heard, their needs met and contributions valued. This will assist in delivering more responsive, integrated and high quality public services and in creating a better society for older people in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135893,"EventID":"S1O-03043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government regarding the potential impact on employment in Scotland of a defence diversification policy and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government regarding the potential impact on employment in Scotland of a defence diversification policy and budget which provides increased assistance to companies diversifying as a result of Ministry of Defence savings in Scotland or other changes in the defence industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with HM Government on a wide range of issues, including Ministry of Defence activities in Scotland. The Scottish Executive is currently working with the Defence Diversification Agency to achieve the shared aim of encouraging the widest exploitation of defence derived technology within Scottish industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135894,"EventID":"S1O-03048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will help to fund the establishment of football supporters' trusts and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will help to fund the establishment of football supporters' trusts and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive wishes to see responsible supporters' groups have the opportunity to contribute to the development of their clubs but we have no plans to help fund the establishment of football supporters' trusts.<P>If a sufficient number of supporters wish to establish a trust, the shared costs of doing so will be very modest. The Executive's main priority at present is to encourage and assist the development of football academies to develop our talented young footballers.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135895,"EventID":"S1O-03049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional financial aid available to the catching and processing sectors in the light of the current situation in the fishing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional financial aid available to the catching and processing sectors in the light of the current situation in the fishing industry.","AnswerText":"We announced last October the availability of record levels of support for the fisheries sector under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). We also announced this morning a £27 million package of support for the industry. That includes up to £25 million for decommissioning during the coming financial year, to bring whitefish capacity more closely into line with available fishing opportunities and help put the remainder of the fleet on a sounder financial footing for the future; additional resources to support conservation measures and £1 million to implement the report of the Scottish Fish Processors' Working Group.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135896,"EventID":"S1O-03052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8534 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 July 2000, whether any cases in the last six months have been abandoned because of a breach of statutor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8534 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 July 2000, whether any cases in the last six months have been abandoned because of a breach of statutory time limits and, if so, how many.","AnswerText":"Between 1 August 2000 and 31 January 2001, 1,113 cases are recorded as having been marked no proceedings by Procurators Fiscal on the ground that they had been reported to the fiscal after the expiry of the relevant statutory time bar.<P>No cases are recorded as having been marked \"no further proceedings\" on the ground that there had been a breach of a statutory time limit, but it is almost certainly the case that the imminent expiry of a time limit has contributed to decisions to discontinue proceedings in which there have been other problems (for example, lack of success in serving a summary complaint).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135897,"EventID":"S1O-03056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had or plans to have with Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive concerning the Glasgow Crossrail scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had or plans to have with Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive concerning the Glasgow Crossrail scheme.","AnswerText":"No approach has been made to the Scottish Executive by Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive regarding this project.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135898,"EventID":"S1O-03059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider giving compensation to those whose main activity is the haulage of livestock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider giving compensation to those whose main activity is the haulage of livestock.","AnswerText":"I recognise and sympathise with your concerns about the livelihoods of hauliers. Their situation will have eased with the introduction on Saturday 3 March of a scheme of licensed movements of pigs, cattle and sheep outside infected areas direct to slaughter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135899,"EventID":"S1O-03065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures are being taken to support vulnerable people living independently in the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures are being taken to support vulnerable people living independently in the community.","AnswerText":"We are providing the guidance and resources to implement a wide range of measures which will assist vulnerable people.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135900,"EventID":"S1O-03066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding the current fare structure of Caledonian MacBrayne.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding the current fare structure of Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"I expect to receive shortly a report from CalMac on the conclusions of a review of its current fares structure. I shall take decisions in the light of those conclusions.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135901,"EventID":"S1O-03068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address the fact that children from low income families are more likely to die in road accidents than children from more affluent familie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address the fact that children from low income families are more likely to die in road accidents than children from more affluent families.","AnswerText":"On 26 February I re-launched the Children's Traffic Club in Scotland. The club offers free road safety training to all children in Scotland aged three and four. The club's format and materials have been revised to encourage greater use by lower income families.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135902,"EventID":"S1O-03069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to support fishermen during the period of the cod recovery plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to support fishermen during the period of the cod recovery plan.","AnswerText":"The full range of cod recovery measures has yet to be agreed: the closed areas in the North Sea and off the west coast represent initial, emergency measures to help protect cod stocks. The aim of recovery measures is of course to help ensure sustainable and viable fisheries in the longer term, in the interests of fishermen and fishing communities.<P>We announced last October the availability of record levels of support for the fisheries sector under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). We also announced this morning a £27 million package of support for the industry, including up to £25 million for decommissioning during the coming financial year, to bring whitefish capacity more closely into line with available fishing opportunities and help put the remainder of the fleet on a sounder financial footing for the future.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135903,"EventID":"S1O-03070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue advice and guidance on the setting up of football supporters' trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue advice and guidance on the setting up of football supporters' trusts.","AnswerText":"Guidance on the setting up of football supporters' trusts is being prepared at present. Once it is complete we propose to arrange a seminar for interested parties at which the guidance can be disseminated and discussed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135904,"EventID":"S1O-03073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the proposals affecting it in the Scottish Affairs Committee Report, Poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the proposals affecting it in the Scottish Affairs Committee Report, Poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There was no formal requirement for the Scottish Executive to respond to the Scottish Affairs Committee's Report on <I>Poverty in Scotland</I>. However, as part of our ongoing co-operation and dialogue with the UK Government, I wrote to the then Secretary of State for Scotland, Dr John Reid, on 21 November 2000, indicating where the Scottish Executive stands on those recommendations with a devolved dimension.<P>A copy of my letter was included as an annex in the UK Government's formal response, which was published on 13 December 2000, and is available on the House of Commons website. A copy of the Government's response (HC-55) and the report itself (HC59-I) is also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135905,"EventID":"S1O-03074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been treated by the NHS to date in 2000-01 compared to 1996-97.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been treated by the NHS to date in 2000-01 compared to 1996-97.","AnswerText":"People are treated in a variety of settings by the NHS, for example as inpatients to hospital, through outpatient clinics (consultant and nurse led), by their GP and by community health visitor or other community health teams contacts. Although information on some of these forms of treatment is gathered centrally, a number of contacts with the NHS are not recorded centrally, for example visits to nurse-led clinics.<P>Centrally-collected information about contacts with the NHS (for example number of inpatient and day case discharges) is available on the ISD Online website at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135906,"EventID":"S1O-03076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households will benefit from the transitional water and sewerage charges relief scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households will benefit from the transitional water and sewerage charges relief scheme.","AnswerText":"I estimate that more than 180,000 households will benefit from the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135907,"EventID":"S1O-03085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is proposing to issue any guidelines to NHS Trusts on their consultation procedures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is proposing to issue any guidelines to NHS Trusts on their consultation procedures.","AnswerText":"Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> has as amongst its core aims involving people and communities in the design and delivery of health services. The plan therefore commits the Executive to a number of initiatives aimed at improving the way in which the NHS consults on service developments. These include reviewing the statutory guidance on formal consultation to ensure that it meets the needs of modern healthcare systems, and takes into account the changes to NHS planning announced elsewhere in that plan. We will also provide guidance, training and support to local NHS leaders to enable them to involve the public effectively in the management of changes to local services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135908,"EventID":"S1O-03090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate the feasibility of a programme of vaccination of livestock against foot and mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate the feasibility of a programme of vaccination of livestock against foot and mouth disease.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to vaccinate against Foot and Mouth Disease although supplies of vaccines are of course available.<P>The EU does not permit the use of FMD vaccine by member states. Their policy like that of the UK Government and the Scottish Executive is to eradicate the disease through a compulsory slaughter and compensation policy. There is a provision for member states to make a special case for vaccine use where this is considered beneficial on the basis of veterinary advice.<P>The use of vaccines is by no means straightforward. Problems can arise where disease is masked and therefore spread. There are also adverse trade implications because other member states and many third countries demand FMD freedom to permit trade in most animals and animal products.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135909,"EventID":"S1O-03092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government or the Economic and Social Research Council (ERSC) regarding Scotland's share of the ERSC budget. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government or the Economic and Social Research Council (ERSC) regarding Scotland's share of the ERSC budget. ","AnswerText":"No. We are content that all the Research Councils, which are reserved bodies, abide by the general principle that funding decisions are made on the grounds of quality, not location.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135910,"EventID":"S1O-03093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes in response to new evidence from the National Radiological Protection Board that there may be a connection between overhead power lines and certai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes in response to new evidence from the National Radiological Protection Board that there may be a connection between overhead power lines and certain cancers.","AnswerText":"The Executive welcomes this new study.<P>The NRPB, which provides expert advice on these matters, considers that this new report provides no additional scientific evidence to require a change in exposure guidelines.<P>That said, the Executive fully supports the report's recommendation that the current uncertainty indicates a need for further research. Current research includes a number of Government-funded studies in this country and support for the multi-national Electromagnetic Fields Project set up and co-ordinated by the World Health Organisation. The UK Government will also work with the NRPB to begin new research into the factors that lead to certain households having higher levels of EMFs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135911,"EventID":"S1O-03099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to respond to the report of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Kennedy McFarlane.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to respond to the report of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Kennedy McFarlane.","AnswerText":"Dumfries and Galloway Child Protection Committee commissioned the report into Kennedy's tragic death and primary action on its recommendations is for the local agencies concerned.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135912,"EventID":"S1O-03103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to assist the tourism industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to assist the tourism industry.","AnswerText":"We are carefully monitoring the implementation of our tourism strategy published in February 2000. We have recently announced a review of the strategy in line with a commitment made at the time of publication. In addition, we are carefully monitoring the impact of foot and mouth disease on the tourism industry across Scotland, liasing closely with UK and Scottish Executive colleagues and with visitscotland, the British Tourist Authority and the industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135913,"EventID":"S1O-03112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that Scottish libraries continue to provide valuable information resources to Scottish communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that Scottish libraries continue to provide valuable information resources to Scottish communities.","AnswerText":"£23 million is available through the New Opportunities Fund to link all public libraries to the Internet and to support the development of information and communities technology facilities in community learning centres and the establishment of community learning grids.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135914,"EventID":"S1O-03113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the review of non-departmental public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the review of non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"As I made clear in my statement which was issued on 18 January 2001, a further statement on the review will be made in May.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135915,"EventID":"S1O-03114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will collect information detailing which health boards have issued digital hearing aids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will collect information detailing which health boards have issued digital hearing aids.","AnswerText":"There are no plans for this information to be collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135916,"EventID":"S1O-03120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in meeting the concerns of the Scottish fish catching and processing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in meeting the concerns of the Scottish fish catching and processing industry.","AnswerText":"I announced on 8 March a £27 million package of planned investment in the industry, including £25 million for a decommissioning scheme and £1 million to implement recommendations in the Scottish Fish Processors' Working Group report.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135917,"EventID":"S1O-03122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the results of its consultation on allowing all nicotine replacement therapy products to be prescribed on the NHS by GPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the results of its consultation on allowing all nicotine replacement therapy products to be prescribed on the NHS by GPs.","AnswerText":"I was pleased to announce yesterday that as from next month nicotine replacement therapy will be available on prescription from the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135918,"EventID":"S1O-03123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the financial consequences of the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the financial consequences of the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease.","AnswerText":"I announced last week that I have asked the Enterprise Networks, visitscotland, the Scottish Agricultural College and other interested organisations to work with my officials to assess the impact of the Foot and Mouth outbreak across local areas, sectors and over time. I will chair this group which will have its first meeting this afternoon. The priority is to assess the immediate implications and I look forward to seeing an initial assessment in the very near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135919,"EventID":"S1O-03129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a compulsory register for nanny agencies and take action to regulate them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a compulsory register for nanny agencies and take action to regulate them.","AnswerText":"During the Regulation of Care Bill Stage 1 debate on 7 March, Susan Deacon announced our proposals for the regulation of services which directly employ or select the carer to work in the family home.<P>Regulation of nanny agencies, when they act as employment agencies, is a reserved matter and the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI is introducing more stringent regulation for employment agencies which will include strict requirements to check people placed to work with children.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135920,"EventID":"S1O-03134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are making adequate progress in developing services for people with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are making adequate progress in developing services for people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The same as you?, our review of services for people with learning disabilities, was well received when published last year.<P>Local authorities are acting on many of the report's recommendations, using existing resources. I understand they are making progress with, for example:<P>joint working<P>alternatives to traditional day opportunities<P>employment opportunities<P>advocacy schemes<P>In addition, resources of £36 million over three years are available from 1 April 2001 to support implementation of the review.<P>Local authorities and their partners are required to submit their first Partnership in Practice agreements to the Executive by June this year. They will be closely monitored.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135921,"EventID":"S1O-03137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has raised with Her Majesty's Government the recent report by Sir Richard Doll published by the National Radiological Protection Board regarding electromagneti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has raised with Her Majesty's Government the recent report by Sir Richard Doll published by the National Radiological Protection Board regarding electromagnetic fields and the risk of cancer.","AnswerText":"The study was carried out by the Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation on behalf of the NRPB Board. The Executive continues to be in close contact with other UK Health Departments to consider the findings of the report.<P>The Executive fully supports the report's recommendation that the current uncertainty indicates a need for further research. The UK Government is funding its own studies and providing support for the multinational Electromagnetic Fields Project set up and co-ordinated by the World Health Organisation. The UK Government will also work with the NRPB to begin new research into the factors that lead to certain households having higher levels of EMFs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135922,"EventID":"S1O-03138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland will consider a grant application to repair Cramond Weir now that the question of the weir's ownership has been resolved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland will consider a grant application to repair Cramond Weir now that the question of the weir's ownership has been resolved.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to answer. His response is as follows:<P>It is open to anyone who is in a position to undertake repairs to the weir and to maintain the structure thereafter to seek financial assistance from Historic Scotland towards the cost of the repair. Any such application will be considered alongside other bids for financial assistance.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135923,"EventID":"S1O-03140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is currently taking to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is currently taking to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease.","AnswerText":"A comprehensive cull of sheep within Infected Areas will get under way very soon. Similar radical action is being taken with the limited number of dangerous contacts in other parts of the country. Controls on the movement of cattle, sheep and pigs remain in place. These are being relaxed depending upon the level of assessed risk in different parts of the country.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135924,"EventID":"S1O-03142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed emergency plans for dealing with potential accidents involving nuclear submarines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed emergency plans for dealing with potential accidents involving nuclear submarines.","AnswerText":"The Ministry of Defence, emergency services, local authorities and health boards review procedures for dealing with emergencies which may arise at submarine bases at least annually. The procedures are also reviewed in the light of issues raised by actual incidents and by the regular exercises which are held within the UK and elsewhere.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135925,"EventID":"S1O-03145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee's 3rd Report 2001, Report on Inquiry into Special Educational Needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee's 3rd Report 2001, Report on Inquiry into Special Educational Needs.","AnswerText":"Ministers hope to respond by 6 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135926,"EventID":"S1O-03146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the health service in the Forth Valley Health Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the health service in the Forth Valley Health Board area.","AnswerText":"Susan Deacon met with the Chairmen and Chief Executives of Forth Valley Health Board and Forth Valley Acute Hospitals Trust on 5 September 2000. Scottish Executive officials maintain regular contact with the board and the Trust.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135927,"EventID":"S1O-03147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it plans to make to the joint operation between Scottish police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that led to capture of an internet child sex pornogr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it plans to make to the joint operation between Scottish police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that led to capture of an internet child sex pornographer and whether it will make increased police numbers available to deal with such international child protection issues.","AnswerText":"Effective co-operation between law enforcement agencies is an important element in the fight against crime. Record levels of funding mean that, by next year, the number of police officers in Scotland should be the highest ever. This will better enable the police to tackle all forms of crime, including Internet child pornography, although the deployment of police officers remains a matter for Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135928,"EventID":"S1O-03157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the results of its consultation on planning controls over mobile telecommunication masts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the results of its consultation on planning controls over mobile telecommunication masts.","AnswerText":"The Executive intends to introduce new planning controls by mid – 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135929,"EventID":"S1O-03160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest figures are on the take-up of Individual Learning Accounts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest figures are on the take-up of Individual Learning Accounts.","AnswerText":"As at 28 February 2001, 56,800 Individual Learning Accounts have been opened in Scotland. By then, account holders had registered for a total of 13,545 learning episodes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135930,"EventID":"S1O-03168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine the issue of the parking costs faced by community nurses and health visitors in the course of their work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine the issue of the parking costs faced by community nurses and health visitors in the course of their work.","AnswerText":"Provision already exists for local authorities to issue parking passes for use by community nurses and health visitors making visits.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135931,"EventID":"S1O-03177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in providing pre-school education for three- and four-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in providing pre-school education for three- and four-year-olds.","AnswerText":"We have already achieved our target of a free, quality part-time pre-school education place for every 4 year old whose parents want it.<P>By the end of the school year we expect participation to rise to approximately 80% of eligible 3 year olds and to complete full provision by April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135932,"EventID":"S1O-03179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to give tenant farmers the right to purchase their farm holdings when they become available on the open market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to give tenant farmers the right to purchase their farm holdings when they become available on the open market.","AnswerText":"No. I explained the Executive’s position on this matter in my reply to Mike Watson on 19 November 1999.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135933,"EventID":"S1O-03181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3070 by Allan Wilson on 8 March 2001, when the guidance on the setting up of football supporters' trusts is expected to be complete","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3070 by Allan Wilson on 8 March 2001, when the guidance on the setting up of football supporters' trusts is expected to be completed.","AnswerText":"We shall address the need for and structure of guidance in the course of a seminar in the Spring. The seminar will assess issues relating to supporters’ trusts and the wider relationship between football clubs and their communities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135934,"EventID":"S1O-03184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Fife Council and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Fife Council and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive regularly meets representatives of councils, including Fife Council, to discuss matters of mutual interest.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135935,"EventID":"S1O-03202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to pay levels for academic staff in higher education institutions and when this was last reviewed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to pay levels for academic staff in higher education institutions and when this was last reviewed.","AnswerText":"Pay is a matter for employers and the representatives of employees in the higher education sector.In my guidance letter of 23 November to SHEFC, I emphasised the need for the sector to improve human resource policies and management, recognising that staff are our key resource, and I also expect that the sector will take account of the need to recruit, motivate and retain staff, as well as affordability, in reaching decisions on pay.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135936,"EventID":"S1O-03205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance has been issued to hoteliers and others involved in the tourist industry about the conduct of their guests when visiting rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance has been issued to hoteliers and others involved in the tourist industry about the conduct of their guests when visiting rural areas.","AnswerText":"The “Come Back Code” which we launched on 23 March sets out guidelines on how the public should behave in the countryside in order to minimise the risk of spreading foot-and-mouth disease. The code is widely available on websites and in tourist information offices.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135937,"EventID":"S1O-03211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the decision by Strathclyde Passenger Transport not to proceed with a Glasgow north/south rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the decision by Strathclyde Passenger Transport not to proceed with a Glasgow north/south rail link.","AnswerText":"I understand that Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive have not as yet made any final recommendations to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority on any of the options and that no decision has yet been taken.<P>Any decision on whether to proceed with a Glasgow north-south rail link would be a matter for Strathclyde Passenger Transport.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135938,"EventID":"S1O-03212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland will receive support to compensate for the voluntary closure of Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park to prevent ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland will receive support to compensate for the voluntary closure of Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland will receive support to compensate for the voluntary closure of Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135939,"EventID":"S1O-03216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons have been learned from this year's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons have been learned from this year's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Our top priority is to contain and eradicate this disease. Then I feel that it is essential that an in-depth review of this devastating outbreak and the lessons to be learned from it, needs to be undertaken. Meantime, consultations are underway with a view to banning the use of pigs’ swill and possibly tightening movement controls on cattle and sheep.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135940,"EventID":"S1O-03220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposals contained within the European Commission's Green Paper on Fisheries Reform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposals contained within the European Commission's Green Paper on Fisheries Reform.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the European Commission’s Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy as a good basis for taking the review forward. The document appears to address many of the concerns of the Scottish fishing industry and is a reflection of the Executive's hard work to date.<P>The Executive will make a formal response to the Green Paper once we have fully consulted stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135941,"EventID":"S1O-03227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been in the last 12 months in respect of kerb-crawling in the area covered by the \"E\" division of Strathclyde Police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been in the last 12 months in respect of kerb-crawling in the area covered by the \"E\" division of Strathclyde Police.","AnswerText":"Statistics kept by the Crown Office are not broken down by Police Division and the information requested is, accordingly, not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135942,"EventID":"S1O-03228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients benefit from free prescriptions in Scotland and what measures are in place to help patients who require repeat prescriptions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients benefit from free prescriptions in Scotland and what measures are in place to help patients who require repeat prescriptions.","AnswerText":"Around 90% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge and pre-payment certificates are available to help non-exempt patients.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135943,"EventID":"S1O-03230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3052 by Neil Davidson on 8 March 2001, what further details it can give of the 1,113 cases marked no proceedings on a time expiry b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3052 by Neil Davidson on 8 March 2001, what further details it can give of the 1,113 cases marked no proceedings on a time expiry basis and what steps are being taken to address the situation.","AnswerText":"In almost every case the problem stems from the late reporting of the case to the Procurator Fiscal. The overwhelming majority of them are reported by agencies other than the police and the Executive has very limited powers in relation to those agencies. However, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has been pointing out the problems of late reporting to those agencies for several years and encouraging them to aim at meeting the same targets as the police - that is, to report the offence within four to eight weeks of its commission. That advice is about to be reiterated in the latest edition of written guidance to be issued to all. The relevant time limit is, in most cases, six months. Where there is a genuine problem in meeting the time bar, reporting agencies are encouraged to consult the Procurator Fiscal before expiry of the time bar - in some circumstances the time bar has an element of flexibility if action is taken before it passes. In the last analysis, however, if the case is not reported to the Procurator Fiscal within the statutory time limit it cannot be prosecuted.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135944,"EventID":"S1O-03236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the decision to refuse compensation to patients with haemophilia who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the decision to refuse compensation to patients with haemophilia who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood products.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135945,"EventID":"S1O-03242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the proposals for the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease announced by the Minister for Rural Development on 15 March 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the proposals for the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease announced by the Minister for Rural Development on 15 March 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer to the statement I made this morning providing an update on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135946,"EventID":"S1O-03246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will be in a position to say whether compensation will be paid, and, if so, at what level, to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in respect of loss of incom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will be in a position to say whether compensation will be paid, and, if so, at what level, to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in respect of loss of income caused by voluntary closure due to foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer that given to question S1W-14552 on 28 March 2001. ","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135947,"EventID":"S1O-03250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further steps it is taking to support rural businesses in the wake of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further steps it is taking to support rural businesses in the wake of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14552 on 28 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135948,"EventID":"S1O-03257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14126 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 27 March 2001, whether it will provide details of visitscotland's recovery plan for the tourism in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14126 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 27 March 2001, whether it will provide details of visitscotland's recovery plan for the tourism industry.","AnswerText":"Visitscotland announced on 4 April its proposals for immediate assistance for the industry. These take the form of marketing and information campaigns at both the Scotland and local levels, together with help for individual businesses that are members of Area Tourist Boards and the visitscotland Quality Assurance schemes.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135949,"EventID":"S1O-03259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are currently being taken to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are currently being taken to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"My statement this morning explained how eradication of this disease is being tackled.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135950,"EventID":"S1O-03260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to alleviate pensioner poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to alleviate pensioner poverty in Scotland.","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.<P>The first Social Justice Annual Report, which was published on 13 November 2000, sets out what is being done to support our social justice targets and milestones for older people. This includes a community care package of £300 million over 3 years, the installation of central heating for 70,000 pensioners and free off-peak bus travel.<P>In addition we are working closely with the UK Government which is working through the tax and benefits system to improve the incomes of poorer pensioners.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135951,"EventID":"S1O-03261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is in relation to discussions with Glasgow City Council about the refurbishment of Kerelaw secure unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is in relation to discussions with Glasgow City Council about the refurbishment of Kerelaw secure unit.","AnswerText":"Jack McConnell discussed this matter with Council representatives as part of a recent visit to the unit. The Council have commissioned a study of Public Private Partnership as a funding option. We await sight of the study and will then consider the matter further with the council.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135952,"EventID":"S1O-03266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the meeting between the First Minister and Scotland Environment Link on the decision not to appoint a dedicated Minister for the Environment has taken place and, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the meeting between the First Minister and Scotland Environment Link on the decision not to appoint a dedicated Minister for the Environment has taken place and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"I hope that this meeting will take place soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135953,"EventID":"S1O-03267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of take-up was achieved in its flu vaccination campaign and what impact the campaign had on NHS performance levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of take-up was achieved in its flu vaccination campaign and what impact the campaign had on NHS performance levels.","AnswerText":"Due to the efforts of GPs and NHS staff, the Scotland- wide target of 60% uptake for 2000-01 has been exceeded with 63.5% of the total number of patients aged 65 and over in reporting practices receiving the vaccine.<P>This has been part of the range of measures allowing the NHS to cope with demands over the winter.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135954,"EventID":"S1O-03270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and when it will implement the #100 million at home care package for older people announced on 5 October 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and when it will implement the #100 million at home care package for older people announced on 5 October 2000.","AnswerText":"The additional resources are being made available progressively to 2003-04. We are issuing guidance on implementation of the various elements to local authorities and health boards; we are also entering into partnership agreements with local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135955,"EventID":"S1O-03272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards meeting its priorities on education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards meeting its priorities on education.","AnswerText":"We have made major progress in delivering our priorities in education as set out in the <I>Working together for Scotland</I> document. We have also achieved a stable agreement to improve teachers' pay and modernise their conditions, while we have established an improvement framework with national priorities which will drive improving standards in schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135956,"EventID":"S1O-03275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address the concerns of the Cawley family over the handling of the prosecution case in relation to the murder of Christopher Cawley in Sep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address the concerns of the Cawley family over the handling of the prosecution case in relation to the murder of Christopher Cawley in September 2000.","AnswerText":"A number of MSPs have written to me in connection with this matter. I have replied advising them that I have asked the Deputy Crown Agent to meet the Cawley family to discuss their concerns.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135957,"EventID":"S1O-03278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Her Majesty's Government regarding legislation to protect children in Scotland being abused as a result of use of the Internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Her Majesty's Government regarding legislation to protect children in Scotland being abused as a result of use of the Internet.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with The United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including the regulation of the Internet. <P>The Executive fully recognises the need for the utmost vigilance in this area. On 21 March Mr Jack McConnell announced the setting up of an action group to review existing support and guidance on Internet safety for children. The Executive is also committed to working with other relevant agencies on this issue, including those of the UK Government, and to legislate if necessary.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135958,"EventID":"S1O-03281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to ensure that colleges of further education are subject to the same ombudsman scrutiny as other public sector organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to ensure that colleges of further education are subject to the same ombudsman scrutiny as other public sector organisations.","AnswerText":"With regard to complaints by students, all colleges are required to have in place published procedures through which complaints may be pursued. Once a college's own complaints procedure has been exhausted, it is open to a complainant who remains dissatisfied to refer the matter to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council.<P>We have no plans at present to introduce an ombudsman for colleges of further education.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135959,"EventID":"S1O-03282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision there is for the assessment and treatment of Meares-Irlen syndrome in Glasgow and the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision there is for the assessment and treatment of Meares-Irlen syndrome in Glasgow and the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local health boards and NHS Trusts.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135960,"EventID":"S1O-03284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new plans it has to combat drug dealers following the anti-drugs march on 1 April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new plans it has to combat drug dealers following the anti-drugs march on 1 April 2001.","AnswerText":"The Executive's drugs strategy includes the creation of the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency in June 2000, which has seized over £17 million worth of drugs and made over 116 arrests to date. The Executive is also supporting the proposed UK Proceeds of Crime Bill, which will increase powers to seize the assets of drug dealers and others.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135961,"EventID":"S1O-03290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the Scottish Agricultural College.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the Scottish Agricultural College.","AnswerText":"My department has regular discussions with the Scottish Agricultural College over its programmes of research, education and veterinary and advisory services supported by grant-in-aid which are therefore the subject of frequent review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135962,"EventID":"S1O-03292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle the level of racial abuse and number of assaults experienced by refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow in particular where the abu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle the level of racial abuse and number of assaults experienced by refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow in particular where the abuse or attack is perpetrated by children and young people.","AnswerText":"Policing issues related to asylum seekers in Glasgow are operational matters for the Chief Constable. Strathclyde has a force policing strategy which requires divisions receiving asylum seekers to appoint asylum liaison officers to develop links with asylum seekers and monitor racial incidents. Among the measures introduced are additional police patrols in areas of particular concern; Community Safety and Community Officers working closely with schools to help address tensions between local children and asylum seekers; and joint initiatives involving the police, the local authority and the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135963,"EventID":"S1O-03294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take following the publication of the 4th Report, 2001 of the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee Report on the Inquiry into Fuel Prices in Remo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take following the publication of the 4th Report, 2001 of the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee Report on the Inquiry into Fuel Prices in Remoter Rural Areas and in particular whether it has arranged to meet the Petrol Retailers Association and the Scottish Motor Trade Association to discuss how to address the lower turnover or throughput of small petrol stations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the committee's constructive and balanced contribution to what is a very important issue for rural Scotland.<FONT SIZE=2><P>As the report notes, the Executive already offers rates and capital support for eligible rural petrol stations. The Executive is nevertheless happy to meet with the Petrol Retailers Association and the Scottish Motor Trade Association to discuss the issues in greater detail.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135964,"EventID":"S1O-03300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further measures it will introduce to assist the restructuring and recovery of businesses related to both agriculture and tourism in rural areas which have been seve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further measures it will introduce to assist the restructuring and recovery of businesses related to both agriculture and tourism in rural areas which have been severely disadvantaged by the impact of foot and mouth disease.","AnswerText":"We have already introduced a range of measures to offer both immediate hardship relief and assist business recovery. In addition, the Executive has already begun the task of identifying strategies to help all sectors affected, including the farming and tourism industries, recover from the effects of this disease. The Executive has also established a Steering Group of local farmers in Dumfries and Galloway to advise on recovery issues. This work is being overseen and co-ordinated by a sub-group of the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development, which I chair.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135965,"EventID":"S1O-03301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many extra police officers have been recruited to Scottish police forces since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many extra police officers have been recruited to Scottish police forces since May 1999.","AnswerText":"There are 365 more police officers now than in May 1999. In total, there are now 15,149 officers in Scottish forces. At 99 above the previous record, that is the highest number there has ever been.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135966,"EventID":"S1O-03302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the Economic Recovery Plan submitted to the First Minister by Dumfries and Galloway Council and partner organisations on 18 April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the Economic Recovery Plan submitted to the First Minister by Dumfries and Galloway Council and partner organisations on 18 April 2001.","AnswerText":"The Executive is giving urgent consideration to the Dumfries and Galloway Economic Recovery Plan which was presented to the First Minister on 18 April. The Executive will wish to ensure that the action taken in Dumfries and Galloway is consistent with the wider plans for the recovery of the Scottish economy from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135967,"EventID":"S1O-03303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why overall waiting times for inpatient and outpatient treatment are longer now than in 1999, as highlighted in figures published by the Information and Statistics Divisi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why overall waiting times for inpatient and outpatient treatment are longer now than in 1999, as highlighted in figures published by the Information and Statistics Division on 28 February 2001.","AnswerText":"Waiting in the NHS occur for a number of reasons. Figures referred to show only small shifts against a background of steadily increasing activity.<I><P>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>, sets out a programme of investment and reform, including a range of measures which aim to reduce waiting throughout the patients journey of care.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135968,"EventID":"S1O-03304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any delay in the central heating initiative due to start on 1 April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any delay in the central heating initiative due to start on 1 April 2001.","AnswerText":"No. Local authorities have already begun the process of installing central heating systems under the Executive-funded £350 million programme. Scottish Homes is making arrangements for the delivery of the programme in qualifying housing association properties. The Executive is also in the process of appointing an agent to manage the delivery of the Central Heating Programme to owner occupiers.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135969,"EventID":"S1O-03305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies are in place to reduce growth in domestic waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies are in place to reduce growth in domestic waste.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Strategy: Scotland</I> has waste minimisation as one of its key objectives. The strategy includes a target to reduce municipal waste arisings by 1% per annum.<P>The Waste Minimisation Act 1998 gives local authorities powers to make arrangements to minimise the generation of waste in their areas. The Area Waste Plans currently being prepared across Scotland will include proposals for the implementation of waste minimisation plans.<P>The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 1998 require manufacturers of packaging to keep its weight and volume to a minimum and to allow reuse and recycling to minimise its impact on the environment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135970,"EventID":"S1O-03307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it is making to the reform of European Union institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it is making to the reform of European Union institutions.","AnswerText":"The Executive is contributing through its input to the formulation of the UK position on this issue and also by direct submissions of its own, along with participation in initiatives with other regional governments with legislative powers.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135971,"EventID":"S1O-03308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of central government funding are available for any proposed new hospital in Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of central government funding are available for any proposed new hospital in Angus.","AnswerText":"The Health Department will assess any Business Case received from NHS Tayside for the provision of a new local hospital in Angus.<P>All available funding routes should be fully explored at the capital planning stage.<P>But - as the Deputy Minister for Health & Community Care has said already to the Parliament on 1 February 2001 - if public funds are needed for a capital development in Angus, that money will be found.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135972,"EventID":"S1O-03313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent in real terms on education, including schools, universities and colleges in 1992 and 1997 and is projected to be spent in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent in real terms on education, including schools, universities and colleges in 1992 and 1997 and is projected to be spent in 2002.","AnswerText":"Spending on education, at 2001-02 prices, was, and is projected to be, as follows:</FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=330><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992-93</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,610</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,956</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,925</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135973,"EventID":"S1O-03328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2911 by Susan Deacon on 8 February 2001, whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland's advice on beta interferon is currently ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2911 by Susan Deacon on 8 February 2001, whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland's advice on beta interferon is currently expected to be available in September.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland will report on beta interferons following the publication of the NICE guidance which is expected in September 2001. <P>The Board is working closely with NICE to ensure that its Comment follows the NICE Guidance promptly.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135974,"EventID":"S1O-03329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports voluntary and charitable organisations receiving assistance towards their water bills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports voluntary and charitable organisations receiving assistance towards their water bills.","AnswerText":"The Executive’s views on this issue were fully set out in the Members Debate on 4 April.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135975,"EventID":"S1O-03333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Justice last met the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Justice last met the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I periodically meet with the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to discuss matters affecting the Service. My last such meeting was on Monday 30 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135976,"EventID":"S1O-03334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving the teaching of modern languages in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving the teaching of modern languages in schools.","AnswerText":"Representatives of the Scottish Prison Service and the Prison Officers’ Association attended a conciliation hearing on 1 May 2001 which was chaired by the Director of ACAS for Scotland.<P>As a result, the dispute about staff attendance patterns has been referred for resolution to an Independent Arbiter appointed by ACAS. The hearing will be arranged at an early date and will produce an outcome this month that is binding on both sides.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135977,"EventID":"S1O-03337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the publication of the final boundaries of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the publication of the final boundaries of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.","AnswerText":"We are presently considering the SNH consultation report and we hope to bring forward a draft Designation Order, including proposals for the National Park boundaries, for consultation very shortly. After consideration of the responses to that consultation we propose to bring forward our consultation report and Designation Order for Parliamentary approval in late Autumn.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135978,"EventID":"S1O-03342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent crime statistics showing a decrease in non-sexual crimes of violence, what future plans there are to develop campaigns such as Safer Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent crime statistics showing a decrease in non-sexual crimes of violence, what future plans there are to develop campaigns such as Safer Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive committed substantial funding to the ‘Safer Scotland’ Campaign, which involved all eight police forces and the British Transport Police from October to December 2000. Over that period there was a considerable reduction in the number of certain types of violent crime compared with the figures for the corresponding period in the previous year which in turn had an impact on the decrease in non- sexual crimes of violence recorded for the whole year. The next phase of the ‘Safer Scotland’ Campaign, which from May will tackle drugs, will also be supported by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135979,"EventID":"S1O-03343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes there have been in recent years with respect to the provision of funding for braces for children's teeth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes there have been in recent years with respect to the provision of funding for braces for children's teeth.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135980,"EventID":"S1O-03344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that continuing funding is provided by national and local government to voluntary organisations to enable them to fulfil their potential in providi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that continuing funding is provided by national and local government to voluntary organisations to enable them to fulfil their potential in providing services to the community.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's direct support for the voluntary sector now stands at record levels: £35 million in 2000-01, an increase of over 30% on the previous year. In addition, £265 million of support was provided indirectly through public bodies such as Scottish Homes, Health Boards and Local Enterprise Companies. On 30 April we launched a public consultation on the Executive’s direct funding for the sector and on the basis of the responses we receive will be looking at ways in which we can improve upon present funding practice.<P>Local authority support for voluntary and community groups is a matter for each individual council to determine. However, we encourage councils actively to support the vital work of the voluntary sector in their local communities.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135981,"EventID":"S1O-03345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the phased introduction of school sports co-ordinators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the phased introduction of school sports co-ordinators.","AnswerText":"As of the end of March 2001, sportscotland had offered lottery awards to 23 local authorities and 11 individual secondary schools covering 294 posts.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135982,"EventID":"S1O-03348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are in place to support young people in making the transition from education to employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are in place to support young people in making the transition from education to employment.","AnswerText":"There is a wide range of such measures. Free guidance, information and referral services are available to young people through the Careers Service Companies. The Executive also supports a wide range of activities in schools designed to develop links between education and the world of work. The enterprise network provides work-based training for modern apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications. As part of implementing the Beattie report on inclusiveness, the Executive is supporting 16 multi-agency projects across Scotland to support the learning and support needs of the most disadvantaged young people.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135983,"EventID":"S1O-03350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it last met representatives of the Prison Officers' Association Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it last met representatives of the Prison Officers' Association Scotland.","AnswerText":"Representatives of the Scottish Prison Service and the Prison Officers’ Association attended a conciliation hearing on 1 May 2001 which was chaired by the Director of ACAS for Scotland.<P>As a result, the dispute about staff attendance patterns has been referred for resolution to an Independent Arbiter appointed by ACAS. The hearing will be arranged at an early date and will produce an outcome this month that is binding on both sides.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135984,"EventID":"S1O-03351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in relation to third party rights in local planning decisions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in relation to third party rights in local planning decisions.","AnswerText":"Representatives of the Scottish Prison Service and the Prison Officers’ Association attended a conciliation hearing on 1 May 2001 which was chaired by the Director of ACAS for Scotland.<P>As a result, the dispute about staff attendance patterns has been referred for resolution to an Independent Arbiter appointed by ACAS. The hearing will be arranged at an early date and will produce an outcome this month that is binding on both sides.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135985,"EventID":"S1O-03363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial implications the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will have for the Scottish consolidated fund and whether there will be any implications for any existing s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial implications the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will have for the Scottish consolidated fund and whether there will be any implications for any existing spending plans.","AnswerText":"Representatives of the Scottish Prison Service and the Prison Officers’ Association attended a conciliation hearing on 1 May 2001 which was chaired by the Director of ACAS for Scotland.<P>As a result, the dispute about staff attendance patterns has been referred for resolution to an Independent Arbiter appointed by ACAS. The hearing will be arranged at an early date and will produce an outcome this month that is binding on both sides.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135986,"EventID":"S1O-03378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review its position on support to pensioners with partial or old central heating systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review its position on support to pensioners with partial or old central heating systems.","AnswerText":"We have no present plans to review the position. Providing support in the way proposed would divert resources away from those who currently have no central heating at all.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135987,"EventID":"S1O-03388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate changing the name of visitscotland back to the Scottish Tourist Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate changing the name of visitscotland back to the Scottish Tourist Board.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135988,"EventID":"S1O-03389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the modernising government fund has benefited Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the modernising government fund has benefited Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"Aberdeen City Council has received £2 million from the Modernising Government Fund - the maximum grant payable under the scheme.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The funding will help support the AccordLink project, and in particular the Accord Card, which will provide citizens with a smartcard (a citizens' service card) which simplifies access to council services. The aim is to reduce administration and improve the responsiveness and convenience of these services for the consumer.<P>The Accord Card has already been successfully piloted in two Aberdeen schools, delivering:<P>cashless catering, i.e. children do not have to carry money;<P>anonymity of free school meals provision, i.e. removing any stigma attached to free meals;<P>healthy eating reward &quot;points&quot; for children who choose healthy meals;<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">access to library, sports and leisure facilities;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Two further significant developments from the project during this year will be the issue of the card to all school pupils and, subject to commercial agreement, the facility of paying for all Aberdeen City bus journeys with the card.<P>This is a pioneering project and the aim is to ensure that other councils in Scotland benefit from Aberdeen's experience and the support they have received.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135989,"EventID":"S1O-03390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the implementation of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the implementation of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"A significant programme of work is ongoing to implement <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>.<P>Actions taken to date include:<P>Maternity Services Framework - published 2 February 2001<P>Appointment of Chairs to NHS Boards under way<P>Nursing Strategy - published 2 March 2001<P>Review of PH Nursing function- published 12 March 2001<P>£18.5 million investment in major expansion of PMS services across Scotland to support the employment of up to 50 GPs and 50 more nurses, particularly in deprived and rural areas<P>Health board allocations, linked to new Accountability and Performance Management process being developed<P>Continued implementation of new Arbuthnott funding formula to provide a better, fairer share of NHS resources across Scotland.<P>Six national guidelines for NHS Scotland published in January 2001, produced by NHS staff for NHS staff, on key areas such as bullying and harassment and family friendly employment practices.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135990,"EventID":"S1O-03391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people completed higher or further education courses in 1997 and how many started such courses in 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people completed higher or further education courses in 1997 and how many started such courses in 2000.","AnswerText":"There were 52,175 graduates and diplomates from higher education courses in Scotland in 1996-97. Information is not available on the numbers completing further education courses in Scotland.<P>The latest year for which data on entrants is available is 1999-2000. In that year there were 133,061 entrants to higher education courses in Scotland. 353,136 were classed as being in their first year of a further education course.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135991,"EventID":"S1O-03393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress had been made in attracting jobs to Campbeltown to replace the 160 jobs at the Jaeger factory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress had been made in attracting jobs to Campbeltown to replace the 160 jobs at the Jaeger factory.","AnswerText":"We are making good progress on resolving a number of issues connected with a particular job-creating project. I remain hopeful that an announcement can be made very soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135992,"EventID":"S1O-03400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to examine any implications for Scotland of Chancellor Schroeder's recent proposals regar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to examine any implications for Scotland of Chancellor Schroeder's recent proposals regarding changes in the governance of the European Union.","AnswerText":"We maintain extremely close contact with the UK Government on all EU issues of significance to Scotland, including the current debate on the future of Europe. These arrangements are underpinned by the Memorandum of Understanding and over-arching Concordat on the co-ordination of EU policy issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135993,"EventID":"S1O-03402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to make students over 19 eligible for free dental treatment and eye tests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to make students over 19 eligible for free dental treatment and eye tests.","AnswerText":"Students in full-time education aged 18 and under are entitled to free NHS dental treatment and NHS sight tests. Apart from the existing circumstances set out below, there are no current plans to raise the age threshold for free dental treatment and sight tests.<P>Those students aged 19 and over who are on low incomes may be entitled to full or partial remission of NHS charges under the NHS Low Income Scheme. Help under the scheme is income-related and based on an assessment of each claimant's ability to pay in light of their financial circumstances.<P>A number of students are eligible for free NHS sight tests on other grounds, for example those who are diagnosed diabetics or glaucoma sufferers or wear glasses with at least one complex lens.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135994,"EventID":"S1O-03403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration is given to the environmental impact of disposable nappies in the development of local waste strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration is given to the environmental impact of disposable nappies in the development of local waste strategies.","AnswerText":"The development of local area waste plans by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency involves consideration of the environmental impact of various management options (landfill, recycling, recovery) for municipal waste in order to identify the best practicable environmental option. This process includes an assessment of the proportions of different materials (e.g. plastics, glass, metals and paper) in the waste stream, but it does not involve a specific assessment of individual items such as disposable nappies.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135995,"EventID":"S1O-03408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to the forestry industry in the light of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to the forestry industry in the light of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"We have been anxious to avoid disruption to supplies of timber for the processing industry, and so we have made provision for the fast-tracking of felling permissions where necessary.<P>In addition, if forest businesses can show adverse effects of foot-and-mouth disease, they can apply to the relevant authorities for any of the means of hardship relief put in place by the Scottish Executive and complemented by the UK Government. These include rates relief, advice from the LECs and sympathetic treatment for deferment of income tax, VAT and National Insurance Contributions by Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.<P>The Scottish Executive has established a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Impact Assessment Group to assess the nature and scale of the outbreak's impact across all areas and sectors. The Forestry Commission and the industry are feeding information into this group which is informing the work of the Ministerial Group on foot-and-mouth disease, set up to co-ordinate the Executive's response. The group is currently considering ways of assisting long-term recovery.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135996,"EventID":"S1O-03409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which groups are being prioritised in the implementation of its central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which groups are being prioritised in the implementation of its central heating programme.","AnswerText":"The Central Heating Programme is targeted at 40,000 pensioners in the private sector and 101,000 tenants in the public sector.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In the private sector priority will be given to those over 75 years of age, the elderly living alone and the disabled and the long-term ill.<P>Local authorities and housing associations will also be expected to build priority groups into the programme for their tenants. However, as their part of the programme affects other vulnerable groups, such as families with young children, priority should not just be restricted to those same groups for the private sector. Priority will be for each public sector landlord to determine and should be structured in accordance with the varying needs of their tenants.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135997,"EventID":"S1O-03411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Regional Selective Assistance funding has been provided to companies in the Scottish Borders since October 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Regional Selective Assistance funding has been provided to companies in the Scottish Borders since October 2000.","AnswerText":"In the period 1 October 2000 to 30 April 2001, 10 companies were offered Regional Selective Assistance totalling £4.0 million.This included four companies who were offered Invest for Growth (which is a streamlined version of RSA) amounting to £248,000. The projects attracting these offers involved planned capital investment of £21.5 million by firms in the Scottish Borders and the planned creation and safeguarding there of some 940 jobs.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135998,"EventID":"S1O-03425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in tackling truancy and indiscipline in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in tackling truancy and indiscipline in schools.","AnswerText":"The Discipline Task Group is looking at current initiatives and will make recommendations in June on how present policies can be improved, and what else we can do to combat disruptive behaviour in schools.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Earlier this month I announced jointly with the Ministry of Defence the launch of a Scottish pilot under the Skill Force Initiative, which is aimed at reducing truancy and exclusion in schools.<P>I announced in February that the Scottish Executive will continue to offer financial support to secure the operation of the Childline Anti-Bullying Helpline and I am also considering future funding of the Anti-bullying Network. I expect to make an announcement on this shortly","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135999,"EventID":"S1O-03427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking with local authorities to ensure that the national athletics teams have adequate year-round training facilities in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking with local authorities to ensure that the national athletics teams have adequate year-round training facilities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"<B>sport</B>scotland has ongoing dialogue with local authorities and with the Scottish Athletics Federation about the provision of adequate national facilities for athletics.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136000,"EventID":"S1O-03431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the review of ambulance control rooms to be concluded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the review of ambulance control rooms to be concluded.","AnswerText":"An Outline Business Case covering the Scottish Ambulance Service's recommendations has been received and is being considered by officials in the Health Department. It is anticipated that a decision on whether the service may proceed to develop a Full Business Case will be taken before the end of July.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136001,"EventID":"S1O-03438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest position is regarding toxin testing of scallops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest position is regarding toxin testing of scallops.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for sampling and monitoring scallops for toxins transferred to the Food Standards Agency in April 2000. From April this year the agency began publishing results for whole animal tests as well as the roe. However, in common with previous years, action continues to be assessed on the basis of the test result from the gonad, though where toxin levels in the whole animal test exceed EU action levels, fishermen are being advised not to market whole animals from affected areas. On the proposals to move to a tiered system, the FSA advise me that a Scottish consultation letter is expected to be issued in the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136002,"EventID":"S1O-03442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement a system of direct funding for area tourist boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement a system of direct funding for area tourist boards.","AnswerText":"This matter is kept under constant review, although we have no plans at present to implement a direct system of funding. However, I endorsed the recommendation in last years management review of the STB that we should move toward a \"de facto network\" involving the Area Tourist Boards and visitscotland. As part of the recently announced eight point plan for Scottish tourism, visitscotland will engage with all Area Tourist Boards to begin implementation of the action plan to establish the integrated visitscotland local area network. I anticipate that these reforms will bring the benefits of a more integrated network, while maintaining the benefits of local authority involvement and funding.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136003,"EventID":"S1O-03453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it intends to provide to pensioners in local authority houses in the Lothians which have old or partial central heating systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it intends to provide to pensioners in local authority houses in the Lothians which have old or partial central heating systems.","AnswerText":"Local authorities receive capital allocations from the Scottish Executive to enable them to repair and improve their own stock, including work in respect of old or partial central heating systems. The Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme is additional to this existing resource and is targeted at those properties which have no form of central heating.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136004,"EventID":"S1O-03458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether New Deal participants are finding real and sustained employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether New Deal participants are finding real and sustained employment.","AnswerText":"The latest figures show that 29,000 young and adult unemployed people in Scotland have now left New Deal for sustained employment.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136005,"EventID":"S1O-03459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether updated information on the use of anti-social behaviour orders is now available and what procedures are in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of such","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether updated information on the use of anti-social behaviour orders is now available and what procedures are in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of such orders.","AnswerText":"The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland has been commissioned by the Executive to undertake an annual exercise to determine the use being made of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs). In the period from 1 April 1999, when ASBOs came into force, to 1 December 1999 some 15 ASBOs had been applied for, nine of which had been granted and two breached.<P>Figures for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000 are due to be published by the institute shortly. A copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136006,"EventID":"S1O-03461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are being allocated to assist local authority education departments to prepare suitable curriculum material to raise awareness of the experiences of refuge","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are being allocated to assist local authority education departments to prepare suitable curriculum material to raise awareness of the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers and to tackle any increase in racist incidents perpetrated by young people.","AnswerText":"A Staff Development for Effective Teaching (SDET) project to provide Anti-Racism Support Materials and Seminars is currently in progress. In addition, Learning and Teaching Scotland are developing a national statement on Education for Citizenship.<P>There are no plans to allocate specific resources to education authorities to prepare curriculum material on the matters you raise. Local authorities receive general financial support for the education of all children through the annual local government finance settlement.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136007,"EventID":"S1O-03465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the needs of people with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the needs of people with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","AnswerText":"The day to day treatment of people with ADD and ADHD is a matter for health boards in conjunction with education and social work authorities. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is currently developing a clinical guideline on Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic disorders in Children and Young People, which is due to be published in the near future. The guideline will be disseminated to a range of interests including NHS Trusts and health boards.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136008,"EventID":"S1O-03466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the #5 million funding from Scottish Enterprise to Dumfries and Galloway announced on 10 May 2001 to assist with economic restructuring will be used to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the #5 million funding from Scottish Enterprise to Dumfries and Galloway announced on 10 May 2001 to assist with economic restructuring will be used to provide interest-free loans for local businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and what conditions will apply to such loans.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise announced earlier this week additional funding for a number of new initiatives to assist businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Dumfries and Galloway area. This includes interest free loans for local businesses. Initially, some £1.6 million has been allocated to support such loans. Terms and conditions which apply to these loans are available directly from Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136009,"EventID":"S1O-03472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the funding made available to assist businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is disbursed to those businesses immediately.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the funding made available to assist businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is disbursed to those businesses immediately.","AnswerText":"The distribution of resources to assist businesses directly is a matter for the relevant local authority and the Enterprise Networks. Guidance has been issued to all councils on the measures they can take to help businesses with their rates including immediate deferral of payments. Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, who have been allocated substantial additional resources to assist businesses recovery, launched a number of new initiatives earlier this week which are available to business now.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136010,"EventID":"S1O-03473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the good practice guidance on the administration of medication in schools will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the good practice guidance on the administration of medication in schools will be published.","AnswerText":"Draft guidance was issued to interested parties, including education authorities, NHS boards, Trusts and voluntary organisations for comment in September 2000. It is expected that amended guidance will be available by the beginning of the new school year.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136011,"EventID":"S1O-03474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend the powers of local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend the powers of local authorities.","AnswerText":"Yes. We are committed to introducing a power of community initiative for local authorities - a measure designed to facilitate community leadership, partnership working and innovation in Scottish local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136012,"EventID":"S1O-03480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its departmental expenditure limits for this financial year will supplemented by funds from Annually Managed Expenditure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its departmental expenditure limits for this financial year will supplemented by funds from Annually Managed Expenditure.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) cannot supplement Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL). The total Scottish Executive budget - Total Managed Expenditure (TME) - comprises DEL, AME plus some non-voted elements e.g. judges salaries and non-domestic rates. The AME budget consists of expenditure items which cannot be reasonably given firm, multi-year limits such as capital charges and pension contributions.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136013,"EventID":"S1O-03488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the development of football academies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the development of football academies.","AnswerText":"Through the Football Partnership we helped to draw up detailed proposals for the development of academies, and through <B>sport</B>scotland we have put in place a funding package using lottery and RPBD (Reduction in Pools Betting Duty) monies. The academy programme is open to applications from Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League clubs and the first awards have been made to Kilmarnock and Glasgow Rangers Football Clubs.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136014,"EventID":"S1O-03490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to the tourism industry in Kintyre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to the tourism industry in Kintyre.","AnswerText":"The Executive's New Strategy for Scottish Tourism contains many new actions designed to grow tourism throughout Scotland. The strategy actions will be reviewed over the course of the next few months. The Kintyre area will also benefit from the additional £5 million given to visitscotland as part of the emergency relief package following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136015,"EventID":"S1O-03494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that people with mental health problems receive a consistent standard of care, support and treatment throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that people with mental health problems receive a consistent standard of care, support and treatment throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"<I>Our National Health</I> is about setting national standards to be delivered locally. For mental health services the national framework is well established and understood. Implementation is key as is judgement of the quality of the services provided.<P>Progress is assessed through the existing and planned performance management arrangements and the visiting programmes of the Scottish Health Advisory Service, the Mental Health and Well Being Support Group whose reports are published routinely, and others including the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland. The aim is to raise and maintain standards across all care groups in all parts of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136016,"EventID":"S1O-03499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to provide direct assistance to visitor attractions suffering from a downturn in tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to provide direct assistance to visitor attractions suffering from a downturn in tourism.","AnswerText":"Assistance has already been provided by way of the emergency relief package announced on 28 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136017,"EventID":"S1O-03500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Greengairs is included in the current Small Area Health Statistics Unit study into possible health effects of landfill sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Greengairs is included in the current Small Area Health Statistics Unit study into possible health effects of landfill sites.","AnswerText":"The Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) Study is a statistical study looking at overall health outcomes in populations living near landfill sites in Great Britain. It will not report on individual sites. SEPA have provided data to SAHSU on all known landfill sites in Scotland, including Greengairs.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136018,"EventID":"S1O-03501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that sufficient placements are available in academic session 2001-02 and, in particular, during their second year of probation in 2002-03, for students","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that sufficient placements are available in academic session 2001-02 and, in particular, during their second year of probation in 2002-03, for students graduating from teacher training courses this year, given that students graduating in 2002 will be guaranteed a placement for their one probation year.","AnswerText":"Following the 21st Century Teaching Profession agreement reached in January 2001, arrangements are now in hand to establish an Induction Implementation Group to take forward the many logistical, development and administrative issues surrounding the implementation of the new teachers' probation arrangements. This group will consider the transitional arrangements for those people who are currently provisionally registered as well as those who are placed on the provisional register this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136019,"EventID":"S1O-03509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued with regard to the quality of school meals","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued with regard to the quality of school meals","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for school meal provision and content. To assist them with this, <I>Model Nutritional Guidelines for Catering Specifications for the Public Sector in Scotland</I>, were published in 1996.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136020,"EventID":"S1O-03511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all Scots have equal access to the national health service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all Scots have equal access to the national health service.","AnswerText":"The <I>Scottish Health Plan</I> re-iterates our commitment to the founding principle of the NHS - that access to care should be based on need, not on ability to pay.<P>But inequalities in access can occur for many reasons, such as social exclusion and variations in service provision. The <I>Scottish Health Plan</I> provides a comprehensive programme for tackling the root causes of inequalities in health and introducing national priorities and standards which the NHS is expected to meet.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136021,"EventID":"S1O-03520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Registrar General for Scotland will publish figures from this year's Census on the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Registrar General for Scotland will publish figures from this year's Census on the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Registrar General for Scotland plans to publish detailed Census results, including counts of Gaelic speakers, by the end of March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136022,"EventID":"S1O-03523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage more families to consider adoption given the slight fall in the number of adoption applications identified in Adoption Applications in Scotland 2000","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage more families to consider adoption given the slight fall in the number of adoption applications identified in Adoption Applications in Scotland 2000.","AnswerText":"The reduction in adoption applications has been a statistical trend now for around 10 years. To tackle this and other concerns, I established an Adoption Policy Review earlier this year and it started work earlier this month. It will aim to modernise the system, strengthen adoption as a choice for young people in the care system and improve recruitment and selection procedures.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136023,"EventID":"S1O-03524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what time and on what date it was informed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the first cases of foot-and-mouth disease in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what time and on what date it was informed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the first cases of foot-and-mouth disease in England.","AnswerText":"A member of the State Veterinary Service informed the Scottish Executive of the first confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in England at approximately 9pm on the evening of 20 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136024,"EventID":"S1O-03525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle regional variations in access to epilepsy diagnosis and services across Scotland as highlighted in the report by Epilepsy Action Scotland, Pat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle regional variations in access to epilepsy diagnosis and services across Scotland as highlighted in the report by Epilepsy Action Scotland, Patterns of Epilepsy Service in Scotland.","AnswerText":"<I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> promises that the Scottish Executive and the NHS will work closely with patient support groups to ensure that the needs of those with chronic enduring conditions such as epilepsy are met. I have asked the Chief Medical Officer to consider the best means of implementing this commitment.<P>Epilepsy Action Scotland has already signalled its willingness to help in the development of managed clinical networks, which will certainly play a part in the process of ensuring greater equity of services in the future.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136025,"EventID":"S1O-03526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle the use of illegal drugs in the north east of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle the use of illegal drugs in the north east of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Local action on drug misuse is a matter for DATs and their constituent agencies.<P>The Executive has allocated substantial funding to the north east of Scotland over the next three years to deal with the problems. National targets have been set to monitor performance. I have arranged for the member to receive details of the funding available in the North East.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136026,"EventID":"S1O-03527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the way in which procurator fiscals' offices communicate with prosecution witnesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the way in which procurator fiscals' offices communicate with prosecution witnesses.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is piloting its Victim Liaison arrangements in Aberdeen and Hamilton. The VLO will operate in every region by next spring. The full roll out of the service will take account of what is learned from the pilots.<P>In addition, consideration is being given to communication with vulnerable prosecution witnesses, i.e. witnesses who may not be victims, such as children.<P>We recognise that citation to give evidence as a prosecution witness is a significant disruption for members of the public, and are examining arrangements for citation and reviewing targets. We attach importance to giving prosecution witness good, early information. This includes information about the availability of the volunteer Witness Service in sheriff courts as the service is rolled out nationally.<P>We are working with the Justice Department and others to pilot its system, using the ISCJIS platform, to provide victims who elect to receive it with automated case progress information, from the point where the case is referred to the procurator fiscal to the outcome of court proceedings. We will contribute to the Justice Department consultation on procedures for victims.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136027,"EventID":"S1O-03528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all possible action is being taken to prevent imported meat products infected with the foot-and-mouth virus entering the food chain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all possible action is being taken to prevent imported meat products infected with the foot-and-mouth virus entering the food chain.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15399 on 10 May 2001.<P>We have now introduced amendments to our import controls which will facilitate the seizure of products where there is suspicion that they do not meet our import requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136028,"EventID":"S1O-03530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in the past month Ayr hospital has been unable to accept GP referred admissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in the past month Ayr hospital has been unable to accept GP referred admissions.","AnswerText":"This is essentially an operational matter for Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.<P>All NHS hospitals will face peaks in demand at certain points of the year.<P>I understand that a recent outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea has put additional pressure on services. However, I am reassured that at all times the Trust has been able to provide emergency medical provision.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136029,"EventID":"S1O-03531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on its consideration of a priority dispatch system for the Scottish Ambulance Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on its consideration of a priority dispatch system for the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerText":"Health Department officials are currently discussing the costs and benefits of priority-based ambulance dispatch with the Scottish Ambulance Service. Once these discussions are complete, the Executive will decide whether the Ambulance Service should go ahead to prepare a full business case.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136030,"EventID":"S1O-03533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to meet its commitment to cut class si'es to 30 or less in primaries 1, 2 and 3 before 31 August 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to meet its commitment to cut class si'es to 30 or less in primaries 1, 2 and 3 before 31 August 2001.","AnswerText":"A further £20.1 million in 2001-02 has been made available through the Excellence Fund to assist education authorities reduce primary 1, 2 and 3 classes to 30 or less by 1 August 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136031,"EventID":"S1O-03534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to examine any implications for Scotland of the French Prime Minister's recent proposals ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to examine any implications for Scotland of the French Prime Minister's recent proposals regarding reform of the European Union.","AnswerText":"There is no need for us to seek a ministerial meeting on this specific subject. We maintain extremely close contact with the UK Government on all EU issues of significance to Scotland. These arrangements are underpinned by the Memorandum of Understanding and over-arching Concordat on the co-ordination of EU policy issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136032,"EventID":"S1O-03537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further discussions have been held with Motorola and what percentage of employees being made redundant from the Bathgate plant have secured other employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further discussions have been held with Motorola and what percentage of employees being made redundant from the Bathgate plant have secured other employment.","AnswerText":"The Motorola task force, comprising representatives from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, the Employment Service, West Lothian Council, the Careers Service and the Benefits Agency have been in regular contact with the company with a view to supporting those workers who are losing their jobs.<P>200 employees, approximately 6.5% of the workforce, have been granted early release in order to take up new employment. A further 50 employees, 1.6% of the workforce, are currently on job-specific training and are guaranteed employment when the training ends.<P>The figures do not take into account those employees who have a job offer but have not yet left Motorola. We hope to have a more complete picture when the tracking scheme for employees comes into effect.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136033,"EventID":"S1O-03538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland was last convened, what was discussed, when it will next meet and what will be on the agenda.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland was last convened, what was discussed, when it will next meet and what will be on the agenda.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland last met on 19 March 2001. The main issues discussed were the Health Spending Programme, the consultation on sustainable development indicators and responses to the Renewables Obligation Scotland consultation.<P>A summary of this meeting is available on the Ministerial Group page of the Sustainable Scotland website at <A HREF=\"http://www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk/\">www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk</A>.<P>The group's next meeting is planned for 31 July and the main items on the agenda will be: <UL><LI>transport and sustainable communities;</LI><LI>the mainstreaming of sustainable development in the structural funds, and</LI></UL><P>strategic environmental assessment.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136034,"EventID":"S1O-03539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the arrangements between general practitioners and pharmacists regarding repeat prescriptions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the arrangements between general practitioners and pharmacists regarding repeat prescriptions.","AnswerText":"Yes. <I>Our National Health</I> commits the Executive to improving the provision of repeat medication and we will be considering options for taking this forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136035,"EventID":"S1O-03541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential properties owned by Scottish Homes there currently are in the Central Scotland electoral region and which body or bodies will assume ownership of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential properties owned by Scottish Homes there currently are in the Central Scotland electoral region and which body or bodies will assume ownership of these properties should the Housing (Scotland) Bill as amended at Stage 2 be enacted.","AnswerText":"Scottish Homes currently own approximately 1,000 rented properties in the Central Scotland electoral region. Following enactment of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, any remaining properties will continue to be owned by Scottish Homes, operating as a residuary body, until such time as they are transferred to other social landlords.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136036,"EventID":"S1O-03544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Lothian and Borders Police to discuss Internet pornography.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Lothian and Borders Police to discuss Internet pornography.","AnswerText":"The Executive, Crown Office and police forces are acutely aware of the scope that the Internet provides for the sexual exploitation of children. There are ongoing discussions between the Executive and ACPOS, including officers from Lothian and Borders Police, about work in this area and the Crown Office and ACPOS are developing a joint strategy on the investigation and prosecution of sexual exploitation of children on the Internet.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136037,"EventID":"S1O-03546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any improvement in the proportion of groups such as mature persons, women and people from low socio-economic backgrounds entering higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any improvement in the proportion of groups such as mature persons, women and people from low socio-economic backgrounds entering higher education.","AnswerText":"The proportion of women and mature students continues to grow with women students accounting for 54% and mature students for 45% of all HE students in Scotland.<P>For 1998-99, 18% of young full-time undergraduate entrants in higher education and further education in Scotland were from low participation areas, compared with 17% the previous year. This compares very favourably with the UK average of 13%.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136038,"EventID":"S1O-03550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local authorities in developing authority-wide improvement plans for education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local authorities in developing authority-wide improvement plans for education.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the school improvement framework established in the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act 2000, local authorities must publish their improvement plans by December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136039,"EventID":"S1O-03551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that food served in schools is safe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that food served in schools is safe.","AnswerText":"Direct responsibility for the safety of food served in schools rests with the environmental health departments of each local authority. They ensure that the relevant caterers meet the standards required of all food businesses; this includes ensuring food is fit for human consumption, has been provided by a reputable supplier and has been prepared and served in a safe manner.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136040,"EventID":"S1O-03557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that cancer screening programmes are accurate and effective in the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that cancer screening programmes are accurate and effective in the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.","AnswerText":"The effectiveness of available technology for ovarian cancer screening is being assessed as part of ongoing clinical trials.<P>The UK National Screening Committee is due to re-evaluate the available evidence in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136041,"EventID":"S1O-03558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that streets are restored to a high standard after utilities works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that streets are restored to a high standard after utilities works.","AnswerText":"Utility companies that dig up the road are required, by statute, to reinstate the excavation to a specified standard. That standard is set out in the document <I>Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in the Highway</I>, which was published by HMSO in 1992.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136042,"EventID":"S1O-03559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in implementing its plans to modernise the workings of the Scottish Executive and increase its accountability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in implementing its plans to modernise the workings of the Scottish Executive and increase its accountability.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to modernising government for Scotland. The modernisation programme is designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Executive. It focuses on key developments in leadership, business planning, performance management, diversity and attracting and developing talent.<P>A key element of the programme is a new objective based Pay and Performance Management System. The system will ensure there are clear links between personal objectives and the Executive's higher level objectives. Every individual will be accountable for achieving their objectives. The new system will complement the Executive's business planning process which is closely aligned with the budget process. Work is also going on to streamline Executive wide processes using IT, such as correspondence handling and records management.<P>The Scottish Ministers are accountable to Parliament for the use of all the resources that are allocated to them.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136043,"EventID":"S1O-03563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving education in Scotland's schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving education in Scotland's schools.","AnswerText":"Our latest <I>Programme for Government</I> sets out the significant progress we have made in improving education in Scotland's schools. In addition, we have achieved an agreement which will improve teachers' pay and modernise their conditions, and established an improvement framework with national priorities to maintain the drive to raise standards in schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136044,"EventID":"S1O-03565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding will be made available for the proposed Cairngorms National Park and whether any such funding will be utilised in a way that encourages the pursuit ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding will be made available for the proposed Cairngorms National Park and whether any such funding will be utilised in a way that encourages the pursuit of sport and recreation.","AnswerText":"The statutory consultation being conducted by Scottish Natural Heritage on the proposal for a Cairngorms National Park is required to address the matter of funding. That report is due on 13 July. Scottish Ministers will wish to take note of these findings in determining the funding levels through the usual processes of the public expenditure round.<P>The National Park authority will determine exactly how they use their funding, but this must be consistent with the purpose of furthering their aims, one of which is \"to promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public\".","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136045,"EventID":"S1O-03567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will meet representatives of the Scottish Advisory Group for Outdoor Education to discuss the establishment of a teaching qualification in outdoor education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will meet representatives of the Scottish Advisory Group for Outdoor Education to discuss the establishment of a teaching qualification in outdoor education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education was involved in proposals developed in early 2000 for a teaching qualification on outdoor education. Decisions on those proposals were deferred pending the outcome of the discussions on the McCrone report. I intend to reconsider the proposals alongside the review of initial teacher education.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136046,"EventID":"S1O-03574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to promote and encourage recruitment into the teaching profession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to promote and encourage recruitment into the teaching profession.","AnswerText":"The agreement, <I>A Teaching Profession for the 21<SUP>st</SUP> Century</I>,<I> </I>reached in February this year paves the way for a far reaching framework of modernisation which puts teachers at the heart of education.<P>Today I was pleased to launch the first ever national recruitment campaign in Scotland. The first stage of this two-stage campaign is aimed at raising the profile and standing of teachers in our communities. The second phase will be aimed at encouraging talented people to choose teaching as a profession. The campaign is unique both in its national coverage and also in the strength of support it has received from parents, teacher organisations, employers and all those in the profession. It will undoubtedly increase the numbers of Scotland's brightest and best entering the teaching profession and I am grateful to all those who have worked with us in putting the first steps in place.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136047,"EventID":"S1O-03575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are to improve children's safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are to improve children's safety.","AnswerText":"Ministers are acting to improve children's safety through a number of initiatives. In March I announced a multidisciplinary review of child protection, which will focus on improving systems right across Scotland. Most recently, on Monday 4 June 2001 we issued the policy position paper <I>Protecting Children: the Next Steps towards Securing their Safety</I>, setting out our plans to introduce an index of adults unsuitable to work with children.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136048,"EventID":"S1O-03580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it plans to have with the Irish Government and what issues will be discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it plans to have with the Irish Government and what issues will be discussed.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers enjoy regular contact with counterparts in the Irish Government, on a range of issues. The First Minister and other Scottish Ministers will meet the Taoiseach on 20 June, when he visits Scotland as the guest of the First Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland, and will discuss a range of issues of common interest.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136049,"EventID":"S1O-03582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to monitor and improve the efficiency of the Procurator Fiscal Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to monitor and improve the efficiency of the Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"Detailed arrangements are already in place to monitor efficiency by reference to a number of departmental performance targets and monitoring information informs departmental management planning. These are reported publicly in our departmental annual report. Improved arrangements for monitoring performance will be developed alongside the introduction of the new computer system.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136050,"EventID":"S1O-03586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the draft European Transport Regulation may have on the competitive tendering position of the Glasgow Underground and whether it will make representations to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the draft European Transport Regulation may have on the competitive tendering position of the Glasgow Underground and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"In autumn 2000 the European Commission published a proposal for a Regulation on action by member states concerning public service requirements and the award of public service contracts in passenger transport by rail, road and inland waterway. This contains a number of key objectives, including the aim to update current regulations \"to promote the best deal for the public by introducing controlled competition for public transport operation and opening up the markets between member states.\" As drafted, Glasgow Underground, along with light rail operations throughout Europe, would be covered by this Regulation and would need to be put to competitive tender at regular intervals.<P>The draft Regulation is currently being discussed by member states and will be considered at the EU Transport Council in June, which I will attend. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including EC Regulations.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136051,"EventID":"S1O-03587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the detailed spending plans for the additional money made available as a result of the 2001 UK budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the detailed spending plans for the additional money made available as a result of the 2001 UK budget.","AnswerText":"I will do so after the Finance Committee has reported on phase 1 of the budget.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136052,"EventID":"S1O-03590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase efficiency within courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase efficiency within courts.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service is working to improve the efficiency of the courts by investing in the training and development of court staff and the introduction of information technology. The national roll-out to all courts of the Case Management System, which will enable the electronic registration and handling of civil business, was completed at the beginning of June 2001.<P>The SCS collaborates with the Justice Department and others in the review of court rules and procedures and is working closely with Crown Office to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programming of criminal business.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136053,"EventID":"S1O-03592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been refunded to date in registration fees to private care home owners under the Registered Establishments (Scotland) Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been refunded to date in registration fees to private care home owners under the Registered Establishments (Scotland) Act 1998.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have been asked to provide details by 29 June of the total amount of registration fees to be refunded for their area as a result of the Registered Establishments (Scotland) Act 1998. Only Highland Council so far has submitted details, and refunds totalling £12,632 have been approved by the Executive for payment by them.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136054,"EventID":"S1O-03597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times currently are for a tonsillectomy at both the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley and Vale of Leven Hospital and what the target waiting time","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times currently are for a tonsillectomy at both the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley and Vale of Leven Hospital and what the target waiting times are for the end of 2001.","AnswerText":"Provisional figures for the year ending 31 December 2000 show that the median waiting times for tonsillectomies at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Vale of Leven Hospital were 56 days and 161 days respectively.<P>The current national waiting times guarantee for inpatient/day case treatment is 12 months. As stated in <I>Our National Health: a plan for</I> <I>action, a plan for change</I>, this will be reduced to 9 months by 2003.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136055,"EventID":"S1O-03599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what difficulties the 20-day standstill rule following the movement of cattle and sheep could cause farmers, especially those in peripheral areas, and whether it has any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what difficulties the 20-day standstill rule following the movement of cattle and sheep could cause farmers, especially those in peripheral areas, and whether it has any plans to modify the rule in the light of any difficulties experienced.","AnswerText":"No decisions have yet been taken on the 20-day standstill rule. The consultation period on the proposal has just ended and the responses, along with comments from meetings with key industry sectors, are being carefully considered.<P>I am of course well aware of the far-reaching implications that such a standstill would have for Scottish farming. I am also aware, however, that we must do all we can to prevent any repetition of the rapid and unchecked spread of foot-and-mouth disease which has had such devastating effects on almost everyone in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136056,"EventID":"S1O-03601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering holding a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the conviction for rape of Adam Carruthers of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering holding a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the conviction for rape of Adam Carruthers of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary.","AnswerText":"I understand that Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary are currently considering misconduct proceedings against Mr Carruthers. It would be inappropriate to comment further pending the outcome of that consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136057,"EventID":"S1O-03607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the extent of bullying of NHS staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the extent of bullying of NHS staff.","AnswerText":"New Dignity at Work guidance was issued to the service in January, which made clear that bullying in the NHS is not acceptable. Data on the number of incidents of aggression and harassment are due to be collected for the first time over the summer. The data should be available by the end of the year and will be published.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136058,"EventID":"S1O-03616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to invest in modern replacement or additional vessels for the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet this financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to invest in modern replacement or additional vessels for the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet this financial year.","AnswerText":"We are in discussions with the European Commission on our proposals for the tendering of CalMac's present routes to bring them into line with European state aid rules, including the arrangements governing investment in new vessels. Accordingly, discussion about new vessels would be premature.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136059,"EventID":"S1O-03618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage older people back into the labour market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage older people back into the labour market.","AnswerText":"New Deal 50 plus provides financial incentives for older people and has helped find work for over 4,000 people in Scotland since April 2000.<P>The new Careers Scotland will offer all Scots, including older people, a one-stop shop careers guidance service.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136060,"EventID":"S1O-03619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what date the backlog of outstanding school repairs will be cleared at current levels of expenditure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what date the backlog of outstanding school repairs will be cleared at current levels of expenditure.","AnswerText":"We are currently discussing with local authority representatives school building needs in order to clarify the level of need for improvement, and establish strategic priorities for future funding.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136061,"EventID":"S1O-03624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote arts programmes for young people and children with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote arts programmes for young people and children with disabilities.","AnswerText":"Arts programmes are available in all schools to all children. The Executive also provides resources to SENSE Scotland who, as part of their work with the disabled, provide a number of arts programmes for children. The Scottish Arts Council runs various lottery and voted fund schemes that give priority access to arts development projects for young people with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136062,"EventID":"S1O-03628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effects the proposals contained in the Treaty of Nice will have on Scotland's economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effects the proposals contained in the Treaty of Nice will have on Scotland's economy.","AnswerText":"The Treaty of Nice contains provisions designed to ensure that enlargement of the European Union can take place as soon as possible. The main changes are to the institutions of the European Union, which will have no direct short-term impact on the Scottish economy. In the longer term, enlargement, and more efficient EU institutions, present many opportunities to increase the number of jobs and GDP in Scotland and to enhance peace, stability and prosperity across Europe.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136063,"EventID":"S1O-03629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the programme is for future review of local government constituencies and how it will ensure that the wider implications of such review are taken into account.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the programme is for future review of local government constituencies and how it will ensure that the wider implications of such review are taken into account.","AnswerText":"The next statutory review of local authority electoral wards is scheduled to take place between 2006 and 2010. Any implications arising from that review will be considered at that time.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136064,"EventID":"S1O-03633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in attracting new jobs to Kintyre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in attracting new jobs to Kintyre.","AnswerText":"Progress has been good, and I was particularly pleased to confirm on 19 June that the UK's first wind turbine factory is to be built at Machrihanish, creating 124 direct and 44 indirect planned jobs. Meanwhile, Argyll and the Islands Enterprise are continuing to pursue the development of an advance build call centre with the potential to create up to 200 jobs in the area.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136065,"EventID":"S1O-03638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the target of having a nursery place available for all three-year-olds whose parents want one will be met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the target of having a nursery place available for all three-year-olds whose parents want one will be met.","AnswerText":"By the end of the 2000-01 school year we expect participation of eligible three-year-olds to rise to approximately 80% and we expect to meet the target in full by April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136066,"EventID":"S1O-03640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scotland Office regarding amending the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scotland Office regarding amending the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have regular discussions with Scotland Office Ministers on the operation of the Scotland Act, for example in relation to the exercise of Order-making powers under the Act.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136067,"EventID":"S1O-03641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support the roles and functions of community hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support the roles and functions of community hospitals.","AnswerText":"The Executive believes that community hospitals have an important role to<B> </B>play in the spectrum of care provision to local communities.<P>We are working closely with the Scottish Association of Community Hospitals to ensure that that role is supported and developed effectively.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136068,"EventID":"S1O-03642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle youth crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle youth crime.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-03671.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136069,"EventID":"S1O-03643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland currently has a structural fiscal deficit with the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland currently has a structural fiscal deficit with the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Latest published figures in <I>Government Expenditure and Revenue in</I> <I>Scotland 1998-99</I> suggest that Scotland had a deficit of £4.9 billion, excluding North Sea revenues, in 1998-99. In the same year, the UK Government's fiscal position, excluding North Sea revenues, was broadly in balance.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136070,"EventID":"S1O-03645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to issue new guidance to protect children from the dangers of the internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to issue new guidance to protect children from the dangers of the internet.","AnswerText":"On 21 March this year I announced the setting up of an action group to review existing guidance, to propose any necessary revisions and to make recommendations about any further guidance the group might consider necessary. The group expects to report to ministers by October.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136071,"EventID":"S1O-03649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met officials from Argyll and Bute Council and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met officials from Argyll and Bute Council and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I met the Leader and Chief Executive of Argyll &amp; Bute Council on 2 April 2001 to discuss local government issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136072,"EventID":"S1O-03653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a resumption of livestock auction sales this autumn.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a resumption of livestock auction sales this autumn.","AnswerText":"Whether or not to allow the customary autumn sales to proceed on the normal lines is an important but difficult decision. The options are being evaluated at present. Ross Finnie will let the industry know the outcome as soon as he can.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136073,"EventID":"S1O-03654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in discussions with the European Commission over the sheep export trade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in discussions with the European Commission over the sheep export trade.","AnswerText":"The importance of exports to the Scottish livestock industry and especially to sheep producers in the remoter areas is recognised fully by the Executive. Mr Finnie will be discussing with other UK Agriculture Ministers how best to put a case to the European Union aimed at reopening the export market. Experience suggests that demanding conditions are likely to be set by the EU.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136074,"EventID":"S1O-03657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the independent committee which is to review alcohol licensing legislation, as announced on 7 December 2000, will begin work and what its timetable will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the independent committee which is to review alcohol licensing legislation, as announced on 7 December 2000, will begin work and what its timetable will be.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that Sheriff Principal Gordon Nicholson QC has accepted my invitation to chair this committee.<P>Sheriff Principal Nicholson will bring his wealth of experience and expertise to the post. This committee is crucial to modernising our liquor licensing arrangements. The current law has served us well over 25 years. We now need to look at the issues again in the light of social changes; at how we encourage healthy patterns of drinking, and at how we discourage the links between drinking and violence.<P>I expect to make an announcement about the wider membership of the committee early in July. It is hoped the committee will be able to hold its first meeting in August and to complete its work within 18 months.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136075,"EventID":"S1O-03658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report of the negotiations and consultations between Her Majesty's Government and the Scottish Executive in preparation for the 2000 Inter-governmental Conference ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report of the negotiations and consultations between Her Majesty's Government and the Scottish Executive in preparation for the 2000 Inter-governmental Conference in Nice will be in the public domain.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to produce such a report.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136076,"EventID":"S1O-03659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economy of Dumfries and Galloway following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economy of Dumfries and Galloway following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"The Dumfries and Galloway Economic Forum is leading a group of local organisations to assess the scale and nature of the impact in the Dumfries and Galloway area. Their work is feeding into the Economic Impact Assessment Group which Ross Finnie set up in March 2001 to inform the Executive's response in providing immediate hardship relief and planning for longer-term recovery.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136077,"EventID":"S1O-03664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors led to the recently announced increase in core funding for ChildLine Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors led to the recently announced increase in core funding for ChildLine Scotland.","AnswerText":"The extra funding was to support ChildLine in their valuable work in providing a free confidential telephone counselling service for children in trouble or danger. It took account of the significant increase in the volume of calls to ChildLine.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136078,"EventID":"S1O-03668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the marketing of Badenoch and Strathspey as \"Monarch Country\" and whether it will urge visitscotland to investigate the feasibility of purchasing brie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the marketing of Badenoch and Strathspey as \"Monarch Country\" and whether it will urge visitscotland to investigate the feasibility of purchasing brief television advert slots at the end of episodes of \"Monarch of the Glen\" which are shown in other countries.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for visitscotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136079,"EventID":"S1O-03671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in implementing measures to tackle youth crime since the publication of the report of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime and the Execut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in implementing measures to tackle youth crime since the publication of the report of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime and the Executive's response to the report last year.","AnswerText":"Our aim is to reduce offending by young people, particularly the small group who commit a disproportionate number of offences. Local authorities will provide a national network of effective community-based programmes. These will help tackle offending behaviour and make communities and individuals safer.<P>Later in the year I will launch for consultation a national strategy on youth crime.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136080,"EventID":"S1O-03676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit in cutting the burden of red tape on Scottish business.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit in cutting the burden of red tape on Scottish business.","AnswerText":"The IRIS Unit has discussed over 100 regulations with other departments, encouraged the use of the Enforcement Concordat and in February the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning announced enhancements to the Executive's improving regulation strategy, such as the introduction of Review Regulatory Impact Assessments. The unit has also pursued over 170 enquiries from businesses and many of the concerns, such as on licensing and planning, have been addressed by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136081,"EventID":"S1O-03685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current provision for the treatment of anorexia nervosa within the NHS is uniformly accessible and appropriate to demand.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current provision for the treatment of anorexia nervosa within the NHS is uniformly accessible and appropriate to demand.","AnswerText":"Our National Health</I> confirmed continued support for further development of extended mental health services. Expanded guidance for agencies will be published shortly on the best local approaches to joint, seamless care and support for those with or surviving an eating disorder to help address deficiencies where they arise.<P>This <I>Health Plan</I> initiative has been advanced by the Mental Health and Well Being Support Group and has involved practitioners, commissioners and users of services and their carers. The support group has already published its planned focus for the coming year which includes specific consideration and review of the agency response to the coming guidance.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136082,"EventID":"S1O-03690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet and whether it has any plans for future meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet and whether it has any plans for future meetings.","AnswerText":"There has been no formal meeting between the Executive and Scottish Ballet's present Artistic Director and there are no current plans for such.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136083,"EventID":"S1O-03692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any circumstances in which NHS patients can be treated abroad and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any circumstances in which NHS patients can be treated abroad and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"There are long-standing Europe-wide negotiated arrangements for elective health care delivered in another member state. These follow established E112 procedures that include prior agreement, not least involving the clinicians in the referring and receiving facilitates. The same procedures apply for overseas patients referred under these arrangements for care in this country.<P>Emergency health care is also provided on a reciprocal basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136084,"EventID":"S1O-03700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the Highways Agency about a start date for construction of the M6 Carlisle to Guardsmill extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the Highways Agency about a start date for construction of the M6 Carlisle to Guardsmill extension.","AnswerText":"The Highways Agency have provided the Scottish Executive with an outline programme. Subject to the continuing availability of funding and successful completion of statutory procedures, they expect construction to start in 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136085,"EventID":"S1O-03702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can supply further details about the arrangements for the review of Scotland's cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can supply further details about the arrangements for the review of Scotland's cities.","AnswerText":"The Sounding Board, which I chair, and the Academic Panel have now been established to inform the work of the review, which is due to report in the new year.<P>The review will be open and participative. Peter Peacock and I will be visiting each of the cities over the next few months to hear local views on the challenges and opportunities facing them.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136086,"EventID":"S1O-03705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received concerning planning applications in Glasgow Kelvin constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received concerning planning applications in Glasgow Kelvin constituency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received nine representations concerning a proposed residential development at Park Quadrant in Glasgow Kelvin constituency.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136087,"EventID":"S1O-03707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to promote the use of school grounds as an education resource available to both school pupils and the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to promote the use of school grounds as an education resource available to both school pupils and the community.","AnswerText":"Yes. Scottish ministers encourage the fullest possible use of all local resources. While decisions on the use of school grounds are matters for the education authorities and individual schools, I fully support the principle that school facilities generally should be accessible for community purposes.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136088,"EventID":"S1O-03710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that primary health care services receive the resources they need.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that primary health care services receive the resources they need.","AnswerText":"On 21 August, a three-year £30 million additional investment programme for primary care was announced. This will add to NHS Boards' existing and planned spend on primary care and it complements our investment of over £100 million in primary care over the next three years for NHS 24, Personal Medical Services, Public Health Practitioners, IM&T developments and GP practice premises and health centre developments.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136089,"EventID":"S1O-03712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the provision of nursery education for three-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the provision of nursery education for three-year-olds.","AnswerText":"The proportion of eligible three-year-olds receiving pre-school education currently stands at 80%. The target of a nursery place for all three-year-olds whose parents want it is expected to be met by April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136090,"EventID":"S1O-03716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has in relation to the provision of rehabilitation facilities for drug users.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has in relation to the provision of rehabilitation facilities for drug users.","AnswerText":"Our strategic objectives for rehabilitation are to provide integrated care, treatment and rehabilitation pathways for individuals, and to expand and create key services such as day and residential services and home care.<P>We have increased resources to local authorities for drug rehabilitation substantially. With effect from 1 April this year we increased provision by £6.8 million a year for this purpose.<P>Decisions at local level on spending the additional money are being taken with the involvement and agreement of the relevant Drug Action Teams, taking into account other local spending decisions. This is to ensure an integrated approach to the provision of all drug services across the Drug Action Team area, and to provide best value.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136091,"EventID":"S1O-03717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland was last convened; what was discussed; when it will next meet, and what will be on the agenda.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland was last convened; what was discussed; when it will next meet, and what will be on the agenda.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland last met on 31 July. Summaries of its discussions are placed on the Sustainable Scotland website: http://www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk/. The group will meet again on 12 September to discuss its work programme for the coming year.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136092,"EventID":"S1O-03722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how patient care can be safeguarded in Aberdeen in the light of the reported financial difficulties of Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how patient care can be safeguarded in Aberdeen in the light of the reported financial difficulties of Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The NHS in Grampian is responsible for ensuring that health services in the area are managed effectively and are sustainable financially. The Health Department is working closely with the NHS in Grampian to ensure that the Acute Trust meets its targets under the action plan it has agreed with the health board and Primary Care Trust. NHS leaders have given an assurance that this will be achieved. The department will continue to monitor progress in Grampian.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136093,"EventID":"S1O-03727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the review of initial teacher education since the publication of the first stage report on 9 July 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the review of initial teacher education since the publication of the first stage report on 9 July 2001.","AnswerText":"Copies of the <I>Report of the First Stage of the Review of Initial Teacher Education</I> were widely circulated to stakeholders, along with a short consultation paper seeking responses by 21 September 2001. Once responses have been received and considered we will put together an action plan which will target the key areas for implementation.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136094,"EventID":"S1O-03728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to address the cost of travel on lifeline air services between the Scottish mainland and the Northern Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to address the cost of travel on lifeline air services between the Scottish mainland and the Northern Isles.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to the maintenance of affordable links to island communities. Our subsidy to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd results in lower costs to airlines than if the full economic costs were applied.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136095,"EventID":"S1O-03730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3640 by Mr Tom McCabe on 28 June 2001, on what date it last discussed the operation of the Scotland Act 1998 with Her Majesty's Gov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3640 by Mr Tom McCabe on 28 June 2001, on what date it last discussed the operation of the Scotland Act 1998 with Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has regular discussions with the UK Government about a wide range of matters, including the operation of the Scotland Act 1998. In accordance with the principles underpinning the Memorandum of Understanding, such discussions are normally conducted on a confidential basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136096,"EventID":"S1O-03734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in analysing the 3,500 representations received during its consultation on the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in analysing the 3,500 representations received during its consultation on the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"Good progress is being made. The issues raised are being considered, prior to decisions on what changes should be made to the draft Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136097,"EventID":"S1O-03737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Borders Council and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Borders Council and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"There have been a number of recent meetings between Scottish Borders Council and officials of the Scottish Executive and associated agencies at which various routine business matters have been discussed.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136098,"EventID":"S1O-03741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support the Angus economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support the Angus economy.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise Tayside are pursuing a wide range of activities to support the Angus economy, acting in partnership with Angus Council and other organisations and agencies. These activities include providing assistance to help the growth of local businesses, carrying out environmental improvement works to enhance the attractiveness of Angus as a visitor destination and business location, providing sites and premises for businesses, promoting and providing learning opportunities and skills training for people in Angus, and also providing careers counselling, assistance and re-training for people who have been made redundant.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136099,"EventID":"S1O-03743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current formula used to fund further education colleges has any adverse effect on those colleges with a limited pool of potential students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current formula used to fund further education colleges has any adverse effect on those colleges with a limited pool of potential students.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council supports widening access but it does not set college growth targets, or consequent funding allocations, beyond what individual colleges indicate they can realistically achieve.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136100,"EventID":"S1O-03747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to allowing Glasgow City Council to retain all business rates collected in the city.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to allowing Glasgow City Council to retain all business rates collected in the city.","AnswerText":"Income from business rates is one element of central government support for local authorities, which is distributed according to councils' relative needs. Allowing Glasgow City Council to retain all the business rates it collected would result in a corresponding reduction in the grant paid to the council.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136101,"EventID":"S1O-03752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is addressing the child care needs of lone parents seeking to attend college or university.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is addressing the child care needs of lone parents seeking to attend college or university.","AnswerText":"From this year, lone parents in full-time higher education will be able to claim a grant of £1,000 per year to help them meet their formal child care costs. This is the first ever child care grant for students in higher education in Scotland and is expected to benefit 3,500 lone parent students each year. These students will continue to be eligible to receive the existing Dependants' Grant and the new School Meals Grant, also being introduced this year.<P>In addition, as part of the new package of student support introduced for full-time higher education students this year, new mature students will be able to access a discretionary grant of up to £2,000 from the Mature Students' Bursary Fund through their college or university. Priority for payments from the fund will be given to students who have formal child care needs, particularly those who are lone parents.<P>£7.5 million has also been allocated over the next three years to widen child care provision in Scottish further education colleges to meet locally-identified needs, particularly those of lone parents. This is expected to help between 3,000 and 5,000 full- and part-time students annually and to ensure that further education is genuinely accessible to all. This funding is in addition to the existing £3 million per annum support for the study-related child care costs of FE students.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136102,"EventID":"S1O-03756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Finance and Local Government last met CoSLA, what issues were discussed and when he next plans to meet CoSLA.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Finance and Local Government last met CoSLA, what issues were discussed and when he next plans to meet CoSLA.","AnswerText":"I met representatives of CoSLA on 3 May to sign the local government Partnership Framework.<P>I am meeting CoSLA on 26 September to discuss local government finance.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136103,"EventID":"S1O-03758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to tackle coronary heart disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to tackle coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"The Coronary Heart Disease/Stroke Task Force's report, received by the Scottish Executive recently, covers a wide range of work, from primary prevention to cardiac rehabilitation. The Executive is now carrying out a comprehensive consultation exercise to help us draw up our first coronary heart disease/stroke strategy.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136104,"EventID":"S1O-03761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the site-specific risk assessment, the appropriate assessment and all information that pertains to its recent decision to grant consent to the releas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the site-specific risk assessment, the appropriate assessment and all information that pertains to its recent decision to grant consent to the release of genetically-modified oilseed rape at Roskill Farm, Munlochy, Ross-shire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive routinely places information relevant to applications for GM releases on the public register. Site-specific risk assessments for the crop being grown this winter at Munlochy are on the register and individual assessments of various aspects of the release by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, the Health and Safety Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency have also been made public.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136105,"EventID":"S1O-03763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the effectiveness and value for money of VisitScotland's Ossian website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the effectiveness and value for money of VisitScotland's Ossian website.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to undertake such a review. Potential visitors expect to obtain information via the world-wide web. The VisitScotland website contains details of around 18,000 businesses. In the first six months of this year, it received over 3 million user sessions.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136106,"EventID":"S1O-03769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages any changes in the financial assistance available to small businesses following its recent impact study of the effect of the foot-and-mouth disease o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages any changes in the financial assistance available to small businesses following its recent impact study of the effect of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has already announced a number of measures and has made available significant resources to help alleviate the immediate hardship and distress being experienced by individuals and businesses as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. These include an additional £5 million for the Enterprise Networks to ensure that advice and support is made available to affected businesses and individuals.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136107,"EventID":"S1O-03777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the date set by the Water Commissioner for the achievement of efficiency targets by the water authorities should be delayed pending the possible creation of a sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the date set by the Water Commissioner for the achievement of efficiency targets by the water authorities should be delayed pending the possible creation of a single water authority.","AnswerText":"No. Efficiency savings are essential to ensure that future charge rises for the customer are minimised. The delivery of these efficiencies will be required irrespective of whether Scottish Water is created.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136108,"EventID":"S1O-03785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to compensate farmers whose cattle went over 30 months of age during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and were consequently prevented from entering t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to compensate farmers whose cattle went over 30 months of age during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and were consequently prevented from entering the food chain.","AnswerText":"I appreciate the impact which the necessary foot-and-mouth disease restrictions have had on farming business and that, despite the efforts made to avoid feeding cattle being retained until they were over 30 months, this has been unavoidable in some instances. I have no provision to compensate such cases.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136109,"EventID":"S1O-03788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements it is seeking in reviewing compulsory purchase powers and what its position is in relation to proposals for the establishment of a centrally-funded agen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements it is seeking in reviewing compulsory purchase powers and what its position is in relation to proposals for the establishment of a centrally-funded agency to support authorities in the exercise of compulsory purchase powers.","AnswerText":"We have been participating in the review of the law and practice of compulsory purchase, compensation and related matters, aimed at making the whole process fairer, more efficient and more effective, which is led by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions.<P>In due course we propose to consult on proposals for change in Scotland. These will take into account the recommendations of the review, the UK Government's response to it and the research findings and recommendations recently published by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136110,"EventID":"S1O-03789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take in relation to any delays in seeing a consultant being experienced by hip replacement patients in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take in relation to any delays in seeing a consultant being experienced by hip replacement patients in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive set out our commitment to work with NHSScotland to reduce waiting times through increased investment and improved working practices and to ensure that this is a priority for local NHS boards.<P>NHS Greater Glasgow is currently working to identify additional resources to develop further and improve Orthopaedic Services across the city.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136111,"EventID":"S1O-03792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the Scottish Prison Service is accountable","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the Scottish Prison Service is accountable","AnswerText":"As an agency of the Scottish Executive it is responsible to me.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136112,"EventID":"S1O-03797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are made available to assist community groups who are seeking to respond to planning applications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are made available to assist community groups who are seeking to respond to planning applications.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have general powers to assist community councils with funding and administrative support, although there is no statutory obligation on them to do so. Information is not held centrally on the extent to which that support is provided. The charity Planning Aid for Scotland also offers advice and support on planning issues to individuals, community councils, tenants' associations, and voluntary groups.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136113,"EventID":"S1O-03798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received about strategic planning arrangements in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received about strategic planning arrangements in Fife.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received 15 written representations about strategic planning arrangements in Fife, including letters from three MSPs, one MP and four community councils.<P>All these letters are available for viewing in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136114,"EventID":"S1O-03799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the research projects to be funded from the #19 million funding awarded to the Scottish Crop Research Institute on 10 September 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the research projects to be funded from the #19 million funding awarded to the Scottish Crop Research Institute on 10 September 2001.","AnswerText":"The £1.9 million pounds awarded to the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) will fund the following eight new projects:<P>Ecological management and biotechnology;<P>Computational Biology, and<P>Functional analysis of novel genes from potato and barley.<P>Development and application of metabolic profiling technologies to enhance the understanding of metabolic and developmental processes in plants.<P>Enhancing food quality and nutritional value through multidisciplinary approaches which exploit genetic and molecular diversity.<P>Sequence diversity and horizontal genomics (targeted gene discovery).<P>Molecular plant diversity and germplasm resources.<P>Parallel gene expression technologies supporting the discovery of plant and pathogen genes important to agriculture and biotechnology.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136115,"EventID":"S1O-03803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further funding will be made available to local authorities to ensure that the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines on attention deficit and hyperk","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further funding will be made available to local authorities to ensure that the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines on attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorders in children and young people are fully implemented.","AnswerText":"Local authorities, health boards, education departments and social work services are already expected to provide services for children and young people with attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorders from the funding made available to them by the Executive. The Executive has no plans to provide further funding specifically dedicated to the implementation of the SIGN guideline, which is a matter for health boards in consultation with other authorities as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136116,"EventID":"S1O-03808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of secondary schools exceeded their targets for attainment in school examinations in the most recent period for which information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of secondary schools exceeded their targets for attainment in school examinations in the most recent period for which information is available.","AnswerText":"<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4>Targets under the <I>Raising Standards: Setting Targets</I> initiative were set for 2001. The percentages of schools who had already exceeded these targets, as at 1999, the most recent year for which information is available, was as follows:</FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=460><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Level of Targets set for 2001</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">% of schools who exceeded the targets set, as at 1999*</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>Standard Grade English (1-6)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">41</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>Standard Grade Maths (1-6)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">38</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>5+ Standard Grades (1-2)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">23</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>5+ Standard Grades (1-4)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">23</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>5+ Standard Grades (1-6)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">23</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>3+ Higher Grades (A-C)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">17</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>5+ Higher Grades (A-C)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">16</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>*Figures expressed as a three-year average for 1997-99 and are the latest available. Figures relate to publicly funded secondary schools.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136117,"EventID":"S1O-03811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its contractual arrangements with Premier Prison Service with regard to the running of HM Prison Kilmarnock in light of HM Chief Inspector of Priso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its contractual arrangements with Premier Prison Service with regard to the running of HM Prison Kilmarnock in light of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland's Report for 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The Executive sees no need to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136118,"EventID":"S1O-03814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle abuse against health workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle abuse against health workers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Plan makes it clear that we are committed to providing a safe working environment for NHS staff. Each trust is already required to implement policies based on risk assessment, aimed at reducing violent incidents in the workplace. To assist NHS employers, <I>Dignity at Work: Eliminating Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace</I> guidance was published in February this year and work has begun on further guidance covering \"Health at Work\" which will include personal safety and management of violence and aggression.<P>To help GPs, regulations were introduced in July last year, which enable boards and Trusts to work with GPs to ensure that treatment to a potentially violent patient is provided at appropriate premises. Guidance is now currently being developed for GPs about how to deal with violent patients.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136119,"EventID":"S1O-03818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in enabling initial teacher training to be undertaken by distance learning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in enabling initial teacher training to be undertaken by distance learning.","AnswerText":"All teacher education courses must be accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland and approved by Scottish ministers. In order to be given approval courses must comply with the Guidelines for Courses of Teacher Education in Scotland. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The guidelines do not prohibit distance learning courses. However, such a course would need to be developed and proposed by a higher education institution. No proposals have been received.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">However, I am interested to open up discussion on general issues of accessibility to teacher education with relevant partners and have asked my officials to take this forward. I hope to be able to provide information on our progress in this area in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136120,"EventID":"S1O-03822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the welfare of children in families affected by alcohol abuse is being addressed following the publication of Getting our Priorities Right.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the welfare of children in families affected by alcohol abuse is being addressed following the publication of Getting our Priorities Right.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently developing a national Plan for Action on Alcohol Misuse. The needs of children and young people affected by alcohol misuse will be addressed in the plan.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136121,"EventID":"S1O-03826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of visually impaired people voting in local elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of visually impaired people voting in local elections.","AnswerText":"The Representation of the People Act 2000 made changes to parliamentary elections rules in relation to assistance with voting for people with disabilities. Similar measures will be introduced for local government elections later this year and will make it easier for visually impaired people to cast their votes.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136122,"EventID":"S1O-03827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the proposals for development of the Fort William waterfront.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the proposals for development of the Fort William waterfront.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believe the proposals have the potential to benefit not only Fort William but also communities throughout Lochaber, both in terms of job creation and the local economy.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136123,"EventID":"S1O-03832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the EC Regulations currently under consideration by the European Parliament on the award of public service contracts in passenger transport and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the EC Regulations currently under consideration by the European Parliament on the award of public service contracts in passenger transport and what representations it has made or plans to make to the European Parliament regarding these regulations.","AnswerText":"I have been working closely with the Department of Transport and the Local Regions, which has the lead on this draft regulation. The Scottish Executive's position has been incorporated into the briefing which that department has prepared for UK members of the European Parliament. The draft regulation has a long way to go through the EU process and the Executive will ensure that Scotland's interests are reflected through the UK stance throughout these negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136124,"EventID":"S1O-03834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of Waardenburg Syndrome have been identified in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of Waardenburg Syndrome have been identified in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136125,"EventID":"S1O-03835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial support is available to local authorities who are seeking to use Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) for school improvement projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial support is available to local authorities who are seeking to use Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) for school improvement projects.","AnswerText":"I have invited local authorities to submit bids for PPP financial support by 14 December 2001. While I expect the level of support to be similar to that available in 1998, I will circulate further details to authorities following discussions with council leaders on 31 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136126,"EventID":"S1O-03836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authority representatives in relation to the provision of care in the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authority representatives in relation to the provision of care in the community.","AnswerText":"We are involved in an on-going dialogue with Scottish local authorities on many different aspects of community care provision.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136127,"EventID":"S1O-03838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Private Finance Initiative and Public/Private Partnership projects offer Best Value to Scotland's citi'ens.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Private Finance Initiative and Public/Private Partnership projects offer Best Value to Scotland's citi'ens.","AnswerText":"Our policy is that<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4> Private Finance Initiative (PFI) should only be used where it represents best value for money. To test for value for money, bids received are compared to a Public Sector Comparator (PSC) which represents an estimate of the whole life cost of procuring of the specified services by conventional means. A study by Arthur Anderson on behalf of HM Treasury showed that average estimated saving against the PSC of the projects examined was 17%.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136128,"EventID":"S1O-03839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the availability of dental treatment services in Grampian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the availability of dental treatment services in Grampian.","AnswerText":"Steps taken include:<DIR><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">the availability of Scottish Dental Access Initiative grants to encourage practitioners to set up or expand NHS practices in areas such as Grampian of unmet patient demand or high oral health need;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">approval of five posts to employ dentists directly salaried by the NHS; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">approval of a pilot NHS emergency dental services scheme for unregistered patients;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">the introduction in April of last year of a scheme to reward financially the commitment of dentists to the NHS;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">the early years enhanced capitation fee scheme to encourage dentists to register and provide preventive advice and treatment on the NHS to 0 to 2 and 3 to 5-year-olds.</DIR><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Problems of access to NHS dentistry within Scotland is one of the areas being looked at by the Implementation Support Group for the <I>Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136129,"EventID":"S1O-03841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to increase the accountability of its Inquiry Reporters Unit to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to increase the accountability of its Inquiry Reporters Unit to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to alter the existing accountability of the Inquiry Reporters unit to the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136130,"EventID":"S1O-03844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve clinical governance in the health service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve clinical governance in the health service.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer is currently consulting on a proposal to integrate Scotland's clinical effectiveness organisations into a single new organisation and, by so doing, provide NHSScotland with clinical governance at a national level.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136131,"EventID":"S1O-03846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action is being taken to improve services on the east coast mainline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action is being taken to improve services on the east coast mainline.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is considering proposals for an extension to GNER's franchise for services on the East Coast Main Line. The proposals are likely to feature improved services and rolling stock. As indicated in my reply to question S1W-17937 on 13 September 2001, I have given gave the SRA statutory Advice on the extension of the franchise.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136132,"EventID":"S1O-03847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the NHS is taking to consult service users on the design and layout of patient facilities in new build hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the NHS is taking to consult service users on the design and layout of patient facilities in new build hospitals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with the NHS to ensure that patients and the public are involved effectively in decisions regarding the design and delivery of services. The nature and degree of involvement or consultation will vary according to circumstances and the nature of the service change being proposed.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136133,"EventID":"S1O-03850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving educational provision for looked-after children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving educational provision for looked-after children.","AnswerText":"We have set a target that all our young people leaving local authority care will have achieved at least English and Maths Standard Grades. We are measuring attainment against this and gathering information about how local authorities are addressing the <I>Learning with Care</I> report's recommendations. We expect to receive this information by 31 October 2001. This will help us plan a package of measures aimed at improving educational provision for looked after children.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136134,"EventID":"S1O-03855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently on NHS patient waiting lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently on NHS patient waiting lists.","AnswerText":"83,487 people were waiting for hospital in-patient or day case treatment on 30 June 2001 - over 3,000 fewer than on the same date last year.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136135,"EventID":"S1O-03856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is currently available for repairs to, and replacement of, school buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is currently available for repairs to, and replacement of, school buildings.","AnswerText":"Such financial support is available from different allocations including :<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The New Deal for Schools, where £115.7&nbsp;million was available from 1997 to 2002 and the allocation in the current year is £26.7&nbsp;million.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Capital allocations for general local authority investment in infrastructure which will have increased by nearly 40%&nbsp; from 2000-01 to 2003-04.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The additional £17.2&nbsp;million made available in the 2000-01 financial year to deal with immediate repairs, maintenance and equipment problems in schools.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Revenue support for school Public/Private Partnership (PPP) projects with a capital value of £530&nbsp;million which are either completed or under construction, and financial support totalling £5&nbsp;million to 21 authorities to support the early development of further potential school PPP projects. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The establishment of the School Buildings Improvement Fund under which £12&nbsp;million has been allocated to authorities in the current financial year for repairs to school buildings, with priority expected to be given to improvements for this winter.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136136,"EventID":"S1O-03861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS staff and their representatives regarding NHS pay modernisation and what progress has been made on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS staff and their representatives regarding NHS pay modernisation and what progress has been made on this matter.","AnswerText":"NHS staff and their representatives are fully represented on the Scottish Pay Reference and Implementation Group, which is considering options for implementation of NHS pay modernisation in Scotland in the light of progress on UK negotiations. A series of pay roadshows for staff has also been held across NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136137,"EventID":"S1O-03875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is in its discussions with CoSLA on the procedures for the closure of rural schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is in its discussions with CoSLA on the procedures for the closure of rural schools.","AnswerText":"CoSLA has been giving consideration to preparing a code of practice on school closures in response to a recommendation by the Parliament's Education, Culture and Sport Committee. This has been a matter for CoSLA, and the Executive has not been engaged in discussions with them on it.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136138,"EventID":"S1O-03876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the impact of the Child Strategy Statement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the impact of the Child Strategy Statement.","AnswerText":"The Child Strategy Statement urges all parts of the Scottish Executive to take children's interests into account when developing and implementing policy, noting the importance of ensuring that overlapping areas of policy affecting children are properly co-ordinated. This will be particularly emphasised in a report on integrated children's services in Scotland, written by a team of secondees to the Executive from local government, the health service and the voluntary sector, which will be published soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136139,"EventID":"S1O-03884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the professional standards of teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the professional standards of teachers.","AnswerText":"As part of the drive for continuous improvement, the consultation on the Standard for Full Registration was launched last week, in partnership with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).<P>When introduced from August 2002, the Standard for Full Registration will serve two main purposes. It will provide:<UL><P><LI>a clear and concise description of the professional qualities and capabilities teachers are expected to develop in the course of induction, and</LI><P><LI>a professional standard against which reliable and consistent decisions can be made on the fitness of new teachers for full registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.</LI></UL><P>In addition, we are working with our partners to develop a national framework for teachers' continuing professional development. The CPD framework, which will be in place from August 2003, will enable teachers to maintain and enhance their professional skills throughout the life of their teaching career and will underpin the new contractual obligation on all teachers to undertake 35 hours professional development each year, in addition to current working hours.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136140,"EventID":"S1O-03888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being made available for farm tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being made available for farm tourism.","AnswerText":"We announced in August, as part of the foot-and-mouth disease recovery package, that £300,000 would be spent on developing environmentally based tourism opportunities for the farming sector. Initial work has been undertaken. The project will focus on Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136141,"EventID":"S1O-03889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Motorola task force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Motorola task force.","AnswerText":"The task force aim is to ensure that 95% of former Motorola employees will find new employment within one year. At the end of September, of the 2,330 employees who have left the plant, 954 people have found new jobs, 168 have gone into further or higher education, 35 are self-employed and five have retired. Over 1,600 individuals are benefiting from training.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136142,"EventID":"S1O-03894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision to close its Environment and Rural Affairs Department office in Stirling given the current situation in the agriculture industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision to close its Environment and Rural Affairs Department office in Stirling given the current situation in the agriculture industry.","AnswerText":"No. As I have previously indicated, the decision to close the Stirling Office was taken after careful consideration of a number of options. I reviewed the decision in the light of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and other difficulties facing the industry, and concluded that this was still the best option.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136143,"EventID":"S1O-03896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give in its review of the cities to the development of rural areas surrounding cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give in its review of the cities to the development of rural areas surrounding cities.","AnswerText":"The formal remit for the review is explicit in the need to look at the prospects for Scotland's five cities \"taking account of interactions between the cities, their surrounding areas and the rest of Scotland\". This includes rural areas. CoSLA has a seat on the external Sounding Board and the Review Team will be seeking the views of neighbouring authorities as work progresses.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136144,"EventID":"S1O-03897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in ensuring that the international ferry link between Rosyth and continental Europe will be operational by next year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in ensuring that the international ferry link between Rosyth and continental Europe will be operational by next year.","AnswerText":"Superfast Ferries and Forth Ports who wish to develop the link have submitted applications for Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) to fund the project. Consideration of these applications has been given top priority but the European Commission has still to respond to a UK request - made in spring of this year - seeking the Commission's agreement to extend the existing inland waterways FFG scheme to cover shipping.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136145,"EventID":"S1O-03898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Freedom of Information Bill will include provisions to improve access to police road traffic accident reports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Freedom of Information Bill will include provisions to improve access to police road traffic accident reports.","AnswerText":"The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill will, if enacted, establish a general legal right of access to information held by Scottish public authorities. The Bill also includes necessary safeguards to protect sensitive information.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Police road traffic accident reports often contain sensitive information, most notably those on accidents involving fatalities, and placing this information in the public domain may cause significant distress to, for example, victims' families. As the Bill would provide a right of access open to all, with applicants not needing to demonstrate any specific interest in the information requested, it will not normally be appropriate for police road traffic accident reports to be disclosed to the wider public under Freedom of Information. It is envisaged that public authorities will consider requests for disclosure of police road traffic accident reports under the exemption at section 34 of the Bill and, in accordance with section 2, consider whether there is a public interest in disclosure.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Police road traffic accident reports may of course continue to be made available in private to those with a legitimate interest.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136146,"EventID":"S1O-03901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of any breaches by it of European environmental law currently being investigated by the European Commission and what action it is taking b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of any breaches by it of European environmental law currently being investigated by the European Commission and what action it is taking both in respect of any such breaches and to prevent any in future.","AnswerText":"<P>All member states of the European Union are currently the subject of investigations by the European Commission regarding breaches of European environmental law. The United Kingdom has a good record on such matters.<P>There is one breach of European environmental law concerning Scotland where the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued a formal judgement against the UK's implementation of the EC Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC).<P>In this case, which is a result of the UK's implementation of the directive in the early 1990s, the UK had taken the view that the directive applied to surface freshwaters and groundwaters only where necessary to protect drinking water sources. In the course of proceedings culminating in the ECJ judgement, the UK admitted this was incorrect and that the Directive applied to the protection of all freshwaters on the surface and underground.<P>The Scottish Executive now plans to consult on new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones later this year, working closely with stakeholders at all stages of the process. This will lead to designations where appropriate.<P>In addition there are two environmental infraction cases concerning Scotland where a notice has been published in the Official Journal of the European Communities that the cases have been referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by the European Commission. The first concerns an alleged breach of the Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC); and the second concerns three Waste Management Directives (the Waste Framework (75/442/EEC), Hazardous Waste (91/689/EEC), and Packaging Waste (91/62/EEC) Directives).<P>Regarding the Bathing Water case, the Scottish Executive is committed to bringing Scotland's 60 designated bathing beaches up to European standards. This commitment was made in the knowledge that it would involve an enormous programme of work to redress years of underinvestment in our water infrastructure. The Executive is in the middle of a programme of investment of around £3.5 billion over seven years, about half of which will be spent on waste water issues. This will bring substantial improvement to the Scottish coastline.<P>As this investment programme progresses it is bringing into focus other causes of bathing water failure. These point to the need to tackle diffuse pollution. The Scottish Executive is working with farmers and others to identify and combat non-sewage causes of pollution of bathing waters.<P>The Waste Management case relates to the requirement to prepare waste plans. The Executive has accepted that the plans relevant to this case - prepared by the former District and Islands Councils - were not adequate. Nevertheless, the Executive believes that the <I>National Waste Strategy for Scotland</I>, supplemented with further detailed data on waste in Scotland which are to be published shortly by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, will meet the directives' requirements.<P>The Executive is committed to the promotion of sustainable development and the protection and improvement of Scotland's environment, and it is determined to implement its European environmental obligations properly.<P>The Executive believes its involvement with Europe needs to be about more than just legislation, and it is committed to putting Scotland at the heart of the European movement for sustainable development. As part of this it is organising two seminars on the environment as part of Scotland Week in Brussels on 11 and 12 October.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136147,"EventID":"S1O-03905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the development of light railways and tram systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the development of light railways and tram systems.","AnswerText":"We would welcome proposals from local authorities and other bodies for light rail systems as part of the delivery of an integrated transport policy. Such projects may qualify for support under the Public Transport Fund and Integrated Transport Fund.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136148,"EventID":"S1O-03912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in meeting its target for flu vaccinations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in meeting its target for flu vaccinations.","AnswerText":"I announced details of the Executive's comprehensive £10.5 million flu immunisation programme for the coming winter.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Following last winter's successful campaign, we have set a new more ambitious uptake target of 65% for people aged 65 and over, supported by enhanced measures to encourage eligible groups to come forward for the flu jab.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136149,"EventID":"S1O-03915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all answers to parliamentary questions and letters from MSPs are detailed, informed and transparent and that the minimum constraints on providing info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all answers to parliamentary questions and letters from MSPs are detailed, informed and transparent and that the minimum constraints on providing information are imposed.","AnswerText":"In answering parliamentary questions and letters from MSPs, ministers have regard to the Scottish Ministerial Code, which provides that ministers should be as open as possible with the Parliament, and to the <I>Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136150,"EventID":"S1O-03916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of small- and medium-si'ed business failures in the first three quarters of this year has risen in comparison with the same period in 2000. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of small- and medium-si'ed business failures in the first three quarters of this year has risen in comparison with the same period in 2000. ","AnswerText":"Official statistics on insolvencies for the third quarter of 2001 are not yet available. <P>In the first half of 2001, DTI data show that there were 307 company liquidations and 1,459 individual sequestrations in Scotland. In the first half of 2000, the respective figures were 289 and 1,502.<P>It should be noted that not all individual sequestrations are associated with business failures.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136151,"EventID":"S1O-03917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any correspondence from individuals seeking access to police road traffic accident reports under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any correspondence from individuals seeking access to police road traffic accident reports under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill. ","AnswerText":"No, but the Scottish Executive has received correspondence about whether police road traffic accident reports would be accessible under the proposed Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136152,"EventID":"S1O-03918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to modify the definition of a \"vulnerable witness\" in relation to adolescent and adult complainants in cases involving sexual assault. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to modify the definition of a \"vulnerable witness\" in relation to adolescent and adult complainants in cases involving sexual assault. ","AnswerText":"The Executive intends to issue a Consultation Paper on protection of vulnerable witnesses early in 2002. This will look at the issue you raise. We will decide whether changes to the law are needed following the consultation.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136153,"EventID":"S1O-03919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the hydroelectric power production of British Alcan at Kinlochleven and Fort William will qualify for the incentives to be introduced as from 1 January 2002 under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the hydroelectric power production of British Alcan at Kinlochleven and Fort William will qualify for the incentives to be introduced as from 1 January 2002 under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Draft Order 2001.","AnswerText":"No final decisions on the detail of the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) have yet been taken. A statutory consultation exercise has just ended, and as part of this, my officials are meeting with representatives from British Alcan to discuss that company's views about support for renewable energy.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136154,"EventID":"S1O-03923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with DAKS Simpson in Larkhall and Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire following the announcement that the factory is to cease manufacturing in spr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with DAKS Simpson in Larkhall and Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire following the announcement that the factory is to cease manufacturing in spring 2002.","AnswerText":"My officials have been in regular dialogue with both DAKS Simpson and Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire. Wendy Alexander also met GMB and STUC representatives on Monday 22 October 2001 to discuss this issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136155,"EventID":"S1O-03928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Area Waste Plan for the north east to be finalised. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Area Waste Plan for the north east to be finalised. ","AnswerText":"The North East Area Waste Plan is currently expected to be published for two months public consultation in March 2002 prior to finalisation.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136156,"EventID":"S1O-03930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is undertaking into any link between increased levels of skin cancer and the use of sun tanning parlours. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is undertaking into any link between increased levels of skin cancer and the use of sun tanning parlours. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Melanoma Group monitors the incidence of and outcomes for skin cancers in Scotland. <P>Published research evidence suggests that excessive use of artificial sun tanning apparatus is associated with increased risk of melanoma.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136157,"EventID":"S1O-03931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3669 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 28 June 2001, whether there is now a target rate of growth for the Scottish economy and whether it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3669 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 28 June 2001, whether there is now a target rate of growth for the Scottish economy and whether it expects the long-term trend rate of growth to rise, fall or stay the same in the coming five years. ","AnswerText":"The Executive does not have a target rate for economic growth in Scotland and does not make economic forecasts.<P>What is important is that the Executive is addressing the underlying conditions for growth and prosperity in the modern economy. We are set upon raising Scotland's global profile, improving our connectivity, exploiting our research strengths and aligning our skills to the knowledge base. We are also taking action in relation to Scotland's education and its infrastructure. All are critical to our longer-term economic performance and it is right to seek to improve such conditions at all times.<P>We are currently designing specific targets for the key elements on the enterprise side that will bring better productivity and growth.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136158,"EventID":"S1O-03933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with the Scottish Prison Service regarding its contract with Premier Prison Services to run Her Majesty's Prison, Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with the Scottish Prison Service regarding its contract with Premier Prison Services to run Her Majesty's Prison, Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service, which is part of the Scottish Executive has meetings, as necessary, to manage the contract with Premier Prison Services to run HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136159,"EventID":"S1O-03935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to simplify the system of student financial support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to simplify the system of student financial support.","AnswerText":"We have introduced a number of measures which have simplified the system of student financial support. We have aligned the levels of support in both sectors so that students in comparable circumstances will receive the same rate of maintenance support, which will be subject to a contribution from their parents or spouse above the same income threshold. <P>The process of applying for student support for students in higher education has also been simplified. The Student Awards Agency for Scotland has established an electronic link with the General Register Office which removes the need for most applicants to submit original birth certificates. A system of sample checking income details has reduced the volume of supporting documentation that students and their families have to provide. The agency is also developing a system which will eventually allow student support applications to be made via the internet and to be processed almost automatically. In addition, we are integrating the two existing systems of support for pre-registration nursing students.<P>The student support system in higher education will also become more simple over the next few years as new students increasingly fall within the new arrangements introduced this year and the various pre-existing schemes fall out of use.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136160,"EventID":"S1O-03939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to measures to support prospective adopters through the initial stages of the adoption process. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to measures to support prospective adopters through the initial stages of the adoption process. ","AnswerText":"Adoption can often be a complex process both for the child and the prospective adopter. To tackle this and other concerns, I established an adoption Policy Review earlier this year with the aim of modernising the system. The remit includes the recruitment, selection and assessment of prospective adopters. The first stage of the review is due to report to me by the end of November 2001.<P>Draft National Care Standards for adoption services are currently available. Standards 24 to 37 cover the service adoptive parents and prospective adoptive parents can expect. They include requirements for prompt and comprehensive responses and decisions, and for provision of specialist support from experienced social workers.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136161,"EventID":"S1O-03941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is taking any action to reduce the stigma of suffering from mental health illnesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is taking any action to reduce the stigma of suffering from mental health illnesses.","AnswerText":"Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change </I>commits the Executive to looking for ways to address the stigma which can attach to poor mental health and to investing £4 million over three years in a campaign to promote positive mental health and well-being. On 8 October 2001 I announced that we would set up a National Advisory Group, supported by a programme co-ordinator, to oversee a programme of both short and longer term actions to this end. An early focus will be on measures to address stigma.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136162,"EventID":"S1O-03944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses the distinct educational needs of children in remote and rural areas to ensure that an appropriate quality of services is provided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses the distinct educational needs of children in remote and rural areas to ensure that an appropriate quality of services is provided.","AnswerText":"The Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 requires that local authorities provide education directed to achieving the fullest potential of the child or young person. The distribution of resources from the Executive to support local authorities takes account of rurality and deprivation indicators. It will therefore be the responsibility of local authorities to assess the educational needs of all children and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education will ensure they are doing this through their inspection programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136163,"EventID":"S1O-03949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to address the current shortage of Gaelic-medium teachers following the recently announced #1 million extra investment in Gaelic broadcasting and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to address the current shortage of Gaelic-medium teachers following the recently announced #1 million extra investment in Gaelic broadcasting and teaching.","AnswerText":"The Executive is supporting the development of an initial teacher education course specifically for Gaelic-medium primary teaching and is funding an extra 10 student places at Strathclyde University in session 2001-02 to support primary Gaelic-medium provision.<P>As a result of these measures, it is forecast that a total of 24 students able to teach in primary Gaelic-medium will qualify from teacher education institutions at the end of academic session 2001-02. This is double the number of students who qualified last year and will boost Gaelic medium teacher numbers considerably.<P>In addition, the current campaign to recruit more teachers includes TV advertising to coincide with Gaelic programming, advertisements in the Gaelic press and key pages of the supporting website will soon appear in the Gaelic language.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136164,"EventID":"S1O-03953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any timetable for implementation is being prepared in response to the Race Equality Advisory Forum report, Making it Real: A Race Equality Strategy for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any timetable for implementation is being prepared in response to the Race Equality Advisory Forum report, Making it Real: A Race Equality Strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will publish its response to the Race Equality Advisory Forum (REAF) report by the end of January 2002. This response will detail work in hand, and plans for further action based on the report's recommendations. <P>However, responsibility for implementation of the recommendations goes wider than just the Executive. We will therefore be working with other organisations over the coming year to take forward the agenda mapped out by REAF.","AnswerDate":"2001-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136165,"EventID":"S1O-03957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what education research supports increasing significantly the number of composite classes of Primary 1, 2 and 3 children in order to achieve reduction of all class si'es","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what education research supports increasing significantly the number of composite classes of Primary 1, 2 and 3 children in order to achieve reduction of all class si'es to 30.","AnswerText":"Results from the school census indicate that between 1998 and 2000 the number of composite classes involving P1 to P3 classes declined from 2,374 to 2,329.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136166,"EventID":"S1O-03959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is considering taking any steps to reduce the number of persons being imprisoned for non-payment of fines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is considering taking any steps to reduce the number of persons being imprisoned for non-payment of fines.","AnswerText":"Following a discussion in the Criminal Justice Forum, we have been discussing with a number of interests how the enforcement of fines might be improved, with a view to reducing the use of imprisonment as a last resort.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136167,"EventID":"S1O-03962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how its policies and practices will deliver a world class prison service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how its policies and practices will deliver a world class prison service.","AnswerText":"At the end of last year the Scottish Prison Service launched a new, five-year vision and committed itself to the pursuit of correctional excellence. This vision sets out the service's aspiration to be recognised as the leader in prison correctional work which helps reduce recidivism, contributes to the Scottish Executive aim of making Scotland's communities safer. and thereby offers value for money to the taxpayer. In order to fulfil this aim, the Scottish Prison Service is developing strategies, including the use of the Business Excellence Model, for ensuring that it delivers the highest standards of service; provides effective prisoner opportunities which help reduce recidivism; develops staff who are recognised for their professionalism and for the difficult job they do on behalf of society; demonstrates real value for money to the taxpayer, and, critically, that the prison estate is fit for its purpose.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136168,"EventID":"S1O-03969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to maintain the safety and reliability of the trunk road network in the Highlands this coming winter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to maintain the safety and reliability of the trunk road network in the Highlands this coming winter. ","AnswerText":"Winter Maintenance Plans for the trunk road network have been drawn up by the Operating Company (BEAR Scotland Ltd) and approved by the Scottish Executive. Following a successful Winter Maintenance Conference held on 25 September 2001, the Executive will be holding detailed discussions with Highland Council, BEAR and the police to help ensure that winter maintenance planning for the trunk and local road networks is co-ordinated.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136169,"EventID":"S1O-03971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to promote more effective public participation in the planning process and make the process more responsive to local concerns. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to promote more effective public participation in the planning process and make the process more responsive to local concerns. ","AnswerText":"The Executive will issue a consultation paper later this month seeking views on a range of proposals aimed at securing more effective public involvement in planning.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136170,"EventID":"S1O-03973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made since the publication of A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland in the recruitment and retention of midwives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made since the publication of A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland in the recruitment and retention of midwives.","AnswerText":"The <I>Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland</I> launched on 2 February 2001 sets out guiding principles and actions to underpin the development of local maternity strategies.<P>NHS Boards have been auditing their current maternity strategies against the framework and are developing the necessary action plans including one-to-one midwife care in labour and childbirth and other workforce issues. <P>The nursing and midwifery recruitment and retention convention to be held on 19 November will bring together key players from Scotland and overseas to address long-term recruitment and retention issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136171,"EventID":"S1O-03976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it has issued to local authorities to help reduce the number of injuries resulting from the use of fireworks during this year's Guy Fawkes celebrations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it has issued to local authorities to help reduce the number of injuries resulting from the use of fireworks during this year's Guy Fawkes celebrations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-03987.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136172,"EventID":"S1O-03977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any finance from European structural funds is being used in order to help the Scottish economy to remain resilient in light of the current international situatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any finance from European structural funds is being used in order to help the Scottish economy to remain resilient in light of the current international situation.","AnswerText":"European structural funds programmes are designed to increase the economic sustainability and social strength of member states. The funds raise employability, support business development and help our communities. Funding can only can be offered where actions to support specific parts of the economy fit with the strategies for the programmes that have been agreed at local level.<P>Since the strategies for programmes cover economic development and raising skill levels across the workforce at the local level, finance from European structural funds is helping the Scottish economy to remain resilient in the light of the current international situation.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136173,"EventID":"S1O-03981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards meeting its targets on moving freight from road to rail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards meeting its targets on moving freight from road to rail.","AnswerText":"We continue to be fully committed to encouraging the transfer of freight from road to rail and waterborne modes of transport. <P>We have already made awards of Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) that will remove over 13.4 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads each year including 11.5 million for rail projects. <P>I expect to make further awards of FFG in the coming months that will achieve our target of making awards of FFG, by March 2002, that will remove 18 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads each year.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136174,"EventID":"S1O-03985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in meeting the recommendations of Audit Scotland's report A Clean Bill of Health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in meeting the recommendations of Audit Scotland's report A Clean Bill of Health.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland is making steady progress in improving the quality and effectiveness of cleaning services. Audit Scotland will be revisiting this issue in due course and I look forward to the report. I expect hospitals to work with the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland to implement a new standard for domestic services which will ensure the clean environment that patients need.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136175,"EventID":"S1O-03986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it intends to pursue the key developments of the Scottish rail network in light of Railtrack plc going into administration. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it intends to pursue the key developments of the Scottish rail network in light of Railtrack plc going into administration. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is working closely with the UK Government and the Strategic Rail Authority to ensure that the new railway structure fully takes into account Scotland's interests.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136176,"EventID":"S1O-03987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what precautions it has taken in order to limit the number of injuries caused by fireworks. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what precautions it has taken in order to limit the number of injuries caused by fireworks. ","AnswerText":"The sale, supply and safety of fireworks are consumer protection matters and as such are reserved. The Department of Trade and Industry runs annual firework safety campaigns and issues firework safety packs to trading standards departments, environmental health departments, fire brigades and police forces. Fire brigades undertake local work in schools and the wider community and the Scottish Executive supplements this by funding regular publicity on fire safety.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136177,"EventID":"S1O-03988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Scottish Ministerial Group on Sustainable Development is making in helping to implement the plans outlined in Working together for Scotland: A Programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Scottish Ministerial Group on Sustainable Development is making in helping to implement the plans outlined in Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland has played a key role in ensuring that the plans outlined in <I>Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government</I> are implemented in a way which takes sustainable development into account. Policy areas examined by the group include planning, health, transport and European funds. On 9 October I announced the group's four point action plan further to embed sustainable development in the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136178,"EventID":"S1O-03990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways European funding contributes towards achieving social justice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways European funding contributes towards achieving social justice.","AnswerText":"European structural funds, worth around £1 billion to 2006, complement a range of Scottish Executive policies aimed at meeting the social justice agenda. The funds are designed to improve the social and economic cohesion of member states, through economic and social development and enhancing employment opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136179,"EventID":"S1O-03992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Child Support Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Child Support Group.","AnswerText":"The Child Health Support Group has been working hard to drive forward improvements in child health since the Minister for Health and Community Care announced its formation on 26 June last year. <P>The group's work has included the publication, in May of this year, of a <I>Template for Children's Health Services in Unified NHS Board Areas. </I>It is also midway through a series of supportive visits to all health care systems in Scotland and on 27 February next year the group will be holding a conference which will bring together all those with an interest in children's health and children's health services in order to pass on the lessons learned.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136180,"EventID":"S1O-03993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the level of public consultation will be on the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority plans for the development of the Partick Interchange. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the level of public consultation will be on the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority plans for the development of the Partick Interchange. ","AnswerText":"Consultation on individual Public Transport Fund Bids is a matter for the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPTA) as the promoting authority for this project.<P>I understand that to date SPTA has consulted with industry partners, the statutory rail bodies, local authority officers, emergency services and rail user groups in the area. <P>In addition a presentation of the full outline of the proposals was held for these organisations plus Glasgow City Council Planning officials on 3 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136181,"EventID":"S1O-03995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any delay in the establishment of Disclosure Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any delay in the establishment of Disclosure Scotland.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland is being established within the Scottish Criminal Record Office for purposes of issuing criminal record certificates under Part V of the Police Act 1997. It had been intended that certificates would be available from January 2002 but we have deferred the start date until April 2002 so as to align it with the start date for England and Wales.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136182,"EventID":"S1O-03997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust regarding negotiations with medical secretaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust regarding negotiations with medical secretaries.","AnswerText":"This is a matter which has been taken forward by the Trust and which I understand has now been resolved successfully.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136183,"EventID":"S1O-03998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it will issue to the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils following the publication of the report of the South of Scotland University Stee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it will issue to the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils following the publication of the report of the South of Scotland University Steering Group Higher Education in the South of Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I intend to include guidance on stimulating uptake of higher education and continuing professional development in the rural south in my letters of guidance to the Funding Councils for 2002-03. I have already asked the Chief Executive of the Funding Councils to establish a group bringing together representatives of relevant higher and further education institutes, local authorities and local enterprise bodies, as recommended in the steering group's report.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136184,"EventID":"S1O-03999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the current state of the Scottish scallop industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the current state of the Scottish scallop industry.","AnswerText":"The current state of the Scottish scallop industry is good. Output has been at record levels this year. However, the decision last week of the European Commission's Standing Veterinary Committee to agree to the operation of a tiered testing system will require the industry to adapt to the new regime. The Executive and the Food Standards Agency will be consulting the industry and other interested parties within the next few weeks on possible options about how it is introduced.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136185,"EventID":"S1O-04003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision not to appoint a minister at cabinet level whose sole portfolio is tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision not to appoint a minister at cabinet level whose sole portfolio is tourism.","AnswerText":"I have Cabinet level responsibility for tourism and both Alasdair Morrison and I are working extremely hard with VisitScotland to support the industry at this difficult time.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136186,"EventID":"S1O-04004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to take to improve animal welfare. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to take to improve animal welfare. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive attaches a high priority to animal welfare and seeks to ensure in various ways that the welfare of farm animals is protected. Proposals to implement EU Directives on the welfare of laying hens and also of pigs are currently under consideration. Legislation will be brought forward when these considerations are complete.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136187,"EventID":"S1O-04006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to monitor the administration of Individual Learning Accounts in Scotland following the decision by the Department for Education and Skills to su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to monitor the administration of Individual Learning Accounts in Scotland following the decision by the Department for Education and Skills to suspend them in England.","AnswerText":"We are continuing to operate the financial monitoring and administrative management systems set up when Individual Learning Accounts were first established. In light of the DfES decision, we have reviewed current arrangements and introduced an additional layer of checks.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136188,"EventID":"S1O-04010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had into any recent discussions involving EU environment ministers. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had into any recent discussions involving EU environment ministers. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is fully involved in preparations for Environment Councils and international meetings involving EU environment ministers.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136189,"EventID":"S1O-04016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to close any gap in attainment levels between pupils from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to close any gap in attainment levels between pupils from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds.","AnswerText":"Raising attainment for all pupils and closing the gap between the poorest and best performers are central to the National Priorities for education. I will shortly be issuing guidance to education authorities which sets out a clear, evidence-based improvement framework for monitoring the delivery of National Priorities at all levels. Schools and authorities will be supported in that delivery by our drive to provide better integrated children's services.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136190,"EventID":"S1O-04018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to mitigate any job losses in the south of Scotland following the proposed creation of Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to mitigate any job losses in the south of Scotland following the proposed creation of Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"The implementation of efficiency measures by the water authorities, necessary to minimise future charge rises will mean a reduction in the number of people employed by the water authorities. I expect these reductions to be managed carefully with consideration being given to the location of operational centres.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136191,"EventID":"S1O-04019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to amend the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to allow the practice of co-option of student representatives to council committees which cover the e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to amend the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to allow the practice of co-option of student representatives to council committees which cover the education functions of local authorities.","AnswerText":"We do not believe that this legislation <I>disallows</I> student representatives being co-opted to council committees and therefore we have no plans to amend it.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136192,"EventID":"S1O-04020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has in place to ensure that budgets allocated to all health board areas reflect its policies. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has in place to ensure that budgets allocated to all health board areas reflect its policies. ","AnswerText":"The Performance Assessment Framework will form the mandatory core framework for assessing the performance of NHSScotland. This assessment will encompass a wide range of activities undertaken by NHS boards including the implementation of relevant national priorities set out in <I>Our National Health</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136193,"EventID":"S1O-04025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist local authorities in making communities safer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist local authorities in making communities safer.","AnswerText":"As recently as 31 October, I announced details of a new community safety award programme which will give all council-led Community Safety Partnerships a share of £12 million over the next three years for local community safety initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136194,"EventID":"S1O-04026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of female prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of female prisoners.","AnswerText":"In view of the Executive's concerns over the problem of women's offending, we set up a Ministerial Group, which I chair, to tackle this specific issue. The group is looking at a range of measures to encourage the appropriate use of alternatives to custody for female offenders. The group is due to complete its work in December and will report shortly after.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136195,"EventID":"S1O-04028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the recommendations made in Sensing Progress.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the recommendations made in Sensing Progress.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has taken several steps to implement the recommendations made in <I>Sensing Progress</I> including the establishment of a short-life working group of representatives of local authorities, health services and people with a visual impairment, to review, and change as necessary, the efficiency of arrangements for certification and registration - this was set up and reported in May 2001.<P>In addition, the <I>Sensing Progress</I> recommendations set out some clear action points for local authorities, and the Chief Inspector of Social Work Services, in his annual report, will record what progress has been made.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136196,"EventID":"S1O-04029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in publishing area waste strategies. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in publishing area waste strategies. ","AnswerText":"Two draft area waste plans (Forth Valley and Argyll & Bute) have been published for consultation. Options or issues papers seeking public views on the range of solutions being considered have been published for five other areas (Fife, Glasgow & Clyde Valley, Highland, Tayside and Lothian & Borders).","AnswerDate":"2001-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136197,"EventID":"S1O-04030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in recognising the importance of children's play.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in recognising the importance of children's play.","AnswerText":"Our <I>Programme for Government</I> sets the objective of providing children with a stimulating environment for playing, developing and learning. <P>The pre-school education curriculum is founded on the concept of learning through play. Physical development and movement is a key aspect of children's development and learning. 97% of four-year-olds and 80% of three-year-olds, now receiving grant funded pre-school education, are benefiting from learning through play.<P>We are providing funding to a range of organisations committed to the development of play and, through the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grant Programme, to projects developing integrated play and learning for children with special needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136198,"EventID":"S1O-04031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be made available from the Public Transport Fund for the implementation of the Glasgow CrossRail scheme and the Glasgow Airport direct rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be made available from the Public Transport Fund for the implementation of the Glasgow CrossRail scheme and the Glasgow Airport direct rail link.","AnswerText":"Neither of these projects has yet been the subject of a Public Transport Fund bid.<P>The Scottish Executive, in partnership with BAA plc, Scottish Enterprise, the Strategic Rail Authority and the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, is commissioning a study into direct rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136199,"EventID":"S1O-04033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Scottish Prison Service and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Scottish Prison Service and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The last key meeting was on 24 October when Iain Gray and I met with members of the Prisons Board at a reception at Edinburgh Castle which recognised exceptional work across a range of areas carried out by Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff. SPS officials have regular meetings with officials from other parts of the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136200,"EventID":"S1O-04034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving the position of victims in the legal system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving the position of victims in the legal system.","AnswerText":"The Executive is making good progress in implementing the <I>Scottish Strategy for Victims</I> and the Action Plans which support it. We are improving the support and information available to victims and will be providing them with more opportunities to participate. For example, yesterday we announced the launch of a consultation paper on the procedures for a victims' statements scheme. Such a scheme would provide victims with the chance to set out the impact which a crime has had an on them and would be an important step in providing victims with more opportunities to participate in the criminal justice process.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136201,"EventID":"S1O-04042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling the level of diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling the level of diabetes.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland is spending more than £300 million a year in tackling diabetes. This involves national and local initiatives to improve prevention, detection and treatment.<P>The Executive will shortly launch the first national Diabetes Framework to ensure better and more consistent services are delivered across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136202,"EventID":"S1O-04043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had with its campaign to attract mature entrants into teaching.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had with its campaign to attract mature entrants into teaching.","AnswerText":"The recent Teacher Recruitment Advertising Campaign has the twin objectives of improving public perception of teaching as a worthwhile and rewarding career and increasing the numbers of talented people entering the teaching profession. <P>The campaign was not specifically aimed at mature entrants to the profession. Nevertheless 70% of callers responding to the recent run of adverts and requesting further information on teaching and entry requirements were in the 25-44 age group.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136203,"EventID":"S1O-04047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to audit the quality of training or education provided to holders of Individual Learning Accounts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to audit the quality of training or education provided to holders of Individual Learning Accounts.","AnswerText":"All learning providers participating in the Individual Learning Accounts scheme are required to meet or to be working towards appropriate quality standards such as the Scottish Quality Management System.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136204,"EventID":"S1O-04050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving school discipline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving school discipline.","AnswerText":"The recent report of the Discipline Task Group, <I>Better Behaviour - Better Learning</I>, contains 36 recommendations aimed at improving discipline within schools. Every teacher in Scotland now has a summary of the report, and later this month I shall be publishing an Action Plan for implementation of the recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136205,"EventID":"S1O-04051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve recruitment and retention in the social work profession following the recent action team report on children's services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve recruitment and retention in the social work profession following the recent action team report on children's services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of some difficulties in recruiting and retaining social work staff in parts of Scotland. The Executive will be working closely with the newly created Scottish Social Services Council and other organisations in the coming months to develop our national and local strategies to address this issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136206,"EventID":"S1O-04052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the staff at DAKS Simpson in Larkhall following the announcement that the factory is to cease manufacturing in spring 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the staff at DAKS Simpson in Larkhall following the announcement that the factory is to cease manufacturing in spring 2002. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-3923 by Alasdair Morrison on 25 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136207,"EventID":"S1O-04053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist local authorities with measures to reduce and manage flood risks. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist local authorities with measures to reduce and manage flood risks. ","AnswerText":"The Executive actively encourages local authorities to reduce and manage the flood risk to non-agricultural land.<P>We have issued planning guidance on flood risk and have ensured that councils have the necessary powers and resources to address local flooding concerns. Additionally, the Executive has published research on flood risk and provided for Scottish Environment Protection Agency's flood warnings and information on the risk of flooding to be more readily available.<P>Research into <I>Potential Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in Scotland </I>was published last month. This research will inform our consideration of a strategic level response to assist local decision makers to implement adaptation strategies to protect their communities from flooding.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136208,"EventID":"S1O-04056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it is having into the negotiations to phase out EU tobacco subsidies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it is having into the negotiations to phase out EU tobacco subsidies.","AnswerText":"The Executive agrees fully with the UK Government on this matter. We strongly disapprove of the Common Agricultural Policy support scheme for tobacco. We argue that the Community should progressively disengage from support for tobacco production, on grounds of health and cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136209,"EventID":"S1O-04057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in implementing the recommendations made in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in implementing the recommendations made in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A number of the recommendations, outlined in the <I>Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland</I>, have been implemented and work continues to address the others.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136210,"EventID":"S1O-04059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the UK rail modernisation fund will be allocated to railway investment projects in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the UK rail modernisation fund will be allocated to railway investment projects in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Rail Modernisation Fund is administered by the Strategic Rail Authority on a UK basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136211,"EventID":"S1O-04061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the outcome of the consultation on the Review of Strategic Planning and the timetable for the implementation of any recommendations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the outcome of the consultation on the Review of Strategic Planning and the timetable for the implementation of any recommendations.","AnswerText":"The consultation period on the <I>Review of Strategic Planning</I> closed on 31 October. We have received over 250 responses and an independent consultant has been appointed to analyse these responses. He will report at the end of January next year and his report will be published. A seminar will be held in January to provide initial feedback to consultees. I intend to announce conclusions in the spring.<P>The timetable for any changes to the arrangements for strategic planning will depend on the conclusions reached and, in particular, on whether primary or secondary legislation is required to implement the outcome of the review.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136212,"EventID":"S1O-04062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to write off debt in the event that the three water authorities merge into the proposed Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to write off debt in the event that the three water authorities merge into the proposed Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"There are no plans for writing off water authority debt.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136213,"EventID":"S1O-04066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to allow local authorities to introduce speed restriction measures in built-up areas. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to allow local authorities to introduce speed restriction measures in built-up areas. ","AnswerText":"Local authorities have power to set speed limits on local roads in built-up areas and elsewhere. In particular, local authorities have power to set 20 mph speed limits where they are considered appropriate. Other speed limits below 30 mph require the consent of the Scottish ministers. Scottish ministers have power to set speed limits on trunk roads in built-up areas and elsewhere.<P>Local authorities also have power to construct road humps and traffic calming measures to control the speed of traffic on local roads.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136214,"EventID":"S1O-04068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3935 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 25 October 2001, whether the system of additional support to students currently arranged through ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3935 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 25 October 2001, whether the system of additional support to students currently arranged through access and hardship funds can be simplified and brought within the new arrangements for student financial support.","AnswerText":"Hardship funds, formerly known as access funds, are an integral part of the new support arrangements for further and higher education students. These funds are administered by individual colleges and universities under guidance provided by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136215,"EventID":"S1O-04069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the reasons are for delay in appointing a new Lord President to the Court of Session and a new Lord Justice General.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the reasons are for delay in appointing a new Lord President to the Court of Session and a new Lord Justice General.","AnswerText":"On Tuesday 13 November, the appointment was announced of the Rt Hon Lord Cullen who succeeds Lord Rodger as Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General. The Prime Minister made the final recommendation to Her Majesty the Queen after consulting the First Minister who nominated Lord Cullen. Scottish ministers warmly welcome the appointment of Lord Cullen and that of Lord Gill who succeeds Lord Cullen in the office of Lord Justice Clerk. Consultations about these appointments could not begin until after the announcement of Lord Rodger's appointment as a Lord of Appeal and that did not happen until 11 September.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136216,"EventID":"S1O-04081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to implement the recommendations in the report Early Endowment by the Scottish Council Foundation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to implement the recommendations in the report Early Endowment by the Scottish Council Foundation.","AnswerText":"We are examining the recommendations in this report, supported by two of our Social Inclusion Partnerships, which relate to services for pregnant women and infants.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136217,"EventID":"S1O-04083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will re-consider its decision that the local Procurator Fiscal carry out a re-investigation into the death of Neil Gillies on 24 December 1999, and instruct t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will re-consider its decision that the local Procurator Fiscal carry out a re-investigation into the death of Neil Gillies on 24 December 1999, and instruct that the investigation be carried out by a Procurator Fiscal from another area. ","AnswerText":"Decisions as to the investigation of deaths are taken independently by the Lord Advocate. It is for the Lord Advocate to determine which of his officials carries out an investigation.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136218,"EventID":"S1O-04093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has full confidence in the board of the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has full confidence in the board of the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust. ","AnswerText":"I am keen that lessons are learned from a number of staffing, investment and operational problems experienced by the Trust since it was established in April 1999. On 7 November, I asked the Chief Executive of Greater Glasgow NHS Board to carry out a review of the North Glasgow Trust's performance over that period. The review will be used to inform long-term plans for the development of acute services in Greater Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136219,"EventID":"S1O-04094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has received regarding the range of powers that the Scottish ministers have in relation to the rail industry. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has received regarding the range of powers that the Scottish ministers have in relation to the rail industry. ","AnswerText":"I receive representations from a wide range of interests about this and other issues relating to the rail industry in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136220,"EventID":"S1O-04095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received any representations from organisations or residents of Fife regarding its consultation document Review of Strategic Planning. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received any representations from organisations or residents of Fife regarding its consultation document Review of Strategic Planning. ","AnswerText":"Yes. We have received just over 150 responses from Fife on the proposals in the consultation paper <I>Review of Strategic Planning</I>.<P>All letters are available for viewing in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136221,"EventID":"S1O-04099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has regarding the export of Scottish agricultural produce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has regarding the export of Scottish agricultural produce.","AnswerText":"<I>A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture</I>, which I published in June, outlined the need to improve the identification of markets at home and abroad for Scottish agricultural produce. In the awarding of grants for the processing and marketing of agricultural products, priority is given to businesses that seek to increase exports. The Scottish Executive will continue to support all sectors of the agri-food industry in developing plans to improve exports.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136222,"EventID":"S1O-04104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in raising levels of adult literacy. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in raising levels of adult literacy. ","AnswerText":"I published the Adult Literacy Team's report in July. It provides a comprehensive strategy for raising levels of adult literacy and numeracy in Scotland.<P>Funding of £22.5 million between now and 2004 will enable an initial 80,000 people to be helped.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136223,"EventID":"S1O-04105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made on its pilot programme of Drug Courts. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made on its pilot programme of Drug Courts. ","AnswerText":"The Glasgow Drug Court sat for the first time on Monday 12 November. This opens the way for a second stage pilot and so I was pleased to announce on Monday that a Drug Court will be established in Fife. The plans are for it to be in operation by summer 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136224,"EventID":"S1O-04107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to improve standards of urban design. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to improve standards of urban design. ","AnswerText":"I shall be launching the Executive's policy statement <I>Designing Places</I> tomorrow.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136225,"EventID":"S1O-04110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with taking forward Criminal Justice Accommodation Services: A Review and Consultation Paper. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with taking forward Criminal Justice Accommodation Services: A Review and Consultation Paper. ","AnswerText":"Forty-nine responses were made to the consultation exercise which ended on 30 September, including a number received after this date. These are being analysed at present and I hope to announce the outcome of the review early in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136226,"EventID":"S1O-04111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how its proposals to grant local authorities a power of well-being will differ from granting local authorities a power of general competence. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how its proposals to grant local authorities a power of well-being will differ from granting local authorities a power of general competence. ","AnswerText":"We believe the term well-being better describes the power we envisage which will be a general power to assist councils in promoting the well-being of their area.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136227,"EventID":"S1O-04112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with the introduction of the Criminal Justice Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with the introduction of the Criminal Justice Bill.","AnswerText":"We intend to introduce a Criminal Justice Bill in early 2002. It will introduce new arrangements for the treatment of serious violent and sexual offenders, as set out in our White Paper of June. It will also introduce other measures, which will be outlined in a further White Paper to be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136228,"EventID":"S1O-04126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with Dr Andrew Walker of the Robertson Centre for Biostatistics in the University of Glasgow, in light of his report on hospital-acqui","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with Dr Andrew Walker of the Robertson Centre for Biostatistics in the University of Glasgow, in light of his report on hospital-acquired infections, and what the outcome of any such discussions was.","AnswerText":"Health Department officials met Dr Walker on 12 October to discuss his study and explain the Scottish Executive's policy on Healthcare Associated Infection.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136229,"EventID":"S1O-04127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive payments in respect of the costs of repair of the Erskine Bridge from those parties considered responsible for damaging the bridge. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive payments in respect of the costs of repair of the Erskine Bridge from those parties considered responsible for damaging the bridge. ","AnswerText":"This matter is still working its way through the court process. Following the serving of the summons, defences have been lodged and the pleadings are now being adjusted. As there is still some way to go in procedural terms, it is impossible to predict how long this matter will take.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136230,"EventID":"S1O-04129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to produce guidelines limiting the number of cases, particularly child protection cases, allocated to individual social workers. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to produce guidelines limiting the number of cases, particularly child protection cases, allocated to individual social workers. ","AnswerText":"The protection of children is the responsibility of a range of services including social work, education and health. The Scottish Executive is currently leading a multi-disciplinary review to promote the reduction of abuse or neglect of children, and to improve the services for children who experience abuse or neglect. The review team will report and make recommendations to improve professional working and the regulatory framework in which professionals operate. It is premature to judge whether the recommendations are likely to include the production of guidelines on the allocation of cases to social workers.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136231,"EventID":"S1O-04130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3917 by Iain Gray on 25 October 2001, what steps it will take to meet the requirements of those who seek access to police road traf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3917 by Iain Gray on 25 October 2001, what steps it will take to meet the requirements of those who seek access to police road traffic accident reports.","AnswerText":"Police Road Traffic Accident Reports often contain sensitive information, most notably those involving fatal accidents. Such reports, if made available generally to the public, can cause great distress to victims' families and others. Therefore, it is not appropriate that Police Road Traffic Accident Reports are made available generally to the public. <P>However, the Crown Office recognises the importance of making such reports available in private to those with a legitimate interest, for example victim's families, and this practice will continue. Of course, this will be subject to consideration of prejudice to any proceedings, either in contemplation or pending.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136232,"EventID":"S1O-04134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with Her Majesty's Government on the possibility of a national top-up to the Sheep Annual Premium.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with Her Majesty's Government on the possibility of a national top-up to the Sheep Annual Premium.","AnswerText":"I initiated contacts with other UK ministers about a top-up payment for 2001 in the early days of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The matter remains under review. The final Sheep Annual Premium rate for this year will not be known until January.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136233,"EventID":"S1O-04137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to reduce the number of children abused and neglected in Scotland and improve services offered to those children. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to reduce the number of children abused and neglected in Scotland and improve services offered to those children. ","AnswerText":"Jack McConnell announced a multi-disciplinary Child Protection Review in March 2001 to promote the reduction of abuse or neglect of children and to improve services. The review is due to report next summer. The <I>Action Plan on Better Integrated Children's Services</I> which was published on 30 October sets out a range of ways in which local authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and others can provide better, more integrated services for vulnerable children.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136234,"EventID":"S1O-04139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the services available on the NHS to people with diabetes. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the services available on the NHS to people with diabetes. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to developing long-term solutions to tackle the growing problem of diabetes in Scotland. We will publish the Scottish Diabetes Framework by the end of this year. Two key components of the Framework - clinical guidelines and clinical standards - were published on World Diabetes Day on 14 November.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136235,"EventID":"S1O-04140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current position is on the relocation of jobs in non-departmental public bodies from Edinburgh and Glasgow to other locations in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current position is on the relocation of jobs in non-departmental public bodies from Edinburgh and Glasgow to other locations in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-19681 on 19 November 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136236,"EventID":"S1O-04143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote and support cultural tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote and support cultural tourism.","AnswerText":"Cultural tourism was identified in <I>A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism</I> as a product group that demonstrated good potential for growth. We will publish a new Framework for Action early in the New Year. This will include the new strategy for marketing Scotland that was announced at the industry conference earlier this week.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136237,"EventID":"S1O-04144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes owned by elderly people in Dundee have been fitted with central heating under the central heating initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes owned by elderly people in Dundee have been fitted with central heating under the central heating initiative.","AnswerText":"Fifty-seven homes in Dundee have already had central heating installed, or are having it installed at present. In addition, more than 500 homes are in the process of being surveyed and Eaga plan to install central heating in all of these which are eligible by the end of March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136238,"EventID":"S1O-04145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its spending is in the current financial year on tackling alcohol misuse and what its estimate is of the numbers suffering from severe or chronic misuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its spending is in the current financial year on tackling alcohol misuse and what its estimate is of the numbers suffering from severe or chronic misuse.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made £1.845 million available through central budgets in this financial year to support local and national action to tackle alcohol problems. Funding for services addressing alcohol problems is also provided within resources allocated to NHS boards and local authorities but is not specifically identified. The Health Education Board for Scotland alcohol specific budget for this year is a further £490,000.<P>There is no standard definition of severe or chronic misuse. The Scottish Health Survey identifies heavy drinking. In the 1998 survey, 15% of men aged 16-74 drank more than 35 units per week and 6% of women aged 16-74 drank more than 21 units.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136239,"EventID":"S1O-04146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with its plans to recruit and retain additional nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with its plans to recruit and retain additional nurses.","AnswerText":"We are committed to recruiting more nurses to NHSScotland. Over the next five years 10,000 more nurses and midwives will qualify in Scotland, 1,500 more than previously planned.<P>The Nursing and Midwifery Convention held on 19 November 2001 provided an important springboard for a renewed national effort to secure the nurses needed for NHSScotland - both now and in the future. The Executive has made available £1.5 million of immediate investment specifically dedicated to ideas generated by this convention.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136240,"EventID":"S1O-04147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the New Strategy for Golf Tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the New Strategy for Golf Tourism.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland have prepared an update paper on progress with implementing the golf tourism strategy. The paper, which gives information on golf development, service delivery, promotion and research and monitoring is available on the tourism industry website, www.scotexchange.net.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136241,"EventID":"S1O-04152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the development of a form of diligence to replace poindings and warrant sales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the development of a form of diligence to replace poindings and warrant sales.","AnswerText":"The working group set up to identify a humane and workable replacement to poinding and warrant sale reported to the Deputy First Minister on 6 July. The Deputy First Minister put the group's recommendations out for consultation shortly afterwards. Every MSP was sent a copy of the group's report and the accompanying consultation questions. The consultation period ended on 17 October. The Executive is currently analysing the responses received; and will make a statement on the way forward in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136242,"EventID":"S1O-04153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its next steps will be to assist tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its next steps will be to assist tourism.","AnswerText":"We are currently reviewing our strategy for the tourism industry and will publish a Framework for Action early in the New Year. We will also review how the Area Tourist Boards can best deliver support for the industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136243,"EventID":"S1O-04157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it plans to take following the publication of its report, Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Misuse in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it plans to take following the publication of its report, Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Misuse in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"This report provides, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of misuse of the drugs which cause the most harm in Scotland.<P>The findings will help the Executive to target resources more effectively in future on the areas most in need. Regional figures will help Drug Action Teams and statutory agencies to provide services for drug users, which are being backed by record levels of investment from the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136244,"EventID":"S1O-04158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide funding to support additional places in women's refuges. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide funding to support additional places in women's refuges. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing £10 million for a capital Refuge Development Programme to increase and improve refuge provision. Revenue funding is the responsibility of the local authorities and bids under the programme were required to indicate sources of such funding. Twenty-four local authorities have submitted bids and all have complied with this requirement. We have the full support of CoSLA for this programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136245,"EventID":"S1O-04161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures it intends to take to reform the public appointments system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures it intends to take to reform the public appointments system.","AnswerText":"The Executive has put in place a modern, fair and open public appointments system. The key requirement is that ministers are able to appoint individuals with the necessary ability and experience to run our public bodies. A number of additional measures to enhance the public appointments system and attract candidates from a wider cross section of Scottish society were set out in <I>Public Bodies: Proposals for Change </I>which was published by the Executive in June. Most important was the announcement of plans to establish a Scottish Commissioner for Public Appointments who will oversee all ministerial appointments and be required to report to the Scottish Parliament annually on the operation of the public appointments system.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136246,"EventID":"S1O-04164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, and with whom, on a railway link to Edinburgh Airport and what the outcome was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, and with whom, on a railway link to Edinburgh Airport and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, along with British Airports Authority, Scottish Enterprise, the Strategic Rail Authority and the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, has just commissioned a study into rail links at Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports. The study is expected to take eight months to complete.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136247,"EventID":"S1O-04166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent plans are for the reintroduction of the Campbeltown-Ballycastle ferry service. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent plans are for the reintroduction of the Campbeltown-Ballycastle ferry service. ","AnswerText":"Since July 2000 the Scotland Office, the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Executive have been working closely together to examine the feasibility of re-introducing the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service. Ministers from the Scotland Office, the Scottish Executive, and the Northern Ireland Executive met on 26 November to discuss recent research into the potential costs and benefits of reinstating the ferry service. The proposal to reinstate the ferry service is still under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136248,"EventID":"S1O-04167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on funding for theatres and what the reasons are for the time taken to reach a decision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on funding for theatres and what the reasons are for the time taken to reach a decision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council's submission on Scottish theatre seeks significant additional funding. It also raises a number of detailed issues relating to the theatre sector which we are examining with care. That consideration is proceeding and we hope to make a statement soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136249,"EventID":"S1O-04169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish a public inquiry into the handling by the Crown Office of the recent Ayrshire sex abuse case following the abandonment of the trial.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish a public inquiry into the handling by the Crown Office of the recent Ayrshire sex abuse case following the abandonment of the trial.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136250,"EventID":"S1O-04173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, in light of recent difficulties facing the electronics industry in the Scottish Borders, it will address the state of the area's economy as a matter of urgency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, in light of recent difficulties facing the electronics industry in the Scottish Borders, it will address the state of the area's economy as a matter of urgency. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise Borders have been awarded an additional £6.096 million for the period 1999-2002 to support economic development in the area and the Scottish Executive is continuing to work closely with local agencies to secure sustainable economic development. Since the Scottish Borders was included on the Assisted Areas map in July 2000, £4.1 million in Regional Selective Assistance have been offered to companies in the area, involving the planned creation and safeguarding of some 900 jobs.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136251,"EventID":"S1O-04178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards the introduction of a small business rates relief scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards the introduction of a small business rates relief scheme.","AnswerText":"We are carefully considering the views received in response to the consultation paper we published earlier in the year. We will make an announcement on the way forward as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136252,"EventID":"S1O-04194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Action Plan for a Sustainable Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Action Plan for a Sustainable Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is on course to deliver the Action Plan by January 2002 as previously announced.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136253,"EventID":"S1O-04207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards achieving its objectives in tackling drug misuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards achieving its objectives in tackling drug misuse.","AnswerText":"I refer to my response to Hugh Henry's question S1W-20252 on 23 November, about the publication of our first Annual Report, which sets out the progress being made by the Executive in implementing the national drugs strategy. Examples of progress include the establishment of the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency, which has seized more than £25 million worth of illegal drugs to date, and the provision of drug education in 97% of Scottish schools. <P>Copies of the report have been made available to the Parliament Reference Centre, and it has also been published on the Scottish Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136254,"EventID":"S1O-04212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to implement local agreements on the 35-hour working week for teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to implement local agreements on the 35-hour working week for teachers.","AnswerText":"All local authorities and Scottish schools have reached agreement on how to implement the 35 hour working week. This is the first stage of a four-stage process scheduled to end in August 2006 which will be taken forward by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers. The Scottish Executive will support and encourage the work needed at every level.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136255,"EventID":"S1O-04213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs last met representatives of the Scottish School Boards Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs last met representatives of the Scottish School Boards Association.","AnswerText":"Jack McConnell last met representatives of the Scottish School Board Association on Wednesday 4 July 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136256,"EventID":"S1O-04220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has in monitoring the educational performance of pupils in schools that are part of Public/Private Partnership projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has in monitoring the educational performance of pupils in schools that are part of Public/Private Partnership projects.","AnswerText":"The provision of education in schools which are part of Public/Private Partnership projects is the responsibility of the education authority for the area concerned. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has a role in monitoring educational performance in all schools regardless of who provides the facilities in which teaching and learning takes place.","AnswerDate":"2001-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136257,"EventID":"S1O-04222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Part V of the Police Act 1997 will come into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Part V of the Police Act 1997 will come into force.","AnswerText":"We are planning to bring the provisions in Part V which deal with the making of regulations, registration and the code of practice into force shortly so that the registration process can start in February 2002. Thereafter, other provisions will be brought into force so that criminal record certificates and enhanced criminal record certificates will start to become available from April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136258,"EventID":"S1O-04228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether incidence of breathing-related illness is higher than the national average in the communities of Ballingry and Lochore in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether incidence of breathing-related illness is higher than the national average in the communities of Ballingry and Lochore in Fife.","AnswerText":"Information about the incidence of breathing related illness specific to the communities of Ballingry and Lochore is not held centrally. <P>However, lung disease represents one of the major elements of the care provided by NHSScotland. Smoking is the greatest single cause of preventable disease in Scotland, including lung disease. The Executive has introduced a comprehensive range of measures to reduce smoking levels.<P>In addition, the Chief Scientist Office, the Health Department body responsible for sponsoring research, is investing £3.5 million in 36 projects related to lung disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136259,"EventID":"S1O-04235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland towards the establishment of specific issue-based working groups, as detailed in P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland towards the establishment of specific issue-based working groups, as detailed in Preventing Violence Against Women: Action Across the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"Three issue-based working groups have recently been established by the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland. These are: a working group to review all current legislation relating to domestic abuse, a working group to review current recommendations on levels of refuge provision in Scotland and a working group to prepare a prevention strategy. The Prevention Strategy Working Group met for the first time on 20 November, the other two groups will meet later this month.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136260,"EventID":"S1O-04237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made on the revision of the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme so that it targets aid more effectively to peripheral areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made on the revision of the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme so that it targets aid more effectively to peripheral areas.","AnswerText":"I announced improvements to the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme for 2002 last week. These have been welcomed by the Scottish industry. The measures help farmers in all parts of Scotland's Less Favoured Areas, including those in our remote communities. They also represent an important step towards a longer-term support scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136261,"EventID":"S1O-04238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to promote healthy lifestyles to improve the future health of young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to promote healthy lifestyles to improve the future health of young people.","AnswerText":"The public health strategy set out in the White Paper, <I>Towards a Healthier Scotland</I>, identifies the promotion of healthy lifestyles as one of its three key action levels. It outlines a range of measures to address smoking, drug misuse, alcohol misuse, physical activity and diet, including measures particularly relevant to young people. In addition, the £100 million Health Improvement Fund is being used on a national and local basis throughout Scotland in order to drive forward improvements in public health.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136262,"EventID":"S1O-04239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make a decision on the request by the Scottish Arts Council for an extra #4 million to support the funding of theatre in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make a decision on the request by the Scottish Arts Council for an extra #4 million to support the funding of theatre in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council's submission on Scottish theatre seeks significant additional funding. It also raises a number of detailed issues relating to the theatre sector which we are examining with care. That consideration is proceeding and we hope to make a statement soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136263,"EventID":"S1O-04240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will address any inequalities in funding for the provision of health, local government and policing in the Grampian region compared with allocations for other ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will address any inequalities in funding for the provision of health, local government and policing in the Grampian region compared with allocations for other regions.","AnswerText":"Local government and health funding are distributed using the Grant Aided Expenditure methodology, and the Arbuthnott formula respectively. These methods take account of a wide range of factors and are accepted as an objective method of distributing resources. The distribution of police funding is under review by a group comprising representatives of the Scottish Executive, COSLA and ACPOS, which has yet to report its findings.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136264,"EventID":"S1O-04241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote eco-tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote eco-tourism.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland intends to take a product-based approach to marketing Scotland. Eco-tourism, which has considerable potential for growth, will be part of a portfolio of outdoor activities. The agency is also developing a Wildlife Tourism Strategy, which it will launch next year.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136265,"EventID":"S1O-04243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to encourage local authorities to utilise the provisions of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to designate Home Zones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to encourage local authorities to utilise the provisions of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to designate Home Zones.","AnswerText":"We have just begun consultation on draft regulations which set down procedures for local authorities to follow when designating roads as Home Zones. I expect these regulations to be brought into force in April next year. We will also issue best practice guidance to support local authorities when designating a Home Zone. <P>We have made available nearly £15 million to local authorities over the period to 2004 for capital expenditure on Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets projects. These resources can be utilised for home zones if authorities so choose.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136266,"EventID":"S1O-04245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 220,000 Individual Learning Accounts referred to by the First Minister on 25 October 2001 were recorded as active on 25 November 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 220,000 Individual Learning Accounts referred to by the First Minister on 25 October 2001 were recorded as active on 25 November 2001.","AnswerText":"Of the 245,420 Individual Learning Accounts open at 19 November, almost 110,000 were active.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136267,"EventID":"S1O-04247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reducing the incidence of road accidents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reducing the incidence of road accidents.","AnswerText":"Significant progress has been made. Figures relating to injury road accidents and casualties in Scotland in 2000 were published on 22 November in <I>Road Accidents Scotland 2000</I>, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17733). The figures show that the number of injury road accidents in Scotland in 2000 was 2% lower than in 1999 and 26% lower than the average for 1981-85. <P>The number of people killed and seriously injured in 2000 was 56% lower than the average for the early 1980s, compared with the target for a one-third reduction in all casualties by 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136268,"EventID":"S1O-04251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce delay and disruption to traffic caused by road works carried out by utility companies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce delay and disruption to traffic caused by road works carried out by utility companies.","AnswerText":"A consultation paper <I>Reducing Disruption from Utilities Road Works</I> was issued by the Executive on 23 November 2001 to local authorities, utility companies and other interested parties. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in SPICe.<P>In parallel with this, the Executive intends to carry out research into the impact of road works by utility companies on road users. <P>Once the responses have been analysed and the research completed, we will be in a better position to assess the scale of any delay and disruption caused, and to decide on the best way forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136269,"EventID":"S1O-04253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to accommodate additional demand in the NHS over the winter period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to accommodate additional demand in the NHS over the winter period.","AnswerText":"It is very important to make sure that the additional pressures that winter brings to health and social care services do not disrupt care for patients and clients. The NHS and its planning partners have prepared plans which build upon the experience of previous winters, and this is supported by significant extra investment which will increase capacity.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136270,"EventID":"S1O-04255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it is seeking to improve information and communications technology in the classroom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it is seeking to improve information and communications technology in the classroom.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have, through the Excellence Fund and the National Grid for Learning, made investment in information and communications technology for our schools a priority. We are now seeing a significant increase in the number of modern computers in every school and almost all secondary schools are connected to the internet. <P>The next stage is the provision of broadband access. This will allow far greater use of online sound and video, making use of the internet in schools more interactive and more exciting.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136271,"EventID":"S1O-04259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress its Don't Let the Bug Bite flu campaign is making.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress its Don't Let the Bug Bite flu campaign is making.","AnswerText":"The latest available figures confirm that, at 31 October, 49.2% of people aged 65 and over had been vaccinated against flu.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136272,"EventID":"S1O-04262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the practices and performance of the Student Loans Company Ltd. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the practices and performance of the Student Loans Company Ltd. ","AnswerText":"The company's performance against agreed targets as set out in its annual report gives no grounds for concern.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136273,"EventID":"S1O-04265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether public buildings commissioned under Private Finance Initiative schemes will be measured against the criteria set out in its Policy on Architecture published in Oc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether public buildings commissioned under Private Finance Initiative schemes will be measured against the criteria set out in its Policy on Architecture published in October.","AnswerText":"It is the Executive's aim to act as an exemplar client in its procurement of buildings, whether through Private Finance Initiative or traditional means, and we recognise that good building design is a key to obtaining value for money. The <I>Policy on Architecture</I> commits the Executive to ensuring that design quality is taken into account in the guidance, training and advice made available to Executive clients for construction projects.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136274,"EventID":"S1O-04267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support tourism in the north east, in light of the decision by a tour operator to cease flights from Aberdeen airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support tourism in the north east, in light of the decision by a tour operator to cease flights from Aberdeen airport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to encourage the development of air services to and from Scotland for the benefit of the travelling public and the Scottish Economy. This is a matter that we discuss regularly with the Enterprise Networks, VisitScotland and the airport operators.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136275,"EventID":"S1O-04268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to any difference in growth between the genetically modified (GM) oil-seed rape and the normal oil-seed rape with which it is being compared at the G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to any difference in growth between the genetically modified (GM) oil-seed rape and the normal oil-seed rape with which it is being compared at the GM field trial at Roskil farm on the Black Isle.","AnswerText":"The farm scale evaluation programme is concerned with effects on biodiversity. The relative rate of growth of the GM and conventional crops is not one of the key indicators of the programme.<P>However, scientists overseeing these trials across the UK note any major differences between the crops over the entire cropping cycle and will consider these as part of their final analysis.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136276,"EventID":"S1O-04270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning last met her counterpart in the National Assembly for Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning last met her counterpart in the National Assembly for Wales.","AnswerText":"I last met the Welsh First Minister, who is my counterpart for industry matters in the National Assembly for Wales, on the 25 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136277,"EventID":"S1O-04273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next intends to meet representatives of Fife Health Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next intends to meet representatives of Fife Health Board.","AnswerText":"My and myself intend to meet with representatives of all NHS Boards in Scotland in January. In addition, the Chief Executive and officials of the Health Department maintain frequent contact with representatives of Fife NHS Board, with the next meeting scheduled for January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136278,"EventID":"S1O-04274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priorities it has set in respect of recruiting and training nurse specialists in the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priorities it has set in respect of recruiting and training nurse specialists in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A specialist nurse is defined as a person who has successfully completed a post qualification course of study in a specific clinical field and who applies higher levels of judgement, discretion and decision-making in clinical care in order to improve the quality of patient care, meeting the needs of patients within the specialty and in the specific area of practice.<P>In practice many specialist nurse roles have developed in order to improve the quality of health promotion and care to patients with particular diseases such as, for example, specialist nurses for diabetic patients, and for patients requiring palliative care, pain control, infection control or those with breast cancer.<P>Recruitment and training of specialist nurses is primarily a matter for individual NHS Trusts to determine in light of the clinical needs and service developments of their area.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136279,"EventID":"S1O-04278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) council-owned and (b) private houses occupied by pensioners have had heating installed under its free central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) council-owned and (b) private houses occupied by pensioners have had heating installed under its free central heating programme.","AnswerText":"Eaga have installed 300 systems and surveyed another 1,100 houses. They will have central heating shortly and by 31 March a total of 3,500 owners and private renters will have benefited from the programme. We do not yet have figures for the number of council houses but most authorities tell us they are currently on target to improve a total of 5,000 across Scotland by 31 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136280,"EventID":"S1O-04284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is planning to take in order to improve the financial resources available to Glasgow City Council for tackling poverty and deprivation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is planning to take in order to improve the financial resources available to Glasgow City Council for tackling poverty and deprivation.","AnswerText":"Over this three-year settlement period (2001-02 to 2003-04) we are allocating record levels of grant to Glasgow City Council: £895 million, £958 million and £1,004 million respectively. We are increasing Glasgow's capital allocation by 38% to £40 million by 2003-04. In addition, we have allocated £27 million from the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund and ministers are currently reviewing Glasgow's proposals for spending the first year's allocation. Over the same period, Glasgow will also receive approximately £71 million for the 13 Social Inclusion Partnerships within its area.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136281,"EventID":"S1O-04288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing a western peripheral route around Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing a western peripheral route around Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"Considerable progress has been made on the Modern Transport System proposals for the North East, of which the proposal for a Western Peripheral route is a part. Among other developments, the Executive is funding the development and extension of the Transport Model for Scotland to include the North east.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136282,"EventID":"S1O-04291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made towards the implementation of the proposed Modern Transport System for the north east of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made towards the implementation of the proposed Modern Transport System for the north east of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Considerable progress has been made on the Modern Transport System proposals, which have been developed by the local authorities and other partners to the regional transport partnership (NESTRANS). The Executive is working with the partners on a number of proposals, and is funding the development and extension of the Transport Model for Scotland to include the North East.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136283,"EventID":"S1O-04299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is holding talks with drug manufacturers in order to find a strategy that would enable beta interferon to be obtained for patients in Scotland on the NHS and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is holding talks with drug manufacturers in order to find a strategy that would enable beta interferon to be obtained for patients in Scotland on the NHS and what progress has been made in any such talks.","AnswerText":"Along with the Department of Health and the National Assembly for Wales, the Executive is taking part in discussions with the drug manufacturers to consider a range of options under which drugs for multiple sclerosis might be available on the NHS. One option is a \"risk sharing\" scheme, and until these discussions, which are at an early stage, are concluded detailed information cannot be provided.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136284,"EventID":"S1O-04304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to consult crofters and farmers about the implementation of a new Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to consult crofters and farmers about the implementation of a new Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive consulted widely on support for farming in Scotland's less favoured areas when the scheme was initially introduced. It has also been working closely with the Industry Working Group in amending the scheme for 2002. Any future changes will be made in the light of advice from the Industry Working Group and will be based on the <I>Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture</I>, on which there was a wide consultation. A decision on whether it is necessary to consult more widely on any new scheme will be taken in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136285,"EventID":"S1O-04305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being taken to tackle drink-driving during the festive season.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being taken to tackle drink-driving during the festive season.","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is conducting an enforcement campaign, focussing on drink-driving, from 10 December to 7 January. The Scottish Road Safety Campaign has arranged complementary publicity. Research, commissioned by the Scottish Road Safety Campaign and published by the Executive on 10 December, found that young male drivers are the key risk group. Publicity during the festive safety campaign is therefore being targeted at this group.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136286,"EventID":"S1O-04307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education and Young People will next meet representatives of the Scottish School Board Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education and Young People will next meet representatives of the Scottish School Board Association.","AnswerText":"I have no current plans to meet representatives of the Scottish School Board Association but I will try for a suitable opportunity in the future.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136287,"EventID":"S1O-04314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place on addressing the issue of the sex industry in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place on addressing the issue of the sex industry in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Other than the meeting between Mr McAveety and Iain Gray in May on prostitution in the Glasgow Green area, I am not aware of any other discussions that have taken place within the Executive on the sex industry in Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136288,"EventID":"S1O-04316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken in order to make health boards more open and accountable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken in order to make health boards more open and accountable.","AnswerText":"The 15 new NHS Boards, established on 30 September 2001, have brought together and simplified the governance and accountability arrangements of 43 separate health boards and Trusts. The new boards provide - in each local area - a single, identifiable forum for the strategic leadership and direction of all NHS services.<P>NHS Boards are built on partnership between the NHS and local communities. They meet in public and bring all stakeholders in the local NHS around a single table. Members of NHS Boards now include clinicians, staff, \"lay\" members and councillors from each of Scotland's 32 local authorities. <P>Clearer, shared accountability to the Scottish Executive and Parliament will be underpinned by a new Performance Assessment Framework, which will provide a consistent, comprehensive and systematic approach to measuring performance right across NHSScotland. The results of the annual assessment of each NHS Board will be made public.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136289,"EventID":"S1O-04317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being offered to Scottish football clubs aiming to establish football academies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being offered to Scottish football clubs aiming to establish football academies.","AnswerText":"The Executive fully supports the development of football academies in Scotland. To assist this, <B>sport</B>scotland has established a Scottish Football Academy strand within the Sports Facilities Programme of the Lottery Sports Fund. A budget of £6 million has been allocated for the period to 31 March 2003 and each eligible project can attract up to £1 million. <B>sport</B>scotland also provides advice and guidance to potential applicants.<P>In addition to this the newly established Scottish Football Partnership has also committed over £1.5 million to supporting the development of football academies. Each eligible project can attract funding of up to £300,000.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136290,"EventID":"S1O-04327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans it has to assess the impact on its policy on fuel poverty resulting from the proposal by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets to remove price controls from th","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans it has to assess the impact on its policy on fuel poverty resulting from the proposal by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets to remove price controls from the electricity market.","AnswerText":"The effect on the number of fuel poor households will be monitored. I understand that the recent announcement by Ofgem is intended to introduce greater competition in the provision of domestic electricity in Scotland. As such it is welcomed. Our policy of taking households out of fuel poverty, as far as reasonable and practicable, remains unchanged.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136291,"EventID":"S1O-04328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that there is an adequate supply of affordable housing in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that there is an adequate supply of affordable housing in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing in rural areas and in the three years since 1999 will have invested £136 million in rural housing through Scottish Homes, now Communities Scotland. This investment has allowed over 4,100 new homes to be started in rural communities across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136292,"EventID":"S1O-04331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a programme of eyesight screening for all schoolchildren when they start their primary and secondary education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a programme of eyesight screening for all schoolchildren when they start their primary and secondary education.","AnswerText":"Programmes of screening school age children for eye problems are jointly determined by local NHS Boards and local authorities. NHS sight tests are available free to people under 16 or under 19 in full-time education<B>. </B>The UK National Screening Committee indicates that there is little evidence to support a universal vision screening programme for school age children and the Executive has no plans to introduce one.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136293,"EventID":"S1O-04334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that additional monies made available for human resources development within universities are used to enhance the job security of contra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that additional monies made available for human resources development within universities are used to enhance the job security of contract research staff.","AnswerText":"It is for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) to decide how these resources will be most effectively used. The recent guidance letter in which this additional funding was announced also specifically highlighted the need for SHEFC to continue to build on its work in promoting good practice in relation to contract research staff, including the collection of annual statistics on this group. <P>In considering how it will use these resources, I am sure the council will bear the guidance provided to it in mind.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136294,"EventID":"S1O-04342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its recent Action Plan on nurse recruitment and retention includes specific measures to retain nurse specialists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its recent Action Plan on nurse recruitment and retention includes specific measures to retain nurse specialists.","AnswerText":"While there are no specific measures in the Action Plan, this is an area that will be explored within the Facing the Future implementation group which I am chairing. The group will meet for the first time in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136295,"EventID":"S1O-04345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the level of public transport services in rural communities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the level of public transport services in rural communities. ","AnswerText":"Through our Rural Transport Fund we have supported over 400 improved local services, 100 Rural Community Transport projects and 33 rural petrol stations.<P>We also support air and ferry services through record levels of investment in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136296,"EventID":"S1O-04350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the monitoring by the Performance Audit Group of BEAR (Scotland) Ltd's trunk road maintenance contract has found any shortcomings in their winter road maintenance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the monitoring by the Performance Audit Group of BEAR (Scotland) Ltd's trunk road maintenance contract has found any shortcomings in their winter road maintenance performance on the Highland trunk road network during the last six weeks.","AnswerText":"The monitoring carried out to date has not found evidence that BEAR Scotland Ltd has failed to meet its contractual obligations with regard to winter maintenance in the Highlands.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136297,"EventID":"S1O-04352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what further assistance it plans to make available to Angus Council to help it meet the costs of the replacement bridge over the South Esk at Montrose.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what further assistance it plans to make available to Angus Council to help it meet the costs of the replacement bridge over the South Esk at Montrose.","AnswerText":"The Executive announced on 23 November that Angus Council would receive £2.8 million, included in its capital allocations, to enable work to start on the Montrose Bridge replacement project. We will continue to work with Angus Council on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136298,"EventID":"S1O-04353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next plans to meet representatives of the Scottish School Board Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next plans to meet representatives of the Scottish School Board Association.","AnswerText":"The then Minister for Education, Mr Jack McConnell, met with representatives of the Scottish School Board Association (SSBA) on 4 July 2001. He requested that officials should hold a follow-up meeting, which took place on 5 December 2001. I met Ann Hill, Chief Executive of the SSBA, at the launch of the Discipline Task Group action plan on 12 December 2001. There are no formal plans for a further meeting, but ministers and officials meet representatives of the SSBA regularly.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136299,"EventID":"S1O-04359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently on waiting lists for heart by-pass surgery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently on waiting lists for heart by-pass surgery.","AnswerText":"On 30 September 2001, the number of patients waiting for Adult Cardiac Surgery, which includes patients waiting for heart bypass operations, was 620.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136300,"EventID":"S1O-04360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what preparations have been made for the introduction of EC Regulation 2037/2000 concerning the recycling of refrigerators and free'ers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what preparations have been made for the introduction of EC Regulation 2037/2000 concerning the recycling of refrigerators and free'ers.","AnswerText":"The new requirement that ozone-depleting substances in the foam insulation of fridges have to be recovered during disposal is proving a complicated problem for the UK and other EC countries. The Executive has been working closely with other Government Departments to prepare technical standards for both storage and treatment of fridges. We are now working with local authorities to assess the costs involved. Last week I announced that I would make additional funding available to authorities for this financial year to assist with the cost of storage.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136301,"EventID":"S1O-04362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that bus companies provide routes and timetables that reflect the expectations of existing and potential passengers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that bus companies provide routes and timetables that reflect the expectations of existing and potential passengers.","AnswerText":"Local transport authorities are required to secure the provision of public passenger transport services which are not provided on a commercial basis.<P>The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 provides for statutory consultation procedures with local bus users when Quality Partnerships, Quality Contracts, ticketing schemes and the provision of information are being developed by local transport authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136302,"EventID":"S1O-04365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently being prescribed anti-depressants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently being prescribed anti-depressants.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136303,"EventID":"S1O-04366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its proposals for land reform will benefit rural communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its proposals for land reform will benefit rural communities.","AnswerText":"The access provisions of the Bill will not only provide the public with greater confidence to visit the Scottish countryside, but result in more opportunity for them to do so by the creation of new paths. There is growing interest in outdoor recreation on the part of both Scots themselves and visitors from elsewhere. The legislation will help encourage greater participation in outdoor pursuits, creating opportunities for rural communities and bringing benefits to rural economies.<P>The community right to buy will benefit rural communities by providing greater opportunities for them to determine their own future. It will enable them to register an interest in, and subsequently purchase, land with which they can demonstrate a connection. This will provide rural communities with a right to buy when the land which is subject to the registered interest comes to be sold. If the community decides to proceed, it will have six months to raise the necessary funding to make ownership of the land a reality. This will give rural communities much more time to organise funding than at present, where they may have only a few weeks to do so.<P>The crofting community right to buy will enable crofting communities to acquire the land on which they live and work, and by doing so give them control over the land and the ability to develop their communities. More than that, it decisively changes the balance of power between the community and the landowner, and will ensure that landowners pay proper regard to the needs of these communities.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136304,"EventID":"S1O-04368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is undertaking to reduce traffic congestion in Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is undertaking to reduce traffic congestion in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"NESTRANS, the regional transport partnership, has developed its &quot;Modern Transport System&quot; a strategy which involves measures to help ease traffic flow in and around the city and to provide a better system of public transport. One such measure is the new Park &amp; Ride service from Kingswells, which opened in September, and is now used by around 2,500 people every week. The Scottish Executive will work with the partnership and its constituent local authorities to identify the other measures necessary to deliver the road traffic reduction targets outlined in their transport strategies.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136305,"EventID":"S1O-04370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses in assessing requests from local authorities for additional funding to prevent the closure of rural schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses in assessing requests from local authorities for additional funding to prevent the closure of rural schools.","AnswerText":"Funding for local authorities is not provided on this basis. Local authorities are responsible for funding the schools in their areas from the general resources available to them and determine their own priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136306,"EventID":"S1O-04372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve adult numeracy and literacy standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve adult numeracy and literacy standards.","AnswerText":"I am providing £22.5 million over three years to raise levels of adult literacy and numeracy in Scotland, and expect 80,000 people to benefit during this period. The initiative will be supported by the new agency, Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136307,"EventID":"S1O-04379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in combating domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made in combating domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"A National Group to Address Domestic Abuse was established in April and continues to take forward the implementation of the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland. Three issue-based working groups have been set up: to review legislation relating to domestic abuse; to review recommendations on refuge provision, and to develop a prevention strategy.<P>Significant resources have been committed to this implementation including a total of £12 million for a Refuge Development Programme and £6 million over four years for the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund.<P>On 6 December we launched a new phase of our awareness raising campaign. Targeted at 16 to 25-year-olds, its aim is to reach new audiences through the use of different media, such as beermats, outdoor posters, convenience advertising and a website.","AnswerDate":"2001-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136308,"EventID":"S1O-04381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the merger of the two leading cancer charities, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Cancer Research Campaign, will have on cancer care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the merger of the two leading cancer charities, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Cancer Research Campaign, will have on cancer care.","AnswerText":"No immediate effect on cancer care is anticipated. However, the Scottish Executive welcomes the potential opportunities offered for the future from the amalgamation of these two highly respected and well recognised organisations and hopes that the new merged charity will continue to support the work of the National Cancer Research Institute.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136339,"EventID":"S1O-04469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of the Scottish Arts Council and what issues will be discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of the Scottish Arts Council and what issues will be discussed.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with the council and its representatives with whom they meet frequently. A wide range of issues relating to the arts in Scotland is discussed.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136340,"EventID":"S1O-04475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will collect information on the number of speakers of the 60 ethnic community languages spoken in Scotland as a first language.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will collect information on the number of speakers of the 60 ethnic community languages spoken in Scotland as a first language.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering ways in which it might be able to access more detailed information about the prevalence of ethnic community languages in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136341,"EventID":"S1O-04480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote good practice in integrating asylum seekers and refugee children into schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote good practice in integrating asylum seekers and refugee children into schools.","AnswerText":"We are aware that a great deal of good practice exists in our schools in integrating asylum seeker and refugee children into the school community. Last week Nicol Stephen launched a newsletter<I>, Welcoming Newcomers</I>, which aims to share best practice and promote race equality in all our schools. This will be distributed to all schools and equal opportunity interest groups.<P>On Monday Iain Gray chaired the first meeting of the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum. This new forum will be used to drive Executive policy on the devolved matters which affect people who have been granted asylum, such as housing, health, and education. The forum will help to develop action plans, based on best practice, to bring together refugees and existing communities, with the provision of more accessible and co-ordinated services.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136342,"EventID":"S1O-04481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring new subordinate legislation forward in relation to the operation of Individual Learning Accounts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring new subordinate legislation forward in relation to the operation of Individual Learning Accounts.","AnswerText":"We intend that the new regulations will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible. We will, however, first wish to consider carefully what changes may need to be made to any scheme, and incorporated in those regulations.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136343,"EventID":"S1O-04489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the bid to host the European Football Championships in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the bid to host the European Football Championships in 2008.","AnswerText":"The First Minister explained in his statement to Parliament on 23 January that, having considered carefully the practicalities, costs and benefits of staging Euro 2008, the Executive supports a potential joint bid with the Republic of Ireland. Executive officials are presently in consultation with the Irish Government and the SFA.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136344,"EventID":"S1O-04491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address the issues identified in the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, Standards and Quality in Primary and Secondary Sch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address the issues identified in the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, Standards and Quality in Primary and Secondary Schools 1998-2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4488 on 24 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136345,"EventID":"S1O-04493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to promote an interest in genealogy in Scotland and abroad.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to promote an interest in genealogy in Scotland and abroad.","AnswerText":"Yes. Earlier today, I launched a new tourism and genealogy website- ancestralscotland.com. This website, which has been developed by VisitScotland, will encourage users from around the world to both research their ancestry and to visit those parts of Scotland where their ancestors lived.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136346,"EventID":"S1O-04495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution is being made to the development of citi'enship and global values in education by the teaching of Modern Studies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution is being made to the development of citi'enship and global values in education by the teaching of Modern Studies.","AnswerText":"Modern Studies is one of a range of subjects which contribute to the development of citizenship and global values. Along with the development of a good school ethos, Modern Studies can make a valuable contribution to pupils' learning in relation to these issues. Citizenship and global values are further explored in the Scottish Executive document <I>An International Outlook </I>which was distributed to schools in October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136446,"EventID":"S1O-04896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be made to ensure that Glasgow's local authority tenants are empowered to run housing services in their communities should there be a yes vote in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be made to ensure that Glasgow's local authority tenants are empowered to run housing services in their communities should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote \"yes\" in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, local Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) tenants will be in control through their Local Housing Organisations (LHO) and will have a real say in all decisions affecting housing matters in their area. The committees of each LHO will comprise a majority of GHA tenants and will be responsible for the day to day management of their area's housing stock and delivering housing services on the ground.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136447,"EventID":"S1O-04899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was discussed at the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting on 7 March 2002 and what the outcomes were.   ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was discussed at the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting on 7 March 2002 and what the outcomes were.   ","AnswerText":"The meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on the European Union on 7 March considered preparations for the Barcelona European Council and arrangements for the European Convention which will discuss the Future of Europe.<P>The meeting provided a further opportunity to feed a Scottish devolved perspective into the UK's objectives and priorities for the Barcelona Council. The meeting also agreed a set of mechanisms to ensure the full involvement of the devolved administrations in the development of the UK's position as the convention moves forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136448,"EventID":"S1O-04909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the contractual status of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the contractual status of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"No. Scottish Prison Service see no need to do so as the contract is working well.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136449,"EventID":"S1O-04910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent correspondence it has had from the Dundee Young Women's Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent correspondence it has had from the Dundee Young Women's Centre.","AnswerText":"The Executive has recently received five letters from or on behalf of the Dundee Young Women's Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136450,"EventID":"S1O-04912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its proposals are for future shipments of livestock to and from the Northern Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its proposals are for future shipments of livestock to and from the Northern Isles.","AnswerText":"Livestock shipping in the Northern Isles is a commercial matter for ferry operators, subsidised by the Executive through the Tariff Rebate Subsidy (TRS) scheme. The new operator, NorthLink, plans to carry livestock in cassettes on their freight vessel. We are currently considering how the TRS scheme might apply to this new system. We are also considering possible contingency arrangements in case sufficient cassettes, for whatever reason, are not ready in time for this year's peak carrying season. Officials are seeking to keep the livestock industry informed of developments.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136451,"EventID":"S1O-04919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken as part of its child health strategy to tackle respiratory conditions amongst children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken as part of its child health strategy to tackle respiratory conditions amongst children.","AnswerText":"Our Child Health Support Group Template for Child Health Services provides a framework for Unified NHS Boards and Trusts to plan, commission and monitor services for children, and defines the essential components of a local child health service. This includes reference to respiratory medicine and provision of specialist nursing services. A number of clinical guidelines have also been produced by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) on the management of asthma. These include guidance on <I>Hospital In-patient Management of Acute Asthma Attacks, Primary Care Management of Asthma </I>and <I>Self Management Plans</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136452,"EventID":"S1O-04927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to assist the Arbroath fish processing industry. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to assist the Arbroath fish processing industry. ","AnswerText":"We have budgeted for more than £25 million in aid for fish processing and marketing under our 2000-06 FIFG programmes. In addition to this, some £18 million has been made available to processors throughout Scotland to assist capital investments in facilities and plant and equipment. <P>One fish processor in Arbroath has so far applied for and been awarded £36,000 assistance and a further two applications requesting £14,000 assistance are presently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136453,"EventID":"S1O-04935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in meeting the target of creating a network of learning centres around the country.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in meeting the target of creating a network of learning centres around the country.","AnswerText":"Scottish University for Industry Ltd was charged by the Executive to develop a national network of 300 learndirect scotland branded learning centres by 31 March 2002. It has achieved its target a month ahead of schedule and there are now 301 branded learning centres located across the length and breadth of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136454,"EventID":"S1O-04936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to ensure that adequate resources are in place to provide suitable support and counselling services to prevent recurrent homelessness of people ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to ensure that adequate resources are in place to provide suitable support and counselling services to prevent recurrent homelessness of people who have been re-housed.","AnswerText":"I have made available an additional £11 million in the next two years to begin delivery of the recommendations of the Homelessness Task Force. Local authorities and others will also be expected to deploy existing resources more efficiently and effectively. In addition, resources available through Supporting People will fund a range of housing support services for people at risk of homelessness. The case for further resources will be considered as part of the forthcoming spending review.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136455,"EventID":"S1O-04937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support local authorities to help with the cost of disposing of old fridges and free'ers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support local authorities to help with the cost of disposing of old fridges and free'ers.","AnswerText":"I announced a package of additional grant assistance for local authorities on 7 March, in response to question S1W-23475 on 7 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136456,"EventID":"S1O-04938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce how the #2 million which is still available for agricultural recovery following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will be spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce how the #2 million which is still available for agricultural recovery following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will be spent.","AnswerText":"As I announced recently at the AGM of NFU Scotland, we are committed to using the £2 million to assist the livestock sector. We are exploring how this money might be used to best effect and will take account of any views expressed by the industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136457,"EventID":"S1O-04943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce instances of cryptosporidiosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce instances of cryptosporidiosis.","AnswerText":"Cryptosporidiosis can be passed on by person to person contact, direct contact with animals, or in water, if treatment is inadequate or compromised.<P>In addition to the issue of general advice on hygiene matters, the Executive issued the Cryptosporidium Direction to Scottish water authorities in February 2000. The Direction requires water authorities to implement the recommendations of the UK Group of Experts on Cryptosporidium in Water, which include monitoring for the presence of the parasite in water.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136556,"EventID":"S1O-05252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the theft of osprey eggs in Perthshire, when it will introduce legislation to strengthen the laws on wildlife crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the theft of osprey eggs in Perthshire, when it will introduce legislation to strengthen the laws on wildlife crime.","AnswerText":"As the First Minister announced this morning, we will bring forward a draft Nature Conservation Bill by March 2003. That draft bill - including important measures dealing with wildlife crime - will then be available to be taken forward and introduced by the incoming administration, following next year's elections.<P>I was appalled by the recent thefts, and by other recent incidents including the apparent poisoning of a sea eagle. Such acts are utterly unacceptable. That is why I am delighted that the Deputy First Minister was also able to announce this morning that we will accelerate our proposals on custodial sentences and a new power of arrest ahead of the main bill.<P>These important initiatives, which will significantly strengthen the hand of the police and the courts in dealing with wildlife crime, will be introduced in the form of amendments to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136557,"EventID":"S1O-05258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of recent press articles, its position on not reviewing local authority boundaries in the foreseeable future has changed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of recent press articles, its position on not reviewing local authority boundaries in the foreseeable future has changed. ","AnswerText":"There are no plans for a review of local authority boundaries.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136558,"EventID":"S1O-05260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken with women about equality issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken with women about equality issues.","AnswerText":"We are committed to equality for women. The Scottish Executive's Equality Strategy sets out how we are delivering on that commitment and improving consultation is fundamental to that strategy. Equality for women is at the heart of the Executive's priorities on health, education, transport, crime and jobs. Our consultation exercises play a key role in identifying equality issues and making sure that the voices of women are heard in the policy-making process.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136559,"EventID":"S1O-05262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any responsibilities in respect of the location of police force headquarters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any responsibilities in respect of the location of police force headquarters.","AnswerText":"Section 2(4) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 stipulates that a police authority may, subject to the consent of the Scottish ministers, provide and maintain such land and buildings and other structures as may be required for the purposes of a police force.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136561,"EventID":"S1O-05279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what recent discussions it has had with Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what recent discussions it has had with Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Board.","AnswerText":"I met with Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Board on 20 May and had a productive discussion on tourism issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136562,"EventID":"S1O-05281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decision it has reached on which first-round funding bids to improve school buildings have been successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decision it has reached on which first-round funding bids to improve school buildings have been successful.","AnswerText":"These bids are under consideration and we shall announce our decisions shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136563,"EventID":"S1O-05294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review its policy on hospital-acquired infection in the light of the outbreak of winter vomiting at Raigmore Hospital. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review its policy on hospital-acquired infection in the light of the outbreak of winter vomiting at Raigmore Hospital. ","AnswerText":"We have introduced a series of measures to help the NHS deal with hospital-acquired infection. An appropriate time to review these will be the hospital-acquired infection convention at end June.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136629,"EventID":"S1O-05504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the reports of the inquiries into the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the reports of the inquiries into the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"I wrote to the Convenor of the Rural Development Committee on 16 July to make the Committee aware of the publication of the first of the official GB Inquiries into foot-and-mouth disease and explaining that the Scottish Executive would respond collectively to the conclusions and recommendations from the Royal Society, Royal Society of Edinburgh and Dr Iain Anderson's Lessons to be Learned reports. I plan to let the committee have the Executive's detailed response to the three reports this autumn.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136630,"EventID":"S1O-05508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to develop the inshore fishing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to develop the inshore fishing industry.","AnswerText":"I hope we can improve management of our inshore fisheries through the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and dialogue in the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136631,"EventID":"S1O-05509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the report of the Performance Audit Group on the performance of Amey Highways Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the report of the Performance Audit Group on the performance of Amey Highways Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the generally positive findings of the detailed report by the Performance Audit Group on the performance of the trunk road Operating Companies, including Amey Highways. The report makes it clear that shortfalls are being addressed and either have already been resolved or are being actively progressed.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136633,"EventID":"S1O-05512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the management of fishing of deepwater species. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the management of fishing of deepwater species. ","AnswerText":"I remain unhappy with the Council agreement on deep-water species. I promised the Scottish Fishermen's Federation a letter to the Commission. That letter has now issued from Elliot Morley's office asking the Commission to take into account the neglected views of the industry. We now expect the regulation to be adopted formally at a forthcoming Council, and will be consulting the industry shortly on management arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136635,"EventID":"S1O-05525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether preparations for the introduction of off-peak concessionary travel for older people are on schedule.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether preparations for the introduction of off-peak concessionary travel for older people are on schedule.","AnswerText":"Yes. All local authorities are committed to provide, as a minimum, free local off-peak concessionary bus travel from 30 September 2002. <P>I launched the first strand of the Executive's publicity campaign on Tuesday of this week to ensure that elderly and disabled people who are eligible for concessionary travel are aware that these enhancements will soon be in place.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136638,"EventID":"S1O-05538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to undertake a review of NHS dental fees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to undertake a review of NHS dental fees.","AnswerText":"No. NHS dental fees are reviewed annually by the independent Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB).","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136639,"EventID":"S1O-05542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in cutting NHS waiting lists. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in cutting NHS waiting lists. ","AnswerText":"I have already announced that reducing waiting times is our key priority because waiting times are important to the public and less waiting can improve the quality of clinical care. <P>We have already set a maximum six month waiting time for in-patient and day case treatment by 2005 and specific targets for cancer and heart disease. Earlier today we announced a maximum wait of six months for a first out-patient appointment by 2006. The National Waiting Times Unit is working with NHSScotland to help ensure that these targets are delivered.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136641,"EventID":"S1O-05555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy to reduce the number of drug abusers who are currently reliant upon methadone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy to reduce the number of drug abusers who are currently reliant upon methadone.","AnswerText":"There is a wealth of national and international research evidence to support prescribing of methadone as a substitute for illegal opiate-based drugs. The duration and dosage of methadone prescriptions are matters for individual patients and their health professionals to determine. Guidance on substitute prescribing is included in our <I>Drug Misuse and Dependence - Guidelines on Clinical Managemen</I>. <P>The Executive's Effective Interventions Unit has also produced and disseminated a report <I>Moving On</I>, which provides information to service providers on effective ways to help recovering drug misusers into education, training and employment.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136642,"EventID":"S1O-05556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits Eco-schools will bring.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits Eco-schools will bring.","AnswerText":"The Eco-schools programme will give young people in Scotland the opportunity to learn about sustainable development, to put it into practice in their local environment and to share their ideas and experiences with other young people around the world.<P>As the First Minister explained in answer to Rhona Brankin's question on 4 September, I will shortly submit a report on the development of the Eco-schools programme in Scotland to the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":148937,"EventID":"S1W-12174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer which recruitment agencies the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body uses.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer which recruitment agencies the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body uses.","AnswerText":"The principal recruitment agency used by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to fill temporary vacancies is Pertemps. The SPCB also uses Kelly Services and Office Personnel but to a much lesser extent.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":148938,"EventID":"S1W-12175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body follows any guidelines when contracting recruitment agencies and what factors, other than cost, are considered in such de","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body follows any guidelines when contracting recruitment agencies and what factors, other than cost, are considered in such decisions.","AnswerText":"When contracting for recruitment agency services the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body follows the guidelines set out in the Scottish Parliament Procurement Policy Manual.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Factors other than cost taken into consideration when reaching contract award decisions include capability, technical ability and financial viability. In the evaluation for recruitment agency contracts, the following criteria were used:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Organisation</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Length of time established</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Number of employees &amp; organisation structure</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Membership of relevant associations etc.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Administration</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">How performance of placements are monitored</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Type of management information available &amp; quality procedures</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Support &amp; guidance available to the placement and the Scottish Parliament</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Placements</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Previous experience of placements similar to our requirements</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">How many suitably qualified candidates they currently have</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">How they envisage resourcing the service required</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"80%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Contingency arrangements e.g. cover for sickness</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">","AnswerDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":148996,"EventID":"S1W-12234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, as part of its social inclusion policy, it will make representations to all banks in Scotland to seek changes in the rules on verification framework and regardin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, as part of its social inclusion policy, it will make representations to all banks in Scotland to seek changes in the rules on verification framework and regarding the production of original bank books, building society accounts and other documents, in particular in relation to older people.","AnswerText":"Regulation of financial services is a reserved matter. The Scottish Executive is working with the Scottish financial institutions to encourage the promotion of more inclusive products and practices.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":148997,"EventID":"S1W-12235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to seek a change in the rules for Crisis Loans so that an applicant need not apply in person in remote a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to seek a change in the rules for Crisis Loans so that an applicant need not apply in person in remote areas of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Benefits, including the provision of Crisis Loans, are a matter reserved to the UK Government. It is therefore for the DSS to decide how they should best be administered. The Scottish Executive will continue its regular dialogue with UK Ministers on how the Scottish Executive and the UK Government can best work together to tackle such issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":148998,"EventID":"S1W-12237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the clear-up rate of recorded crimes was (a) in each category of crime and (b) in total for (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the clear-up rate of recorded crimes was (a) in each category of crime and (b) in total for (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 1992.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Crimes cleared up by the police as a percentage of those recorded <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=588><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Police force area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=11 BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Central</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Total crimes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Non-sexual crimes of violence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">86</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">87</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">93</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">93</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">93</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">94</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Crimes of indecency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":148999,"EventID":"S1W-12240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure was on (a) police officers and (b) policing per head of population in (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 1992, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure was on (a) police officers and (b) policing per head of population in (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 1992, and what change in expenditure these figures represented in real terms.","AnswerText":"The information provided in the following tables is based on &quot;net grant earning expenditure&quot; on police services which is broadly equivalent to total current expenditure as funded by local authorities and central government grant.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Net Grant Earning Expenditure (£000)<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=491><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Force</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1979-80</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1987-88</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1991-92</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992-93</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993-94</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,600</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15,459</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21,973</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23,738</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25,467</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">D&amp;G</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,465</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,377</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,570</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,544</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16,108</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,320</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,728</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26,258</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28,691</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30,343</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,684</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28,865</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40,419</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44,245</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46,011</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">L&amp;B</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24,945</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">61,996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88,032</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">97,213</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100,516</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Northern</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,530</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,406</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26,086</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28,005</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29,131</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">78,182</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">177,442</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">234,895</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">252,153</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">267,669</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,587</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28,169</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36,974</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40,307</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43,511</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">149,313</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">358,442</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">488,207</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">528,896</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">558,756</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=489><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" V","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149000,"EventID":"S1W-12241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of (a) police officers, (b) civilian staff, (c) special constables and (d) police officers was per head of population in (i) each police force and (ii) Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of (a) police officers, (b) civilian staff, (c) special constables and (d) police officers was per head of population in (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 1992.","AnswerText":"The information is provided in the following tables.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=670><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"88%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of Police Officers as at the 31 March Each Year</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">509</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">552</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">645</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">653</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">658</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">656</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">657</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">686</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">703</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">719</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">721</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">D&amp;G</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">311</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">334</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">385</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">385</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">386</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">391</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">390</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">412</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">439</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">437</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">451</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">671</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">740</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">790</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">790</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">791</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">789</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">790</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">831</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">855</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149001,"EventID":"S1W-12242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of recorded crimes was (a) in each category of crime and (b) in total for (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of recorded crimes was (a) in each category of crime and (b) in total for (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 1992.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Number of crimes recorded by police force area<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Police force area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=11 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Central</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Total crimes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,844</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19,971</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22,125</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20,786</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,985</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17,672</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16,552</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15,661</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17,066</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17,627</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Non-sexual crimes of violence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">267</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">653</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">947</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">748</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">682</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">761</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">822</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">629</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">620</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">652</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Crimes of indecency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">171</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">277</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">239</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">257</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">243</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">188</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGH","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149002,"EventID":"S1W-12243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of convictions was (a) in each category of crime and (b) in total for (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 1992.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of convictions was (a) in each category of crime and (b) in total for (i) each police force and (ii) Scotland in 1979, 1987 and in each year since 1992.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. Convictions for miscellaneous offences and motor vehicle offences, which are classified as offences rather than crimes for statistical purposes, are excluded from the figures.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Persons with a charge proved by police force area and main crime<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=647><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Police Force Area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=11 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Central</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Total crimes </TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,433</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,735</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,072</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,975</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,971</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,673</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,477</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,020</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,179</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Non-sexual crimes of violence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">140</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">182</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">144</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">160</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">152</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">166</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">136</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">138</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">143</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Crime of indecency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">37</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><F","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149003,"EventID":"S1W-12244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture has visited or intends to visit the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority facility at Dounreay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture has visited or intends to visit the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority facility at Dounreay.","AnswerText":"I have not yet visited the site, but plan to do so in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149004,"EventID":"S1W-12245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken or intends to take to speed up completion of the recommendations contained in the Safety Audit of Dounreay conducted by the Health and Safety E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken or intends to take to speed up completion of the recommendations contained in the Safety Audit of Dounreay conducted by the Health and Safety Executive and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in 1998.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the recommendations in the report of the 1998 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Safety Audit of Dounreay is the responsibility of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The HSE and SEPA are responsible for ensuring that UKAEA addresses the recommendations of the report. The Scottish Executive maintains regular contact with DTI and the regulators about UKAEA's progress in implementing the recommendations of the audit.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149005,"EventID":"S1W-12246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions have been given to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under section 40(1) of the Environment Act 1995 (a) in connection with the Safety Aud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions have been given to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under section 40(1) of the Environment Act 1995 (a) in connection with the Safety Audit of Dounreay conducted by the Health and Safety Executive and SEPA in 1998 and (b) on any other matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued no directions to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under section 40(1) of the Environment Act 1995 in connection with the Safety Audit of Dounreay or on any other matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149006,"EventID":"S1W-12247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from any other body, including Her Majesty's Government, requesting it to give directions to the Scottish Environment Protection A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from any other body, including Her Majesty's Government, requesting it to give directions to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency under section 40(1) of the Environment Act 1995 and what action resulted from any such representations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers have received several representations arising from the same issue, asking them to direct SEPA in terms of section 40(1) of the 1995 Act to speed up determination of applications for consent to discharge chemicals, in particular emamectin benzoate, for use at fin fish farms. The Scottish Ministers have declined to give such a Direction.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149007,"EventID":"S1W-12248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has made available to the paper manufacturing industry in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has made available to the paper manufacturing industry in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"In 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000, offers of Regional Selective Assistance by the Scottish Executive, valued at £0.17 million, £1.30 million and £2.47 million respectively were accepted by paper manufacturing companies. Assistance provided under other Scottish Executive programmes or by its agencies to particular industrial sectors is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149008,"EventID":"S1W-12249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding harmonisation of VAT on building work at 5% for both new build and repairs as proposed in Better H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding harmonisation of VAT on building work at 5% for both new build and repairs as proposed in Better Homes for Scotland's Communities, the response by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to its Housing (Scotland) Bill, and regarding the effect of any such harmonisation on levels of housing grants and subsidies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and Her Majesty's Government are frequently in touch to discuss a wide range of issues including taxation. Taxation remains reserved to the Westminster Parliament. The Scottish Executive takes full account of representations made to it on such issues and continues to liase with the relevant Whitehall Departments to ensure that Scottish interests are taken fully into account.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149009,"EventID":"S1W-12250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is funding the retraining costs of former nurses who wish to return to work in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is funding the retraining costs of former nurses who wish to return to work in the NHS.","AnswerText":"These costs are a matter for individual NHS Trusts to determine in the light of staffing requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149010,"EventID":"S1W-12251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Highlands and Islands will be considered as a location for any of the Scottish NHS Direct centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Highlands and Islands will be considered as a location for any of the Scottish NHS Direct centres.","AnswerText":"The Project Director is currently developing a detailed service specification for the roll out of NHS24. Consideration of the issue of location for the service centres has yet to begin.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149011,"EventID":"S1W-12252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in relation to its individual learning accounts initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in relation to its individual learning accounts initiative.","AnswerText":"ILAs are a way of helping people to invest in their own learning with financial support from the Executive. The initial response has been encouraging. Following on from the pilot schemes the initiative has been fully operational in Scotland from 1 September 2000. By the end of November more than 28,000 accounts had been opened, against the target of 100,000 by 2002, and over 7,000 people had already begun learning supported by their ILA. Both learndirect<I> </I>scotland and the Local Enterprise Companies will continue marketing initiatives to maintain this early momentum.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149012,"EventID":"S1W-12253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by Peter Peacock on 2 November 2000 that announcements would be made before Christmas on how the discussion of a small business rates relief sch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by Peter Peacock on 2 November 2000 that announcements would be made before Christmas on how the discussion of a small business rates relief scheme would be taken forward (Official Report, col. 1320) and to the statement by Angus MacKay on 7 December 2000 that an announcement would be made later that month about the point reached in consideration of such a scheme (Official Report, col. 694), why no such announcements were made.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering a range of measures, including the issue of rates relief, which taken together will be of real benefit to small businesses. An announcement will be made soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149013,"EventID":"S1W-12254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 18 to 24-year-olds left the New Deal between 1 January and 31 December 1999, and of those (i) how many have then gone into sustained, unsubsidised employment and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 18 to 24-year-olds left the New Deal between 1 January and 31 December 1999, and of those (i) how many have then gone into sustained, unsubsidised employment and (ii) how many have an unknown destination,  broken down by parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>21,325 18 to 24-year-olds left the New Deal between 1 January and 31 December 1999. Detailed information, broken down by parliamentary constituency, of those leaving New Deal between 1 January and 31 December 1999 who have (i) gone into sustained unsubsidised employment and (ii) have gone into unknown destinations can be found in tables held by the Parliament Reference Centre (Bib. No. 10610).</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149014,"EventID":"S1W-12255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statistics collected on the participation in and the outcomes from the New Deal are broken down by (a) ethnic origin and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statistics collected on the participation in and the outcomes from the New Deal are broken down by (a) ethnic origin and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Detailed statistics on the participation in, and the outcomes from the New Deal, are published by ethnic origin and gender in the DfEE monthly news release figures at a GB level.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149015,"EventID":"S1W-12256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what number and value of funding bids was made to the Scottish Office and to it in each year since 1995-96 for the repair of school buildings in (i) Scotland and (ii) eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what number and value of funding bids was made to the Scottish Office and to it in each year since 1995-96 for the repair of school buildings in (i) Scotland and (ii) each education authority area.","AnswerText":"Repairs to school buildings may be funded by local authorities from either their revenue or capital expenditure resources. The arrangements for the annual local government finance settlement for revenue expenditure and the annual single allocations of consent to local authorities to incur capital expenditure do not require authorities to make bids for specific areas of expenditure such as expenditure on repairs to school buildings.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149016,"EventID":"S1W-12257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total budget and (b) amount of any budget deficit was for each higher education institution in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total budget and (b) amount of any budget deficit was for each higher education institution in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is responsible for monitoring the financial health of the higher education institutions it funds in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149017,"EventID":"S1W-12258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS Trusts and (b) health boards fall within which parliamentary constituencies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS Trusts and (b) health boards fall within which parliamentary constituencies.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the health board area in which each parliamentary constituency is located, and the NHS Trusts which provide services from locations within the health board area:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=22><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>showing their corresponding Health Board Areas and local NHS Trusts</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Parliamentary Constituency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Health Board<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Area<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>NHS Trusts within Health Board Area<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian University; Grampian Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen North</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian University; Grampian Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen South</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian University; Grampian Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Airdrie &amp; Shotts</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Lanarkshire Acute; Lanarkshire Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Tayside University; Tayside Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde Acute; Lomond &amp; Argyll Primary Care;<P>Renfrewshire &amp; Inverclyde Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Ayr</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran Acute; Ayrshire &amp; Arran Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Banff &amp; Buchan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian University; Grampian Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Caithness, Sutherland &amp; Easter Ross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Highland Acute; Highland Primary Care</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Carrick, Cumnock &amp; Doon Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149018,"EventID":"S1W-12259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the (a) total budget and (b) amount of any budget deficit was for each NHS Trust in each year since 1995, broken down by Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the (a) total budget and (b) amount of any budget deficit was for each NHS Trust in each year since 1995, broken down by Trust.","AnswerText":"The number of NHS Trusts reduced from 47 to 28 after reconfiguration on 1 April 1999. Table 1 gives the information post reconfiguration, table 2 for the period prior to 1 April 1999.<P>Table 1: 1999-2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=531><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Income</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Surplus/ (Deficit)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">139,227</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">(3,521)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">149,159</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">(1,518)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lomond and Argyll Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">81,653</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">188</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">142,525</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">588</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">172,474</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">373</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders General Hospital NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38,813</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">185</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58,146</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50,292</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">473</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">89,088</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">155</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"73%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100,815</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P A","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149019,"EventID":"S1W-12260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many operations were cancelled and, of these patients, how many were not re-admitted within one month in each year since 1995, broken down by health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many operations were cancelled and, of these patients, how many were not re-admitted within one month in each year since 1995, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of operations cancelled by NHSScotland is not available centrally.<P>Details of cancellations of planned admissions to hospitals are collected centrally and published annually in <I>Scottish Health Statistics, </I>which is available in SPICe.<I> </I>The latest edition<I> of Scottish Health Statistics </I>is Bib. no. 6937.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149020,"EventID":"S1W-12261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many beds were available in each NHS Trust in (i) 1979, (ii) 1990 and (iii) each year from 1992 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many beds were available in each NHS Trust in (i) 1979, (ii) 1990 and (iii) each year from 1992 to date.","AnswerText":"Information on bed numbers, by NHS Trust, has been collected centrally since 1996-97. Prior to that date, it was collected only by health board area. Details of bed numbers are published annually in <I>Scottish Health Statistics</I> which is available in SPICe. The latest edition is<I> </I>Bib. no. 6937.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149021,"EventID":"S1W-12262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to provide schoolchildren with greater opportunities to participate in creative activities outwith school hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to provide schoolchildren with greater opportunities to participate in creative activities outwith school hours.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports and encourages such opportunities.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland's National Cultural Strategy, published in August 2000, promotes creativity in the arts and other cultural activity, especially by children and young people. A key priority is to recognise and celebrate schools as centres of creativity.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive is providing £27 million to 2002 under the Excellence Fund Core Programme for study support, some of which will have a creative element.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The New Opportunities Fund has made available over £23 million for out of school hours learning activity and over £25 million for out of school care. The learning activity includes creative ventures in the arts to help raise the self-esteem and confidence of pupils. Many out of school clubs provide good opportunities for participation in creative activities.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149022,"EventID":"S1W-12263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will finalise the distribution of any Excellence Fund Core Programme and Special Programme monies for 2000-2001 that have not yet been allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will finalise the distribution of any Excellence Fund Core Programme and Special Programme monies for 2000-2001 that have not yet been allocated.","AnswerText":"£13.45 million remained unallocated in the Excellence Fund for financial year 2000-01, the majority of which was originally planned for initiatives linked to the new system of pay and conditions for teachers. All of this money will now be used to help with the introduction of that new system over the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149023,"EventID":"S1W-12264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities exercised their discretionary powers to establish a cash incentive scheme funded through their own resources to enable tenants to purchase a home","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities exercised their discretionary powers to establish a cash incentive scheme funded through their own resources to enable tenants to purchase a home on the open market in each of the last four financial years and in the current financial year to date.","AnswerText":"Over the last five financial years, the following local authorities notified the Scottish Executive, or previously the Scottish Office, that they were operating cash incentive schemes. <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=595><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996/97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997/98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999/2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000/01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=38><P>Highland Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=38><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=38><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=38><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=38><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=38><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Bute Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&#8730;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149024,"EventID":"S1W-12265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the event of any large-scale stock transfers, local authority housing rent arrears which exist at the time of the transfer will remain the responsibility of l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the event of any large-scale stock transfers, local authority housing rent arrears which exist at the time of the transfer will remain the responsibility of local authorities or transfer to the relevant housing association.","AnswerText":"The arrangements for dealing with rent arrears will be a matter for negotiation between the relevant council and acquiring landlord, and will be set out in the contract of sale.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149025,"EventID":"S1W-12266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the rate of inflation will be in 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the rate of inflation will be in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not forecast inflation. For reference, the latest HM Treasury forecast for inflation, covering the period to 2003, was published in <I>Building Long-Term Prosperity for All: Pre-Budget Report</I> (November 2000).","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149026,"EventID":"S1W-12267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish any new non-departmental public bodies in 2001 and, if so, to specify these.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish any new non-departmental public bodies in 2001 and, if so, to specify these.","AnswerText":"As part of our drive to modernise government structures, the Executive is carrying out a radical review of all Scottish Public Bodies. We will consider what role public bodies should play in the devolved Scotland and how they should operate and be accountable to Ministers and Parliament. We will be considering the scope for reduction in the number of public bodies through abolition and merger, and the circumstances in which new ones should be created.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I shall make a statement on the way ahead following the review around the end of May.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149027,"EventID":"S1W-12268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to abolish any non-departmental public bodies in 2001 and, if so, which ones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to abolish any non-departmental public bodies in 2001 and, if so, which ones.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149028,"EventID":"S1W-12269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to merge any non-departmental public bodies in 2001 and, if so, which ones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to merge any non-departmental public bodies in 2001 and, if so, which ones.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149029,"EventID":"S1W-12270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are available for investment in research infrastructure in Scottish higher education institutions in the current year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are available for investment in research infrastructure in Scottish higher education institutions in the current year.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to building a modern knowledge economy in Scotland, underpinned by world-class scientists, and world-class research equipment and facilities.<FONT SIZE=2> The new knowledge produced by scientists and researchers in Scotland brings social and economic benefits to the people of Scotland in terms of new technology, new products, new services and new jobs.<P>The Executive has, therefore, increased the grant to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) by £3 million in the current financial year, specifically for capital for research infrastructure. I welcome the Funding Council's early decision on the allocation of these resources and specifically its announcement that £2.5 million is to be invested in Biomedical Research Laboratories at Aberdeen University.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149030,"EventID":"S1W-12271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken by each health board to fill nursing vacancies was in each year from 1990 to the current year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken by each health board to fill nursing vacancies was in each year from 1990 to the current year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally, but can be obtained from individual health boards and Trusts. The names and addresses of all health boards and Trusts are available on the Scottish Health on the Web website at <A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/\">www.show.scot.nhs.uk</A>.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149031,"EventID":"S1W-12272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer which of the works package contracts let in relation to the Holyrood Project have been completed; whether each ongoing contract is proceeding according to the agreed times","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer which of the works package contracts let in relation to the Holyrood Project have been completed; whether each ongoing contract is proceeding according to the agreed timescale, and what the original and revised date of completion is in each case where any contract has been subject to delay.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has provided a list of<B> </B>works package contracts, which have been completed to date, as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1.&#9;Retention West Basement<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2.&#9;Excavation West<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">3.&#9;Well Probing<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">4.&#9;Well Drilling<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">5.&#9;Piling West Basement<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">6.&#9;Substructure West Basement&#9;&#9;<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ongoing contracts are proceeding according to timescales set out in the Construction Manager's strategic construction programme which continues to have a target completion date of 31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149032,"EventID":"S1W-12273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what capital contracts have been let to date in relation to the Holyrood Project, indicating in each case the successful tenderer and the timescale for each works package.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what capital contracts have been let to date in relation to the Holyrood Project, indicating in each case the successful tenderer and the timescale for each works package.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Works Package</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Contractor</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Estimated contract duration</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Retention West Basement</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Amec Civil Engineering Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Excavation West</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Barr Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Well Probing</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Wimtec Environmental Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>11 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Piling West Basement</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Amec Civil Engineering Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Substructure West Basement</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>O'Rourke Civil Engineering Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>5 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tower Cranes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Select Plant Hire Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>20 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Asbestos/Pigeon Dropping Removal</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Chamic Industrial Services Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>5 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Well Drilling</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Richies Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>5 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>QH Scaffolding</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lyndon Scaffolding PLC</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>19 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>MSP Frame</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>O'Rourke Civil Engineering Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>10 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Electrical Enabling Works</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>James Scott Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>10 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lifts Whole Site</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Otis Limited</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>QH Demolition/Reconstruction</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ballast Construction Scotland Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>17 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Substructure East Basement</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>O'Rourke Civil Engineering Limited</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>7 months</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149033,"EventID":"S1W-12274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what capital contracts are currently out to tender, in relation to the Holyrood Project, indicating in each case the timescale for return of tenders, award of contracts, c","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what capital contracts are currently out to tender, in relation to the Holyrood Project, indicating in each case the timescale for return of tenders, award of contracts, commencement on site and completion of works.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has provided a list of<B> </B>contracts which are currently out to tender, including those where tenders have been returned but the contract award has still to be made, as follows.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1.&#9;MSP Building Cladding.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2.&#9;Queensberry House New Windows/Doors.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">3.&#9;MSP Building Roofing.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">4.&#9;Queensberry House External Render.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">5.&#9;MSP Building Carpentry &amp; Joinery.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">6.&#9;Mechanical &amp; Plumbing, West.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">7.&#9;Electrical West.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">8.&#9;Broadcasting &amp; Allied Systems.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Under Construction Management arrangements, individual works package contracts proceed according to timescales set out in the strategic construction programme. The programme is updated and rescheduled on an ongoing basis to obtain best value for money and to achieve the target completion date which remains as 31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149034,"EventID":"S1W-12275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total value is of all works packages let to date in relation to the Holyrood Project, and what proportion of the construction and construction contingency budget ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total value is of all works packages let to date in relation to the Holyrood Project, and what proportion of the construction and construction contingency budget of #119 million has been (a) spent and (b) committed to date.","AnswerText":"The total value of all works packages let to date is £21.8 million. Some 13% of the construction and contingency budget of £119 million has been spent to date and around 20% of that total figure is committed. To date, none of the contingency element of the budget has been spent or committed.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149035,"EventID":"S1W-12276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what works packages have still to go out to tender in relation to the Holyrood Project and what the indicative timescale is in each case for issuing and return of tenders,","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what works packages have still to go out to tender in relation to the Holyrood Project and what the indicative timescale is in each case for issuing and return of tenders, award of contract and commencement and completion of works.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1.&#9;Assembly Building Brick/Blockwork.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2.&#9;General Builderswork.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">3.&#9;Assembly Building Foyer Frame &amp; Glazing.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">4.&#9;Assembly Building Specialist Glazing.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">5.&#9;Assembly Building Cladding.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">6.&#9;Assembly Building/Canongate Roofing<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">7.&#9;Assembly Building Timber Trusses.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">8.&#9;Canongate Constituency Wall.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">9.&#9;Fire Stopping (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">10.&#9;Assembly Building/Canongate Fire Protection Steelwork.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">11.&#9;Queensberry House Ceilings/Partitions/Plasterboard.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">12.&#9;MSP Building Ceilings/Partitions.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">13.&#9;Queensberry House Suspended Ceilings.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">14.&#9;Assembly Building Ceilings/Partitions.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">15.&#9;Queensberry House Raised Floors.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">16.&#9;Assembly Building Raised Floors.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">17.&#9;MSP Building Stone Floors/Screeds<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">18.&#9;Queensberry House Stone Floors/Screeds.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">19.&#9;Assembly Building Stone Floors/Screeds.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">20.&#9;MSP Building Floor Covering.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">21.&#9;Queensberry House Timber/Vinyl Flooring.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">22.&#9;Assembly Building Timber Flooring.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">23.&#9;Assembly Building Carpet &amp; Vinyl Flooring.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">24.&#9;Queensberry House Carpentry &amp; Joinery.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">25.&#9;Assembly Building Carpentry &amp; Joinery.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">26.&#9;Queensberry House Metal Blast Windows/Doors.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">27.&#9;Assembly Building Metal Doors/Shutters.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">28.&#9;MSP Building Architectural Metalwork.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">29.&#9;Queensberry House Architectural Metalwork. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">30.&#9;Assembly Building Architectural Metalwork.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">31.&#9;MSP Building Decoration.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">32.&#9;Queensberry House Decoration.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">33.&#9;Assembly Building Decoration.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">34.&#9;MSP Building Toilet/Fitness/Changing Fit Out.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">35.&#9;Queensberry House Toilet Fit Out.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">36.&#9;Assembly Building Toilet Fit Out.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">37.&#9;Furniture/Fittings/Equipment.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">38.&#9;Filing Systems.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">39.&#9;Catering Equipment (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">40.&#9;Bar &amp; Restaurant Fit Out (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">41.&#9;Audio Visual Equipment (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">42.&#9;Signage.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">43.&#9;Cleaning Cradles.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">44.&#9;Mechanical &amp; Plumbing East.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">45.&#9;Fire Alarm &amp; Protection (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">46.&#9;Building Maintenance System (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">47.&#9;Commissioning (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">48.&#9;Electrical East.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">49.&#9;Structured Cabling (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">50.&#9;Security (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">51.&#9;Electricity Incoming (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">52.&#9;Water Incoming (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">53.&#9;Gas Supply (Whole Site)<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">54.&#9;IT/Communications (Whole Site).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">55.&#9;Sewer Connections.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">56.&#9;Cable/Satellite.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">57.&#9;Hard Landscaping.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">58.&#9;Soft Landscaping.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I am informed by the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that, while a broad time frame was included as part of the Stage D Scheme Design report, it would be misleading to give definitive programme dates relating to the award, site start and completion of the above packages. These are liable to change in line with arrangements made by the Construction Manager, who is employed to manage a dynamic programme, to the overall benefit of the project. The programmed building completion date remains as 31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149036,"EventID":"S1W-12277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the value of any works package contracts let to date in relation to the Holyrood Project could be identified without prejudice to later, similar tendering exercise","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the value of any works package contracts let to date in relation to the Holyrood Project could be identified without prejudice to later, similar tendering exercises and, if so, whether the details of any such contracts can now be made available.","AnswerText":"The Holyrood Progress Group has previously indicated that it will be happy to release values of contracts awarded where they do not prejudice the future commercial interests of the Parliament or the individual contractors concerned. The Project Team is now in the process of establishing procedures to set this exercise in motion and a report will be made to MSPs as soon as the information becomes available.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149037,"EventID":"S1W-12278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer which works packages still to go to tender in relation to the Holyrood project may be compromised by a decision to divulge the value of contracts let after earlier, simila","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer which works packages still to go to tender in relation to the Holyrood project may be compromised by a decision to divulge the value of contracts let after earlier, similar tendering exercises.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has already stated that, in principle and with the agreement of the contractors involved, information concerning the value of contracts let should be put into the public domain. However, I understand that at this point in the programme, our negotiating position in relation to all future packages could potentially be prejudiced by releasing the details of earlier contracts. This position should ease in the very near future and wherever possible this information will be reported to MSPs as soon as is practicable.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149038,"EventID":"S1W-12279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any contracts have been let to date in relation to the Holyrood project with less detailed construction information than is desirable, as outlined in paragraph 1.3","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any contracts have been let to date in relation to the Holyrood project with less detailed construction information than is desirable, as outlined in paragraph 1.39 of the Auditor General's report The new Scottish Parliament building.","AnswerText":"No.<B> </B>Contracts are only let when sufficient information is available to allow construction to take place.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149039,"EventID":"S1W-12280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether all works packages issued to date, and to be issued, in relation to the Holyrood project contain or will contain penalty clauses to protect the client's interest a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether all works packages issued to date, and to be issued, in relation to the Holyrood project contain or will contain penalty clauses to protect the client's interest against late completion or other contingencies and whether the value of penalty clauses is calculated in relation to a standard formula or to contract-specific assessments of the possible costs to the client in each case of failure by contractors to achieve completion dates.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that works package contracts stipulate that trade contractors will be liable for all damage, expense, loss or cost suffered or incurred by the client due to default by the trade contractor, including failure to achieve completion dates. It is not considered appropriate to include specific penalty clauses in works contracts for the new Parliament building since their inclusion can lead to increased tender prices.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149040,"EventID":"S1W-12281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the cost plan allowances for the substructure east and superstructure east are #5.8 million and #17 million respectively, as stated by the Holyrood Project Manager","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the cost plan allowances for the substructure east and superstructure east are #5.8 million and #17 million respectively, as stated by the Holyrood Project Manager on 3 October 2000 (Audit Committee, Official Report, col. 408); whether potential contractors are routinely made aware of the cost plan allowances for each works package, and whether the cost plan allowances for each of the 91 works packages will be revealed to MSPs.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that the figures quoted are relevant cost plan allowances which are indicative estimates of contract values. In normal circumstances these figures are not put in the public domain nor provided to potential contractors in line with existing guidelines for commercial confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149041,"EventID":"S1W-12282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the statement by the Parliament's Clerk/Chief Executive on 3 October 2000 regarding the provision of information on the costs of major works packages (Audit Co","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the statement by the Parliament's Clerk/Chief Executive on 3 October 2000 regarding the provision of information on the costs of major works packages (Audit Committee, Official Report, col. 407), what information will be made available to the Audit Committee about the value of contracts let for the major works packages in relation to the Holyrood Project, and whether such information will be given to all MSPs at the same time and on the same basis.","AnswerText":"As the Clerk indicated, the Audit Committee will be provided with information in respect of a number of imminent major works contracts as they are let, subject to the agreement of the relevant contractors. This information will indicate any variance in the final tender prices from the estimated allowances in the works package cost plan and will comment on the relevance of these outturns to the overall financial target of £195 million. The Holyrood Progress Group intends to make this information available to all MSPs.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149042,"EventID":"S1W-12283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the methods of controlling the seal population provided for by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 are sufficient.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the methods of controlling the seal population provided for by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 are sufficient.","AnswerText":"The Conservation of Seals Act 1970 provides a flexible framework for control of the seal population.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149043,"EventID":"S1W-12284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the use of non-lethal methods of control of seal populations; if so, what conclusions have been reached and, if not, whether it will now conside","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the use of non-lethal methods of control of seal populations; if so, what conclusions have been reached and, if not, whether it will now consider the issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has considered the use of non-lethal methods of seal population control. In 1998 the Executive asked the Special Committee on Seals (SCOS) of the Natural Environment Research Council to assess whether a recently developed Canadian method of contraceptive sterilisation of seals might be a feasible way to stabilise or reduce Scottish grey seal numbers.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">On the basis of SCOS' advice it was concluded that there would be considerable practical and financial problems involved in attempting a successful sterilisation programme using this method in Scotland. In Scotland seal populations are more scattered and more wary of humans than in Canada and hence cannot easily be approached for effective sterilisation using this method. In order to stabilise the grey seal population at its 1997 level of 95,000 it was estimated that a total of 14,000 adult females would need to be sterilised in the first year with gradually reducing annual numbers thereafter reaching 3,000 after some seven years. In order to reduce the seal population below the 1997 level, much greater numbers of seals would need to be sterilised.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>There are no current plans to introduce contraceptive measures to control the Scottish seal population but the Executive will continue to assess the potential of any future non-lethal control measures.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149044,"EventID":"S1W-12285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether additional measures are required in order to eradicate the feral mink population; if so, in which parts of Scotland and when such steps will be taken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether additional measures are required in order to eradicate the feral mink population; if so, in which parts of Scotland and when such steps will be taken.","AnswerText":"Feral mink are widely distributed over most of mainland Scotland and many offshore islands. Their impact on ground-nesting birds is well documented and it is widely believed that mink are also associated with the decline of the water vole.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Executive is supporting Scottish Natural Heritage's application for EU LIFE-Nature funding to assist with the first phase of a mink eradication programme for the Western Isles.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>SNH continues to maintain an overview on the subject of mink predation and control as it relates to the natural heritage. In view of the extensive range which the species now occupies in Britain, total eradication of the species is not possible. Therefore, resources must be carefully targeted at key sites where long-term control is considered to be a practicable option.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149045,"EventID":"S1W-12286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the Deputy Minister for Rural Development on 23 November 2000 regarding the latest scientific advice from the special committee on seal popul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the Deputy Minister for Rural Development on 23 November 2000 regarding the latest scientific advice from the special committee on seal population si'es (Official Report, col. 335), whether this information has been received; if so, when and whether it will place the information in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I understand that a copy of the latest advice from the Special Committee on Seals has now been received and I will be considering its contents very carefully. I will ensure that a copy of this advice is placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149046,"EventID":"S1W-12287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer parliamentary question S1W-11696 regarding the age profiles of teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer parliamentary question S1W-11696 regarding the age profiles of teachers.","AnswerText":"A report has been sent to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee detailing the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been made available to committee members and placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751). The answer to your question S1W-11696 is at Annex E of the report.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149047,"EventID":"S1W-12288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what analysis it is undertaking of student poverty and its effects on academic performance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what analysis it is undertaking of student poverty and its effects on academic performance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not currently undertaking any analysis of the various factors which may affect academic performance.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149048,"EventID":"S1W-12289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has for further involvement of private sector service providers in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has for further involvement of private sector service providers in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have now received the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and have asked for some additional work to be undertaken. No decisions will be made on it, including the involvement of the private sector, until this follow-up work is completed and after the opportunity for informed public debate.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149049,"EventID":"S1W-12290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken to answer written parliamentary questions was in each month of 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken to answer written parliamentary questions was in each month of 2000.","AnswerText":"Information is not available in the form requested. However, the following table provides information on the time taken to answer written parliamentary questions in the first 9 months of 2000. This information is taken from the audits of written parliamentary questions which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The next audit will cover written parliamentary questions lodged from October to December 2000 and will be published in the spring.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The monthly average of questions lodged in the period covered by the table was 708 and 55.1% were answered on time i.e. within 14 days (or within 21 days when they were lodged in a recess longer than four days). In 1999, the monthly average for the period from 1 July was around 450, and for the period from May 1999 46% were answered on time.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>NUMBER OF WRITTEN PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS ANSWERED ON TIME/LATE, BY MONTH<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=633><TR><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">WEEKS LATE<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">AT TIME OF THE AUDITS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">On time</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0 - 1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1 - 2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2 - 3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">3 - 4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4 - 5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&gt; 5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">answered</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Not answered</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Grand Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>MONTH</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>January </TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">327</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">514</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">524</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>February </TD","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149050,"EventID":"S1W-12291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any further measures, other than those contained in the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill, in relation to the conservation of salmon; if so, w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any further measures, other than those contained in the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill, in relation to the conservation of salmon; if so, what measures are being considered; what stage such consideration has reached and what measures will be introduced.","AnswerText":"The terms of the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill are deliberately non-prescriptive to allow district salmon fishery boards to apply for a range of conservation measures. The Executive expects individual boards to put together a package of conservation measures which will address the problems in their particular district.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In the meantime, the analysis of responses to the consultation exercise on &quot;Protecting and Promoting Scotland's Freshwater Fish and Fisheries&quot; currently in progress, will no doubt raise a number of issues for consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149051,"EventID":"S1W-12292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is planning or considering any legislation designed to promote salmon, other than the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is planning or considering any legislation designed to promote salmon, other than the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans at present.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149052,"EventID":"S1W-12293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the banning of drift netting off the North East coast of England, as opposed to reducing it by t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the banning of drift netting off the North East coast of England, as opposed to reducing it by the means of the issue of fewer licences.","AnswerText":"The Executive has long recognised the impact of the North East Drift Net Fishery on salmon returning to Scottish rivers. We have in the past expressed concerns to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about this fishery and, therefore, welcome their recent announcement about plans to accelerate its phase out.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149053,"EventID":"S1W-12294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the level of by-catch in the industrial and pelagic fisheries and, if so, what conclusions have been reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the level of by-catch in the industrial and pelagic fisheries and, if so, what conclusions have been reached.","AnswerText":"Industrial fisheries are conducted predominantly by Denmark and Norway and are not routinely monitored by scientists from the Scottish Executive. Both Denmark and Norway provide the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) with estimates of bycatch from their industrial fleets. The following table shows estimated catches in tonnes for the principal species for the period 1995-99 reported by ICES. With the exception of herring, most of the species are caught in fisheries for Norway pout and the so-called &quot;mixed&quot; industrial fishery. In the case of herring, most of the catch is taken in the fishery for sprat.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Bycatch of the principal fish species taken as bycatch in small meshed fisheries conducted by Denmark and Norway in the North Sea.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=403><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cod</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">366</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1688</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,281</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">532</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Haddock</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Whiting</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Saithe</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dab</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,065</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2662</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,620</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,317</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mackerel</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,019</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3153</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,934</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149054,"EventID":"S1W-12295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a decommissioning scheme for Scottish registered fishing boats and, if so, when and with what budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a decommissioning scheme for Scottish registered fishing boats and, if so, when and with what budget.","AnswerText":"I have agreed to have discussions soon with industry representatives on a range of topical issues, which will include decommissioning.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149055,"EventID":"S1W-12296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it will take in order to ensure the continued use of Balnain House, Inverness as a centre for traditional arts and culture; whether it has allocated any fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it will take in order to ensure the continued use of Balnain House, Inverness as a centre for traditional arts and culture; whether it has allocated any funding for this purpose and, if not, whether it will urge the Scottish Arts Council, the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, or any other body to do so.","AnswerText":"None. The closure of Balnain House was a decision for the company. The Scottish Arts Council continues to support traditional arts in the area and is working with others in the Highland Arts Partnership to develop long-term plans to ensure their sustainable future.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149056,"EventID":"S1W-12297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it foresees any difficulties arising in relation to proposed freedom of information legislation as it would apply to cross-border public authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it foresees any difficulties arising in relation to proposed freedom of information legislation as it would apply to cross-border public authorities.","AnswerText":"No. The proposed Scottish freedom of information legislation will not apply to cross-border public authorities. These bodies will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149057,"EventID":"S1W-12298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many requests for information it has received under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many requests for information it has received under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerText":"Details of the number of requests received under the <I>Code of</I> <I>Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information</I> during the period 1 July to 31 December 1999 were provided in my answer to question S1W-5908. I have today placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre a monitoring report on the operation of the code for the calendar year 2000. This report will also be placed on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149058,"EventID":"S1W-12299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Rural Development will reply to my letters of 13 and 24 October regarding the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Rural Development will reply to my letters of 13 and 24 October regarding the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"A reply will be issued shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149059,"EventID":"S1W-12300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to issue a ministerial response to my letter of 10 November 2000 to the Lord Advocate regarding Mrs S Murdoch.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to issue a ministerial response to my letter of 10 November 2000 to the Lord Advocate regarding Mrs S Murdoch.","AnswerText":"Mr Salmond's letter to the Lord Advocate was passed to me for reply. I have now had an opportunity to look into this matter and a reply will be sent to Mr Salmond as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149060,"EventID":"S1W-12301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an amended DTZ Pieda Consulting report on the future of raspberry breeding in Scotland will be publicly available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an amended DTZ Pieda Consulting report on the future of raspberry breeding in Scotland will be publicly available.","AnswerText":"DTZ Pieda is currently considering comments made on its report and I understand that an amended version will be submitted shortly. As soon as it is received I shall make it available on the Scottish Executive's website<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4>.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149061,"EventID":"S1W-12302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current withdrawal of the DTZ Pieda Consulting report on the future of raspberry breeding in Scotland from its website will have implications for the consulta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current withdrawal of the DTZ Pieda Consulting report on the future of raspberry breeding in Scotland from its website will have implications for the consultation on this issue.","AnswerText":"Other than a possible short extension of the consultation period beyond the current closing date of 2 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149062,"EventID":"S1W-12303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for implementing a stocks regeneration plan for the waters fished primarily by the Scottish fleet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for implementing a stocks regeneration plan for the waters fished primarily by the Scottish fleet.","AnswerText":"Details of recovery plans for North Sea and West of Scotland cod stocks are currently being developed by the European Commission in consultation with member states and industry representatives. It is hoped that certain conservation measures can be established as early as next month.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149063,"EventID":"S1W-12304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to make parents pay the financial cost of vandalism caused by their children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to make parents pay the financial cost of vandalism caused by their children.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Executive's aim is to improve the operation of the current system which requires children to face up to their responsibilities and to change their behaviour to stop offending in future. In addition to their responsibilities under section 1 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, parents are required to attend a children's hearing and are encouraged to support their children in complying with any supervision requirement.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A supervision requirement on a child from a children's hearing may include a requirement on the child to make reparation to a victim or to the community. The Youth Crime Review seeks to extend the range of suitable programmes and measures available to children's hearings.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149064,"EventID":"S1W-12305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU fishing waters the Scottish fisheries 'one represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU fishing waters the Scottish fisheries 'one represents.","AnswerText":"The area of the Scottish zone is 127,231 square nautical miles. The Scottish Executive does not have information on the area of EU waters.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149065,"EventID":"S1W-12306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU fishing quota, listed by species, is allocated to Scottish producers' organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU fishing quota, listed by species, is allocated to Scottish producers' organisations.","AnswerText":"Final allocations of this year's quotas to producers' organisations are not due to be issued until 30 March. The following table (which excludes the non-sector and under 10 metre fleet) shows information relating to last year's total allowable catches for those stocks of relevance to UK fishing (sea areas IV, VI and VII).<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total EU quota (tonnes)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scottish PO's allocation  (tonnes)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Percent Scottish PO</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Whitefish</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">692,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">170,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Pelagic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,310,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">265,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,002,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">436,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149066,"EventID":"S1W-12307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHSiS patients each NHS Hospital Trust has had treated privately in each of the last three years and what the cost was of such treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHSiS patients each NHS Hospital Trust has had treated privately in each of the last three years and what the cost was of such treatment.","AnswerText":"The independent healthcare sector in Scotland has some 670 beds, compared with over 36,000 beds (1998-99) in the NHSScotland. NHSScotland Boards and Trusts make limited use of these beds when necessary to address particular pressures. Boards and Trusts are required to ensure that they secure value for money from these arrangements. The amounts spent by NHSScotland in each of the last three years on referring patients for independent healthcare are set out in the table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=569><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=59><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=59><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Health Board Purchases<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=59><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">GP Fund Holders Purchases<SUP>2</SUP><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=59><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Purchases from Private Sector<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=59><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Expenditure on HCH<SUP>1</SUP><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=59><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Purchases from Private Sector as % of HCH</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23,367 <SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,804,278<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.83%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26,748 <SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,857,325<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.94%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30,871 <SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,457 <SUP>2</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,966,042<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.09%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32,995 <SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,213 <SUP>2</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,092,645<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.145%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1999-2000<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33,198 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,377,527<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.98%</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Notes: <P>1. From the NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1995-96 to 1998-99, copies of which are available in SPICE.<P>2. From the ","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149067,"EventID":"S1W-12308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many farmers have taken their own lives in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many farmers have taken their own lives in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table. When analysing suicides it is conventional to include deaths due to 'Injury undetermined whether accidentally or purposely inflicted'. For the sake of clarity, the two categories have also been shown separately in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=635><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Suicides and undetermined deaths - farmers and farm workers<SUP> 1</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000 <SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Suicide</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Undetermined</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=57><SUP><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1</SUP> The code used for farm worker includes farmer's wife<SUP><P>2</SUP> Provisional</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149068,"EventID":"S1W-12309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its policy is on teaching Scottish history in schools and whether it plans to change its policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its policy is on teaching Scottish history in schools and whether it plans to change its policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's policy is to ensure that guidance to education authorities and schools provide ample opportunities for teaching Scottish history at every level of the school curriculum. There are no plans to change current policy.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149069,"EventID":"S1W-12310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each of the last five years, what the average age was of (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each of the last five years, what the average age was of (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers.","AnswerText":"Information is only available for 1998 and 1994.<P ALIGN=\"LEFT\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=311><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=9><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>At September 1998</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"88%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=8><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Average age of primary teachers</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=8><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>43</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"88%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Average age of secondary teachers</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>43</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"LEFT\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=311><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=9><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>At September 1994</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"88%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=8><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Average age of primary teachers</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=8><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>42</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"88%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Average age of secondary teachers</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>42</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As you are aware I have recently sent a report on the supply of teachers to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee detailing the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre for the information of all members. This information available on the average age of teachers will be inserted into the report as Annex&nbsp;G.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149070,"EventID":"S1W-12311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers (a) took early retirement and (b) resigned in each of the last five years, broken down by sector for each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers (a) took early retirement and (b) resigned in each of the last five years, broken down by sector for each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following tables show the latest information available on teachers taking early retirement. No information is held centrally which could identify separately those teachers who resign.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">As you are aware I have recently sent a report on the supply of teachers to the Convener of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee detailing the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre for the information of all members. These tables will be inserted into the report as Annex H.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=578><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=72><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Teachers Taking Early Retirement (headcount), from Education Authority schools, from April 1995 - April 1996, by Education Authority and sector</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Nursery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Primary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Secondary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Special</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">294</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">152</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">131</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149071,"EventID":"S1W-12312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9278 by Sarah Boyack on 8 September 2000, whether the planning application in relation to a leisure and retail development at Anchi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9278 by Sarah Boyack on 8 September 2000, whether the planning application in relation to a leisure and retail development at Anchinlea Park, Easterhouse, was subsequently notified to it; whether ministers exercised their right to call it in for determination and, if so, what progress has been made in finally determining the application.","AnswerText":"This planning application was notified to the Scottish Ministers on 11 September 2000. The right to call-in was not exercised and the case was cleared back to Glasgow City Council for their own determination on 20 October 2000. I understand that planning permission was subsequently granted on 26 October 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149072,"EventID":"S1W-12313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11040 by Sam Galbraith on 23 November 2000, how many of the called-in applications in each year were (a) approved and (b) rejected ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11040 by Sam Galbraith on 23 November 2000, how many of the called-in applications in each year were (a) approved and (b) rejected and whether it will provide details of all called-in applications approved and rejected since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<P>I have been asked by the Minister to respond. Further to the answer provided to question S1W-11040 on 23 November 2000, the number of called-in listed building consent applications in each year that were approved or rejected outright are contained in the second and third column of the Annex. The number of cases which were part approved/part rejected and those which were withdrawn by the applicant are given in the fourth and fifth column.<P>Four called-in applications have been determined since 1 July 1999. These were at Nether Catrine House, Catrine (approved); Rockhall Hotel, Collin (rejected); The Park, The Wyndies, Garmouth (rejected) and 3-7 Blair Road, Dalry (part approved/part rejected).<P>The figures are based on the date of formal intimation that a case had been called in. Those in the earlier reply were calculated on a financial year basis and the date when the case was extended beyond the standard 28-day period.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149073,"EventID":"S1W-12314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11108 by Sam Galbraith on 23 November 2000, how the planning system protects the public interest in circumstances where local autho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11108 by Sam Galbraith on 23 November 2000, how the planning system protects the public interest in circumstances where local authorities propose to grant notifiable planning applications or proceed with notifiable developments which do not raise issues of national importance.","AnswerText":"The Town and Country Planning (Notification of Applications)(Scotland) Direction 1997 requires planning authorities to notify the Scottish Ministers if they are minded to grant planning permission in respect of a number of types of development. The Scottish Ministers will normally only intervene if issues of national importance are involved.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Where responsibility for determining a planning application rests with a planning authority, planning legislation requires the authority to take into account any representations relating to the application before reaching a decision. The authority should also be able to justify any decision it reaches. Any person aggrieved by a decision of a planning authority has recourse to the courts and, if maladministration is alleged, to the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149074,"EventID":"S1W-12315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out any audit of planning policy departures by planning authorities in recent years; what trends, if any, it has detected in the volume, frequency,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out any audit of planning policy departures by planning authorities in recent years; what trends, if any, it has detected in the volume, frequency, or significance of departures, in general or in the case of any specific authorities; what assessment it has made of the significance of cumulative departures, in general or in the case of any specific authorities; whether it plans to increase scrutiny of notified planning decisions and notices of intention to develop and whether it has any proposals to improve monitoring and control of development contrary to the provisions of development plans.","AnswerText":"The table shows the numbers of planning applications relating to developments representing departures from relevant development plans, by local authority area. Overall, approved departures as a proportion of applications determined are fairly constant at 13 or 14 per thousand, but there are variations between authorities. The Planning Audit Unit will pursue the reasons for such variations.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Planning authorities are required, before granting planning permission, to notify the Scottish Ministers of any such cases that they consider to represent significant departures. The number notified in each year is shown in the last row of the table.<P>The Executive's policy in relation to development contrary to development plans is set out in <I>National Planning Policy Guideline 1 (Revised 2000): The Planning System</I>.<P>Current scrutiny and monitoring arrangements are considered adequate and we have no plans to change them.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Development Plan Departures<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=644><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=60><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=60><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P>Applications advertised <P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">as potential departures</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=60><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Applications approved<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">as departures from DP</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=60><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Approved departures <P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">per 1000 applications determined</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">96-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">97-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">98-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">99-00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">96-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">97-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">98-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">99-00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">96-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">97-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">98-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial Narrow\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">99-00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"R","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149075,"EventID":"S1W-12316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all planning decisions taken personally by Scottish Ministers, after a public inquiry, since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all planning decisions taken personally by Scottish Ministers, after a public inquiry, since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Decisions on planning cases coming before the Scottish Ministers may be taken either by Ministers or, under delegated authority, by officials. All decisions are, however, taken in the name of the Scottish Ministers. The decisions personally authorised by the appropriate Scottish Minister, after a public local inquiry, since 1 July 1999 are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=613><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Development Proposal</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Date Of Decision Letter</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Approve/Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Wind turbines at Gartymore, Helmsdale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19/07/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Access to wind farm at Gartymore, Helmsdale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19/07/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Wind turbines at West Garty, Helmsdale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19/07/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Housing at Bothwell Bank Farm, Bothwell</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">04/08/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Housing at Torheads Farm, Hamilton</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">04/08/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Approve</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Housing at Sovereigns Gate, Bothwell</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">04/08/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Housing at Shott Farm, High Blantyre</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">04/08/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Housing at Calderglen Avenue, Blantyre</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">05/08/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Approve</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ramp at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10/09/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Housing at Murdostoun Castle, N Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">01/10/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refuse</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mixed development at Newbridge Industrial Estate, Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14/12/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Approve</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Retail etc development at Saughs Road, Robroyston, Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23/12/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" V","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149076,"EventID":"S1W-12317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which area waste plans have now been lodged with it; which plans contain proposals for incineration; whether any plan proposes incineration schemes unrelated to energy fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which area waste plans have now been lodged with it; which plans contain proposals for incineration; whether any plan proposes incineration schemes unrelated to energy from waste projects and whether it will estimate the indicative capital costs of full implementation of all incineration proposals contained in the plans.","AnswerText":"No Area Waste Plans have been submitted to the Scottish Executive. I am therefore unable to say what detail the plans may contain or what the cost of any proposal may be.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149077,"EventID":"S1W-12318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects all area waste plans to be submitted to it; when it expects to be able to approve the plans and how it proposes to help local authorities fund the capital","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects all area waste plans to be submitted to it; when it expects to be able to approve the plans and how it proposes to help local authorities fund the capital costs of implementing the proposals brought forward in the plans.","AnswerText":"I expect the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to have prepared all 11 Area Waste Plans for public consultation by October this year, although some will be published before then. There is no plan for formal approval of the individual plans by the Executive, but I will wish to be sure that, together, the plans are likely to meet the overall objectives of the National Waste Strategy.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Executive has set up the Strategic Waste Fund which will operate as a specific grant scheme to allocate funds to local authorities to implement improved waste management services in line with the Area Waste Plans. The Executive has made provision for £50.4 million over the next three years to be allocated to local authorities from this grant scheme as either capital or revenue expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149078,"EventID":"S1W-12319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to increase financial incentives to farmers to invest in the production and marketing of Scottish berries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to increase financial incentives to farmers to invest in the production and marketing of Scottish berries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently provides financial assistance to Scottish Soft Fruit Growers Limited (SSFG) under the Marketing Development Scheme towards the cost of a marketing manager to assist them improve their marketing and commercial expertise. There are no plans to increase funding under this scheme.<P>My officials are currently in discussion with SSFG regarding their application for recognition as a Producer Organisation, which is an essential pre-requisite to their submission of an Operational Programme under the EU Fruit and Vegetable Regime. An approved Operational Programme may contain measures aimed at improving the production and marketing performance of a Producer Organisation and programme expenditure is 50% EU grant aided.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149079,"EventID":"S1W-12320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the requirements of the Data Protection Acts on the collection and monitoring of cancer registration data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the requirements of the Data Protection Acts on the collection and monitoring of cancer registration data.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department is currently assessing the impact of the Data Protection Act 1998 on the Scottish cancer registration system. Guidance will be issued to the NHSScotland before 1 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149080,"EventID":"S1W-12321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registrations the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board has made since its inception in 1995 and what the board's running costs have been in each yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registrations the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board has made since its inception in 1995 and what the board's running costs have been in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board came into operation on 1 March 1997 and has registered 12 practitioners since that time. There are 10 practitioners currently registered with the board.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The board's running costs are set out in its Annual Reports and Accounts, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10585).","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149081,"EventID":"S1W-12322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board has met in the past year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board has met in the past year.","AnswerText":"The Board met on eight occasions in the calendar year 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149082,"EventID":"S1W-12323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to disband the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to disband the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board.","AnswerText":"A policy and financial management review of the board was carried out last year in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance on the need for routine reviews of Non-Departmental Public Bodies. The report of the review is currently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149083,"EventID":"S1W-12324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a co-ordinator should be appointed to ensure effective co-ordination of local and national salmon monitoring and research programmes and, if so, when such a co-or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a co-ordinator should be appointed to ensure effective co-ordination of local and national salmon monitoring and research programmes and, if so, when such a co-ordinator will be appointed.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to make such an appointment. The Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory and Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre already fulfil this role through their work with district salmon fishery boards and fishery trusts.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149084,"EventID":"S1W-12325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the term trunk road contracts will be awarded for Ayrshire and the South West of Scotland and when the successful bidders will be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the term trunk road contracts will be awarded for Ayrshire and the South West of Scotland and when the successful bidders will be announced.","AnswerText":"The result of the competition was announced in my reply to Des McNulty on 23 January (question S1W-12726). I subsequently announced my intention to award the contract in my answer to Mary Mulligan on 2 February (question S1W-13044).","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149085,"EventID":"S1W-12326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the tender period closed for the term trunk road contracts in Ayrshire and the South West of Scotland and what the target date for announcement of successful bids w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the tender period closed for the term trunk road contracts in Ayrshire and the South West of Scotland and what the target date for announcement of successful bids was.","AnswerText":"Tenders for each of the trunk road management and maintenance contracts were submitted to the Scottish Executive in accordance with the instructions for tendering before noon on 30 October 2000. At that stage it was hoped that an announcement of a successful bid could have been made before the end of the year. The result of the competition was announced in my reply to Des McNulty on 23 January (question S1W-12726). I subsequently announced my intention to award the contract in my answer to Mary Mulligan on 2 February (question S1W-13044).","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149086,"EventID":"S1W-12327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to intervene to prevent any liquidation of the Highland Cultural Centre at Balnain House, Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to intervene to prevent any liquidation of the Highland Cultural Centre at Balnain House, Inverness.","AnswerText":"None. The company went into liquidation on 25 January this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149087,"EventID":"S1W-12328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to ask Highland Council, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise and the Scottish Arts Council to assist Balnain House, Inverness, to remain open.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to ask Highland Council, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise and the Scottish Arts Council to assist Balnain House, Inverness, to remain open.","AnswerText":"No. The company decided to go into liquidation on 25 January this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149088,"EventID":"S1W-12329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the intake of student midwives at Glasgow Caledonian University was not more than 20 for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the intake of student midwives at Glasgow Caledonian University was not more than 20 for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department contracted with Glasgow Caledonian University for a target of 30 students<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2 COLOR=\"#ff00ff\"> to the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 diploma courses in midwifery to be spread across three-year and 18-month pre-registration courses. The target was met in both years. The actual intakes were 23 three-year places and seven 18-month places in 1999-2000 and 20 three-year places and 10 (provisional for February 2001) 18-month places in 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149089,"EventID":"S1W-12330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase the number of teaching places in midwifery at Glasgow Caledonian University.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase the number of teaching places in midwifery at Glasgow Caledonian University.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to increase the number of student midwifery course intakes at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149090,"EventID":"S1W-12331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its announcement of the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) funding allocation for 2002-03 to 2003-04 on 28 December 2000, whether this announcement included a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its announcement of the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) funding allocation for 2002-03 to 2003-04 on 28 December 2000, whether this announcement included any SIP allocation to Castlemilk in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"We announced recently that we are providing provisional funding allocations of £105.5 million to Social Inclusion Partnerships in 2002-03 and 2003-04. This figure does not include allocations for any of the three former New Life Partnership areas - Castlemilk, Wester Hailes, and Ferguslie Park. Future funding for these areas is currently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149091,"EventID":"S1W-12332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of UK GDP the Scottish assigned budget represented or is expected to represent in each of the years from 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of UK GDP the Scottish assigned budget represented or is expected to represent in each of the years from 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive.","AnswerText":"The sum of Scottish Departmental Expenditure Limits and Non-Domestic Rate Income, as a proportion of UK GDP, is set out in the table. Over the period, DEL + NDRI has grown by 15.5% in real terms.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=548><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scottish DEL + NDRI as a proportion of UK GDP<I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">%</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">UK GDP at market prices<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scottish DEL + NDRI<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">at market prices<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1994-95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2.03</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">677,594</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,730</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">713,980</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,920</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.87</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">756,058</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,168</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.76</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">805,402</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,157</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.73</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">851,654</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,704</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.74</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">891,583</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15,510</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.76</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">936,697</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16,514</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2001-02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.81</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">984,117</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17,797</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2002-03</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.83</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,033,941</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,941</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2003-04</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,086,283</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20,023</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">* Figures for 2000-01 to 2003-04 are based on projections.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Due to the conversion to resource accounting, the sum of DEL (Departmental Expenditure Limits) and NDRI (Non-Domestic Rate Income) is the most robust basis on which to make this comparison.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149092,"EventID":"S1W-12333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it has issued to health boards on the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it has issued to health boards on the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is currently developing a clinical guideline on Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People, which is due to be published in the spring. The guideline will be disseminated to a range of interests including NHS Trusts and health boards.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149093,"EventID":"S1W-12334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has allocated to voluntary organisations providing support to children and adults suffering from attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has allocated to voluntary organisations providing support to children and adults suffering from attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not currently fund any specific voluntary organisation involved exclusively in supporting children and adults with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). However, the Executive's Innovation Grants Programme of £6 million over the three years from April 2000 is supporting various voluntary organisation projects, some of which will benefit children with ADD/ADHD and other social and emotional behavioural difficulties.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Executive also administers grant schemes for voluntary organisations involved in providing support and services in the areas of health and social care. It would be open to any voluntary organisation engaged in supporting children with ADD/ADHD and their families to apply for funding under the appropriate grant scheme. I understand that no application from any such organisation has been received by the Health Department for the coming financial year. Any future application received would be carefully considered on its merits, alongside competing demands. It is impossible to say what the outcome would be.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149094,"EventID":"S1W-12335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what information is being provided to health professionals and, in particular, GPs on the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficiency disorder and/or attention defic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what information is being provided to health professionals and, in particular, GPs on the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is currently developing a clinical guideline on Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People, which is due to be published in the spring. The guideline will be disseminated to a range of interests including general practitioners via the Primary Care Advisers at health boards.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149095,"EventID":"S1W-12336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to the needs of children and adults with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in any reviews of provis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to the needs of children and adults with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in any reviews of provisions for people with special educational needs or learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"There has been no specific consideration of provision for children and adults with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) in recent reviews. However, the Scottish Executive is providing over £5 million per year to local authorities for the development and training of classroom-based staff and trainee educational psychologists working with children with special educational needs, including those with ADD/ADHD. £1 million of this funding is directed towards Early Intervention.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In addition, the Scottish Executive Alternatives to Exclusion Grant Scheme is supporting projects which will benefit children and young people with ADD/ADHD. These projects include school support units, programmes of personal and social development, enhanced staffing for schools, vocational schemes, behaviour support systems and outreach services into schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149096,"EventID":"S1W-12337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have been diagnosed with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in each of the last three years, broken down by he","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have been diagnosed with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in each of the last three years, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the form requested. However, information from a sample of GP records in practices across Scotland whose population is nationally representative suggests the following numbers of patients with attention deficiency disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were seen by GPs in 1998-99 and 1999-2000. It is not possible to provide information prior to 1998-1999 because the codes used to record ADD/ADHD were not in use before that period.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Estimated number of patients</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,600</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,800</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>These data refer to diagnoses known to the patients' GP. There may be other patients whose condition is managed by specialist services, such as child psychiatry, who may not see their GP for these conditions and will therefore not be included in the data.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149097,"EventID":"S1W-12338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it has issued to local education authorities on the educational provision for children with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperact","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it has issued to local education authorities on the educational provision for children with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","AnswerText":"Although no specific guidance has been issued on provision for children with attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), general guidance on Special Educational Needs is contained in the Scottish Executive <I>Manual of Good Practice</I> for all staff and professionals involved with children and young people with special educational needs. Further advice on good practice can be found in the Scottish Executive publications <I>Taking a Closer Look at Promoting Social Competence, Sharing Good Practice</I> and <I>Circular 4/96: Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs - Assessment and Recording.</I>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149098,"EventID":"S1W-12339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11834 by Nicol Stephen on 21 December 2000, whether it will make arrangements to collect centrally information on the number of spe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11834 by Nicol Stephen on 21 December 2000, whether it will make arrangements to collect centrally information on the number of special educational needs units within state schools which have closed since 1997 to date, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans at present.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149099,"EventID":"S1W-12340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it or any of its agencies will be making representations to the BBC or Broadcasting Standards Commission about the content of the BBC documentary Warning from th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it or any of its agencies will be making representations to the BBC or Broadcasting Standards Commission about the content of the BBC documentary Warning from the Wild: The Price of Salmon, broadcast on 7 January 2000.","AnswerText":"On the matters of food safety which formed the basis of the programme in question, we are advised by the Food Standards Agency. They have informed me that a formal complaint was sent to the BBC on 5 January 2001, in relation to the manner in which they had conducted themselves during the making of the programme. Following transmission the Agency intends to make a further complaint about the content of the programme itself.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149100,"EventID":"S1W-12341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any evidence that the levels of dioxins in farmed salmon could harm human health and what ongoing research is being conducted into this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any evidence that the levels of dioxins in farmed salmon could harm human health and what ongoing research is being conducted into this matter.","AnswerText":"On matters of food safety the Scottish Executive is advised by the Food Standards Agency. After close examination of current research, the agency advises that levels of dioxins in farmed salmon are unlikely to harm human health, where salmon is consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet. The independent expert Committee on Toxicity (COT) is currently conducting a review of dioxins, at the request of the Food Standards Agency, in order to establish guidance on safe tolerable exposure levels to these chemicals. The agency has asked the COT to consider any new evidence which becomes available as part of its review.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149101,"EventID":"S1W-12342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it uses to assess the impact of escaped farmed salmon on the native population of salmon in Scottish rivers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it uses to assess the impact of escaped farmed salmon on the native population of salmon in Scottish rivers.","AnswerText":"Details of numbers of fish identified as escaped farmed salmon that are caught in net and rod fisheries throughout Scotland are collected as part of the annual exercise to collect and collate catch statistics. Field studies have been carried out into spawning behaviour and potential effects of interbreeding.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149102,"EventID":"S1W-12343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being undertaken to determine if there is a causal link between salmon farming and the decline of wild stocks, particularly with regard to the impact of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being undertaken to determine if there is a causal link between salmon farming and the decline of wild stocks, particularly with regard to the impact of sea lice.","AnswerText":"The Fisheries Research Services are conducting a four-year investigation (2000-04) of the interactions of sea lice between farmed and wild stocks. The project will also identify management strategies designed to reduce the risks identified.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149103,"EventID":"S1W-12344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the salmon farming industry in promoting quality assurance schemes and disseminating best practice to maintain and enhance the industry's reputati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the salmon farming industry in promoting quality assurance schemes and disseminating best practice to maintain and enhance the industry's reputation for high quality natural produce.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to support the development of aquaculture within a framework which has proper regard for the environment and in particular the protection of wild fish. Maintaining the highest standards of husbandry, environmental protection and quality assurance are essential. The industry itself recognises this, and is actively co-operating with the Executive and other interests in such initiatives as the Tripartite Working Group, the Aquaculture Health Joint Working Group, and the recent production of the <I>Code of Practice to avoid and minimise the impact of Infectious Salmon Anaemia</I>. It has also developed, working with major customers and regulators, its own quality assurance and environmental management schemes.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149104,"EventID":"S1W-12345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether salmon feed is routinely tested for levels of dioxins and other man-made pollutants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether salmon feed is routinely tested for levels of dioxins and other man-made pollutants.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that salmon feed is not routinely tested for levels of dioxins and other man-made pollutants.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149105,"EventID":"S1W-12346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to investigate the cleanliness and bacteria levels in all NHSiS hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to investigate the cleanliness and bacteria levels in all NHSiS hospitals.","AnswerText":"Hospital cleanliness and hygiene is a priority area for action by the NHS in Scotland. &quot;Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change&quot;, published on 14&nbsp;December, makes clear that the Scottish Executive expects every NHS Trust to act on the recommendations of the Audit Scotland report 'A Clean Bill of Health' by June 2001. The Health Plan also states that every local healthcare system will be expected to deliver the service standards to be established by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland on cleanliness, infection control and other matters. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Comprehensive guidance on infection control in hospitals - the Scottish Infection Manual - was issued by the Scottish Executive in 1998. This guidance recommends that Infection Control Teams should be in place in every NHS Trust. Their tasks include bacteriological monitoring. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A Joint Health Department/NHS Working Group is currently preparing recommendations for ensuring compliance with guidance and the monitoring of standards relating to reporting, controlling and reducing hospital acquired infection and to hospital cleanliness.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149106,"EventID":"S1W-12347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has applied or intends to apply for a four-year extension to the dates by which the targets for the reduction of the amount of waste being landfilled set in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has applied or intends to apply for a four-year extension to the dates by which the targets for the reduction of the amount of waste being landfilled set in the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) require to be met and what justification has been or would be given for any such request.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intends to take advantage of the provision in the Landfill Directive which allows the UK, as a member state that landfilled more than 80% of their municipal waste in 1995, to postpone the attainment of the landfill reduction target dates by up to four years. There is no need to apply to Europe to make use of the provision, although member states must inform the European Commission of their strategy for implementation of the targets by July 2003.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149107,"EventID":"S1W-12348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 1995 baseline landfill tonnage figure is for each local authority area and how much waste has been landfilled in each local authority area in each year since 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 1995 baseline landfill tonnage figure is for each local authority area and how much waste has been landfilled in each local authority area in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I plan to publish later this year a consultation paper on the Executive's proposals for allocating the 1995 baseline municipal waste figures and landfill targets between Scottish local authorities.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Information on the total amount of all waste landfilled in each local authority area is not held centrally. However, the amounts of local authority waste land filled in 1997 and 1998 can be calculated for most authorities from appendices D and E of the <I>Scottish Waste Statistics 1997-1998,</I> recently published by the Scottish Executive and available in SPICe (Bib. no. 10691). The tonnages are shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=427><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=52><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=52><DIR><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total landfilled 1997</DIR></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=52><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=52><DIR><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Landfilled 1998</DIR></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46,501</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48,610</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>City of Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92,299</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">77,422</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">245,196</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">252,329</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29,045</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28,153</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49,075</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">61,971</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85,779</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">194,675</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67,456</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">62,035</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Perth &amp; Kinross</TD><TD WIDTH","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149108,"EventID":"S1W-12349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when area waste plans will be published and what the current state of readiness of each area is to draw down funds from the Strategic Waste Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when area waste plans will be published and what the current state of readiness of each area is to draw down funds from the Strategic Waste Fund.","AnswerText":"I expect the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to have prepared all 11 Area Waste Plans for public consultation by October this year, although some may be published before then. The Executive has already announced that £3 million is to be available from the Strategic Waste Fund this year to local authorities to improve recycling and composting. As no Area Waste Plans have been completed, no local authority is currently in a position to apply for grant from the £50.4 million provision which the Executive has allocated over the next three years for implementing the Area Waste Plans.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149109,"EventID":"S1W-12350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which areas have applied for funding from the #3 million made available through the Strategic Waste Fund in the current financial year to reduce the amount of waste land","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which areas have applied for funding from the #3 million made available through the Strategic Waste Fund in the current financial year to reduce the amount of waste landfilled and whether it will provide details of all approved projects, including the amount of funding allocated to each.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are currently working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to prepare Area Waste Plans outlining how future waste management should be carried out in each area. I am pleased that the Executive has been able to assist authorities to begin making improvements to recycling and composting.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">On 25 October 2000 Sarah Boyack announced that £3 million was to be made available this year for distribution (using a population-based formula) between all local authorities to allow them to invest in recycling and composting. In November, authorities were invited to submit proposals for projects showing how they wished to spend the funds to increase or improve recycling and/or composting carried out in their area.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Each authority will be offered a grant to carry out the projects as proposed and in most cases I expect work will begin almost immediately, with improvements in the service available being quickly noticeable. The projects range from small scale purchases of capital equipment (e.g. waste shredders to enable composting of organic waste, recycling collection banks for cans, glass etc.), larger equipment such as vehicles for kerbside collection of paper and other recyclable materials, and revenue funding to operate recycling schemes (such as provision of home composting equipment, recycling advice and materials sorting or composting operations). The funding available to each authority and a summary of the projects to be carried out is shown in the table.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Local authority recycling and composting projects to be funded from £3million grant<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=630><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">COUNCIL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>GRANT(£)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">PROJECT </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>106,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Shredder &amp; equip. for green waste composting scheme </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>188,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2 Shredders, baling equip &amp; skips, composters, recycling boxes &amp; bins</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>75,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Recycling collection, separation and baling equipment for cans and paper; waste analysis study</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>80,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Shredders, composting leaflets, cardboard balers, cooking oil collection, extend rural recycling activities, carry out education &amp; survey work on Mull. </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>25,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>(With Stirling) Pilot mixed recyclables collection scheme </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Gall.</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>123,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mobile shredder for garden waste for composting</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>72,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Local recycling centres, ","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149110,"EventID":"S1W-12351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7487 by Colin Boyd on 24 November 2000, how it assesses success or failure of CCTV schemes if figures on the number of convictions ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7487 by Colin Boyd on 24 November 2000, how it assesses success or failure of CCTV schemes if figures on the number of convictions secured as a result of CCTV evidence are unavailable.","AnswerText":"The role of CCTV in providing evidence in support of criminal proceedings is not the sole nor indeed the main criterion by which the contribution which CCTV can make to increasing public safety can be measured. Evaluations of particular schemes generally show a reduction in crime in the areas covered following the introduction of CCTV. The demand for new CCTV schemes is also an indication of the contribution which local communities consider it makes to improving safety. The CCTV Challenge Competition for funding for 2001-02 is the sixth such annual competition and the number of applications made in support of new schemes remains in line with the average number received in previous years.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149111,"EventID":"S1W-12352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications by elderly people for day care centre places have been refused in the last 12 months, broken down by  local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications by elderly people for day care centre places have been refused in the last 12 months, broken down by  local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149112,"EventID":"S1W-12353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9513 by Sarah Boyack on 21 September 2000, what progress it is making in exploring the options for banning lead solder in domestic ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9513 by Sarah Boyack on 21 September 2000, what progress it is making in exploring the options for banning lead solder in domestic plumbing systems.","AnswerText":"The Executive's press release SE3051/2000 issued on 27 November set out the actions being taken in response to the results of a survey confirming that lead solder had been used in the domestic plumbing systems in new houses in Scotland. These actions should together help to protect the public from the potential ill effects of excess lead in their domestic plumbing and to eliminate the use of lead solder. We are continuing to explore with the Health and Safety Executive and European Commission whether it would be feasible to extend the ban on lead solder. In the meantime, in December the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employer's Federation again recommended to its members a voluntary ban on the use of leaded solder.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149113,"EventID":"S1W-12354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of total UK spending on the NHS spending on the NHSiS represented or is expected to represent in each year from 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of total UK spending on the NHS spending on the NHSiS represented or is expected to represent in each year from 1994-95 to 2003-04 inclusive.","AnswerText":"On a cash basis, health expenditure as a percentage of the total health expenditure is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Expenditure at 1999-2000 prices<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scotland as percentage of UK expenditure</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Funding per head<SUP>3</SUP><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">UK</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1994-95 outturn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,539</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43,419</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">796</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1995-96 outturn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,573</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44,101</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">797</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1996-97 outturn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,587</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44,146</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">826</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98 outturn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,584</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44,942</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">850</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99 outturn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,697</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46,129</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">896</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-2000 estimated outturn<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,941</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49,251</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">966</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2000-01 original plans<SUP>2</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,309</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53,138</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,060</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2001-02 plans</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149114,"EventID":"S1W-12355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11857 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 December 2000, which local authorities have brought forward in 2000-01 flood prevention schemes eli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11857 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 December 2000, which local authorities have brought forward in 2000-01 flood prevention schemes eligible for 50% grant under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961; which of these schemes have met the specified cost-benefit criteria, and what the total cost will be of each approved scheme.","AnswerText":"Under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, flood prevention schemes which are confirmed by Scottish Ministers are eligible for grant. So far in 2000-01, schemes brought forward by Renfrewshire Council, East Dunbartonshire Council and Perth and Kinross Council have been confirmed. There have been five schemes in total, all of which meet the cost-benefit criteria for grant assistance. The estimated total cost of each scheme is set out below.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scheme</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Estimated Cost</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Renfrewshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><DIR><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Moredun, Paisley FPS</DIR></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£750,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Collier Street, Johnstone FPS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£693,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>East Dunbartonshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">River Kelvin FPS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£8,500,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Perth &amp; Kinross Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Bridge of Earn FPS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£740,000<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Weem Village FPS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£362,000</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149115,"EventID":"S1W-12356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many local authority owned units of property have been sold in each of the last five years and what the total selling price was for each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many local authority owned units of property have been sold in each of the last five years and what the total selling price was for each year.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of local authority-owned units sold is not collected centrally. Total proceeds from local authority asset sales as reported by local authorities back to 1996-97 is shown in the table. Figures for 1995-96 have been excluded as these include notional receipts.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><IMG SRC=\"Image2.gif\" WIDTH=339 HEIGHT=18>£000's<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999-00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">495,442</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">327,567</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">335,037</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">303,582</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Source: As reported by Local Authorities on the Statistical Return, Capital Payments and their financing ( CPR Fin 5)<P>(1) Figures for 1995/96 and 1996/97 include Housing Revenue Account (HRA) as reported on HRA:Certificate of Capital Payment and Receipts","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149116,"EventID":"S1W-12357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to lay before the Parliament the revised Small Claims (Scotland) Amendment Order and the revised Sheriff Court (Scotland) Act 1971 (Private Jurisdiction a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to lay before the Parliament the revised Small Claims (Scotland) Amendment Order and the revised Sheriff Court (Scotland) Act 1971 (Private Jurisdiction and Summary Cause) Order and what its timetable is for these Orders from laying to implementation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive have not yet fixed a date for the laying of these Orders before the Parliament. It would be premature to indicate a timetable for implementation at this stage. The Orders will be re-laid for debate by the Justice and Home Affairs Committee once the review of the Rules is completed. There is likely to be a three month lead-in time for the Orders taking effect. Related work to review the Table of Fees for solicitors in summary cause actions is being taken forward by the Lord President's Advisory Committee having regard to proposed changes in the Rules.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149117,"EventID":"S1W-12358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers in each of the last three years have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and how many have been convicted, broken down in each case by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers in each of the last three years have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and how many have been convicted, broken down in each case by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information on the number of offences of driving while unfit through drink or drugs which were proceeded against in court is given in the table. Information is not available separately on those driving while unfit through drugs.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Offences of driving while unfit through drink or drugs proceeded against in Scottish courts, by police force area, 1997-99<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Offences proceeded against</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Offences proved</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Police force area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">69</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lothian &amp; Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEI","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149118,"EventID":"S1W-12359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much (a) each parliamentary constituency and (b) each local authority area received in lottery funding during the 12 months to 31 December 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much (a) each parliamentary constituency and (b) each local authority area received in lottery funding during the 12 months to 31 December 2000.","AnswerText":"These are matters for the lottery distributor concerned, and I have asked them to respond to the member directly: a copy of the reply will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149119,"EventID":"S1W-12360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to alter the angling season for migratory fish in the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association waters from February to October to March to Nov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to alter the angling season for migratory fish in the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association waters from February to October to March to November in order to reduce the cull of white and immature fish in that river system.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149120,"EventID":"S1W-12361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when per capita expenditure on the NHS in Scotland will reach the same level as in Northern Ireland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when per capita expenditure on the NHS in Scotland will reach the same level as in Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"Per capita expenditure on NHSScotland already exceeds the equivalent per capita expenditure on the NHS in Northern Ireland. In 1999-2000 Scotland spent £966 per person on health services compared to £874 per person in Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149121,"EventID":"S1W-12362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the appointment of a school librarian a statutory requirement for all secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the appointment of a school librarian a statutory requirement for all secondary schools.","AnswerText":"The provision of a variety of support services to learning and teaching in our schools is quite properly a matter for local authorities as the managers of education. Consequently, we have no plans to make the appointment of a school librarian a statutory requirement for all secondary schools. A specific amendment on such a requirement was rejected by the Scottish Parliament during the passage of the Standards in Scotland's Schools Bill.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149122,"EventID":"S1W-12363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include the school library as a specified item in reports by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include the school library as a specified item in reports by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools.","AnswerText":"Since the beginning of this school session (2000-01) HMI inspection guidelines have specifically covered examination of the school library service and evaluative comments are now made under the Staffing and Resources<I> </I>sub-section of HMI inspection reports.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149123,"EventID":"S1W-12364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many errors in patient care it estimates are made by staff in the NHSiS each year and how many of these prove to be fatal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many errors in patient care it estimates are made by staff in the NHSiS each year and how many of these prove to be fatal.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland has a rightly deserved reputation for the quality of its clinical care exemplified by the World Health Organisation promoting SIGN Guidelines to other countries as of \"global quality\". Inevitably errors occur in any process and local Clinical Governance arrangements exist to ensure that these are investigated and lessons implemented to ensure no re-occurrence. In addition, as part of our modernisation programme we are seeking to establish a more open culture in which errors or service failures wherever they occur are reported, analysed and lessons identified and action to prevent any repetition taken across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149124,"EventID":"S1W-12365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will set up a national clinical assessment authority in order to detect incompetent or dangerous health professionals in the NHSiS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will set up a national clinical assessment authority in order to detect incompetent or dangerous health professionals in the NHSiS.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for ensuring that health professionals are fit to practise rests both with their employer and with their regulatory body.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">However, in Scotland we are also concerned about the issues which the National Clinical Assessment Authority (NCAA) in England is being established to address in respect of doctors and dentists. Although we have no plans to set up a NCAA, we have a number of mechanisms in place or in preparation which serve the same purposes as this new English body, without requiring the establishment of a new body.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The report <I>Suspensions - A New Perspective</I>, which was published in 1999, dealt with issues of performance in career grade medical and dental staff and proposed the approach which we have decided to adopt in Scotland. Concerns about performance should be tackled by constructive intervention at an early stage, with specific advice and support from External Clinical Advisory Teams from the Royal Colleges in Scotland and the Scottish Expert Reference Group.<P>Two groups are currently examining how to apply the principles of this approach to general practitioners and to doctors and dentists in training.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149125,"EventID":"S1W-12366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-6883 and S1W-6884 by Angus MacKay on 1 December 2000, whether it can obtain the information regarding the number of contracts it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-6883 and S1W-6884 by Angus MacKay on 1 December 2000, whether it can obtain the information regarding the number of contracts it or the Scottish Office had with external consultants from 1995 to 1999 and, if so, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of the nature of work or services provided in each case, and the amount paid.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be collated at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149126,"EventID":"S1W-12367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help hotels in the Highlands and Islands with any problems caused by increases in non-domestic rates and falling trade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help hotels in the Highlands and Islands with any problems caused by increases in non-domestic rates and falling trade.","AnswerText":"The Transitional Relief arrangements, set in place following the 2000 Revaluation of Non-Domestic Rates, give significant protection to those businesses, including hotels, facing an increase. There is also rate relief for smaller businesses. The New Strategy for Scottish Tourism, published last year, contains actions to grow tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149127,"EventID":"S1W-12368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7184 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 June 2000, whether the seminar with all relevant parties in relation to the employment and training","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7184 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 June 2000, whether the seminar with all relevant parties in relation to the employment and training opportunities arising from New Housing Partnerships has been held; what outcomes have resulted from the seminar, and what further consultation, guidance or action it has issued, given or taken as a result of the seminar.","AnswerText":"The seminar was held in August 2000. Following the seminar, a Working Group has been established including representatives from the Scottish Executive, Scottish Homes, Scottish Enterprise, the Employment Service, CoSLA, the Construction Industry Training Board, the Scottish House Builders Association and Professor Alan MacGregor of Glasgow University. The group's remit is &quot;to identify the mechanisms required to maximise both employment opportunities and inclusion benefits arising from housing investment&quot;. The group intends to report back in early summer this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149128,"EventID":"S1W-12369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to local authorities which own and manage crematoria of complying with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' Air Q","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to local authorities which own and manage crematoria of complying with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' Air Quality Division's guidance notes requiring crematoria to undergo major industrial changes involving flue gas cleaning equipment should these changes be deemed necessary to reduce background emissions of mercury.","AnswerText":"Process Guidance Note PG5/2, which relates to emissions from crematoria, is currently subject to review. Accordingly, no final decision has been taken on whether or not to require the fitting of flue gas cleaning equipment to existing crematoria for the purpose of reducing mercury emissions. Discussions on how to proceed are still taking place with the relevant stakeholders, and the cost implications for crematoria will be taken into account before any decision is taken.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149129,"EventID":"S1W-12370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its current procedure of providing information requested in parliamentary questions by letter and lodging a copy of the letter in the Scottish Parl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its current procedure of providing information requested in parliamentary questions by letter and lodging a copy of the letter in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre where currently the time of lodging the letter is not intimated to members and the response is not in the public domain, in order to ensure that all ministerial responses to questions are accessible and open to both parliamentary and public scrutiny.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to review its current procedure of providing information requested in certain parliamentary questions by letter and lodging a copy of the letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre. However, in consultation with the parliamentary authorities, we will give consideration to whether, and if so how, these responses might be placed in the wider domain.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149130,"EventID":"S1W-12371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) ministerial and (b) non-ministerial letters providing information requested in parliamentary questions have been lodged in the Scottish Parliament Informatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) ministerial and (b) non-ministerial letters providing information requested in parliamentary questions have been lodged in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre since the inception of the Parliament and whether there has been an increase in this practice.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149131,"EventID":"S1W-12372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to seek urgently a derogation from the ban on fishmeal in sheep and cattle feeds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to seek urgently a derogation from the ban on fishmeal in sheep and cattle feeds.","AnswerText":"The ban on the use of fishmeal in ruminant feed is one of a package of extremely important community-wide measures agreed at the December EU Agricultural Council Meeting, aimed at controlling BSE in Europe. A consultation exercise on the implementation of the ban is under way. The Scottish Executive will press to secure a derogation from the ban in the event of it being extended beyond June this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149132,"EventID":"S1W-12373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the working title of the First Minister to \"Prime Minister\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the working title of the First Minister to \"Prime Minister\".","AnswerText":"There are no plans to change the title of the First Minister.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149133,"EventID":"S1W-12374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects a decision to be made on the extension of rail services to Larkhall.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects a decision to be made on the extension of rail services to Larkhall.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-9959 on 9 October 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149134,"EventID":"S1W-12375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being provided to the workforce of DAKS Simpson in Larkhall following recent redundancies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being provided to the workforce of DAKS Simpson in Larkhall following recent redundancies.","AnswerText":"A response team comprising local public agencies has been formed under the Scottish Executive's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative. All those affected by this announcement will be offered support to help find new employment. The Scottish Executive and its agencies are in close contact with the company about its future business plans.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149135,"EventID":"S1W-12376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many claimants who are currently receiving funds from the Independent Living Fund also pay part of their own care costs; what this figure is as a percentage of the t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many claimants who are currently receiving funds from the Independent Living Fund also pay part of their own care costs; what this figure is as a percentage of the total number of claimants receiving funds from the fund in Scotland, and what the total amount of care costs contributed by such claimants is.","AnswerText":"The Independent Living Fund is funded by DSS and data relating to this matter is not held by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149136,"EventID":"S1W-12377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the motorway network is surfaced with porous asphalt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the motorway network is surfaced with porous asphalt.","AnswerText":"Porous asphalt surfacing is not utilised on Scottish motorways or on the remainder of the Scottish trunk road network, primarily for serviceability reasons. Where we have opted not to use traditional hot-rolled asphalt surfacing, we use negative-texture proprietary thin surfacing systems in preference to porous asphalt because of greater durability and lower maintenance cost hence providing better value for money on both an initial and a whole life cost basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149137,"EventID":"S1W-12378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fatal accident inquiries have been held in each of the last ten years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fatal accident inquiries have been held in each of the last ten years.","AnswerText":"The available figures are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1990-91</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">112</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1991-92</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">132</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1992-93</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">131</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1993-94</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">143</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1994-95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">127</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">96</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">133</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">115</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">141</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">80</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149138,"EventID":"S1W-12379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current establishment is of the procurator fiscal service, how many vacancies there are and in what grades.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current establishment is of the procurator fiscal service, how many vacancies there are and in what grades.","AnswerText":"The total number of legal staff in post as at 1 January 2001 is 325. There are 12 vacancies.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The total number of non-legal staff in post as at 1 January 2001 is 817. There are 25 vacancies.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149139,"EventID":"S1W-12380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs will reply to my letter of 21 November 2000 regarding third country imports of fish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs will reply to my letter of 21 November 2000 regarding third country imports of fish.","AnswerText":"The response required input from several different sources and a reply was issued on 17 January.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149140,"EventID":"S1W-12381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to bring together into one network the currently separate networks of the Public Library Network, Learning Direct Scotland, the National Grid for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to bring together into one network the currently separate networks of the Public Library Network, Learning Direct Scotland, the National Grid for Learning, the Joint Academic Network and the further education colleges network.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is always seeking efficiency in procurement and will look to bring together Government customers with similar requirements. The Joint Information Systems Committee is currently working to provide connectivity to the Joint Academic Network for all Scottish Further Education Funding Council funded colleges by 1 April 2001. Existing Metropolitan Area Networks will be maintained and efforts will be made to support and encourage the development of other local networks.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Further Education Funding Council will seek to co-operate with the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to ensure maximum efficiency in collaborative higher education and further education network developments. Through the National Grid for Learning and Digital Scotland initiatives, both councils, and other agencies developing public sector networks in Scotland, including the Scottish University for Industry, libraries and schools will seek to work constructively with each other, to ensure maximum integration and best use of public funds.<P>The Scottish Executive is currently considering what other services would benefit from joint approaches.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149141,"EventID":"S1W-12382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the negotiating position used by the Deputy Minister for Rural Development at the recent EU ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the negotiating position used by the Deputy Minister for Rural Development at the recent EU Fisheries Council and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. The UK negotiating position was evolved in discussions before and during the Council meeting in order to secure the best possible deal for Scottish fishermen while ensuring a sustainable fishing industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149142,"EventID":"S1W-12384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the European Year of Languages in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the European Year of Languages in schools.","AnswerText":"I will launch the European Year of Languages in Scotland on Monday 22 January at Stirling University. A Scottish committee has been established to promote Scottish involvement in the year through education, business and cultural networks, and a series of events is already planned in school and community facilities throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149143,"EventID":"S1W-12385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12110 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 4 January 2001, what direct powers it has with regard to the Dounreay site restoration plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12110 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 4 January 2001, what direct powers it has with regard to the Dounreay site restoration plan.","AnswerText":"Under sections 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, the Scottish Ministers have powers with regard to existing discharge authorisations and any which might flow from the implementation of the Dounreay Site Restoration Plan.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>These include powers to direct the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to refuse, grant, vary or revoke an application for authorisation; to require certain applications to be determined by the Scottish Ministers and to cause a local inquiry to be held in relation to such an application; after consultation with the Secretary of State to direct SEPA to restrict knowledge of applications on the grounds of national security, and to determine appeals against the decisions of SEPA. The Scottish Ministers' powers under the land use planning system may also be relevant to certain aspects of decommissioning.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149144,"EventID":"S1W-12386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12056 by Mr Jack McConnell on 4 January 2001, what specific issues it made contributions to in the preparations for the Inter-Gover","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12056 by Mr Jack McConnell on 4 January 2001, what specific issues it made contributions to in the preparations for the Inter-Governmental Conference in Nice; at what stage in each of these issues it was involved, and how often and to what extent the Scottish view prevailed over or modified any divergent United Kingdom view on each of these issues.","AnswerText":"Discussions between the Executive and the UK Government are normally conducted on a confidential basis. Scotland and the United Kingdom have every reason to be satisfied with the very successful outcome of the Nice summit.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149145,"EventID":"S1W-12387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former members of the Ukrainian 14th SS Gali'en Division and other former SS troops reside in Scotland; how many of these are deemed to be war criminals, and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former members of the Ukrainian 14th SS Gali'en Division and other former SS troops reside in Scotland; how many of these are deemed to be war criminals, and what action it intends to take in this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold this information on residents in Scotland. The Executive does, however, take the view that war crimes are among the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. We believe that those responsible for committing atrocities during the Second World War and subsequently should be brought to justice whenever possible. That can only be done within the rule of law and on the evidence available.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Any specific allegation of war crimes against a former SS member resident in Scotland will be investigated by the police. If sufficient evidence became available it would be for the Lord Advocate to decide whether to prosecute. Any request by a foreign state for the extradition of an alleged war criminal resident in Scotland would be dealt with by Scottish Ministers under extradition legislation.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149146,"EventID":"S1W-12388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Gill's Bay Harbour Empowerment Order will be progressed, and if so when.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Gill's Bay Harbour Empowerment Order will be progressed, and if so when.","AnswerText":"Consideration is currently being given to whether a Harbour Empowerment Order is required by the promoters of this project to construct a harbour facility at Gill's Bay.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149147,"EventID":"S1W-12389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any economic assessment has been undertaken in respect of the proposed new ferry service between Gill's Bay and Orkney.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any economic assessment has been undertaken in respect of the proposed new ferry service between Gill's Bay and Orkney.","AnswerText":"Any economic assessment of the proposed new ferry service between Gill's Bay and Orkney is primarily a commercial matter for the promoters of the project. The Scottish Executive has no information about whether an economic assessment has been undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149148,"EventID":"S1W-12390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the total (a) net expenditure by public libraries, (b) number of professional staff, non-professional staff and management staff employed in public libraries, (c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the total (a) net expenditure by public libraries, (b) number of professional staff, non-professional staff and management staff employed in public libraries, (c) number of (i) book and (ii) audio-visual issues, (d) amount of money spent from (i) book and (ii) audio-visual funds and (e) number of branch libraries which were open 45 hours or more per week, in (i) 1995-96 and (ii) 1999-2000, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Net expenditure on public libraries by local authority area is shown in the table. The other information requested is not held centrally.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=484><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>LIBRARIES - EXPENDITURE 1995-96 &amp; 1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=54><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=54><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Final<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Outturn<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=54><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=54><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Provisional<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Outturn<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,547</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,913</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>*Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,987</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,817</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,622</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>*Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,156</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>*Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">914</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,006</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,146</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>*Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,227</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>*Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,899</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149149,"EventID":"S1W-12391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that future Public/Private Partnership and Private Finance Initiative contracts do not prevent access to school buildings by teachers during ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that future Public/Private Partnership and Private Finance Initiative contracts do not prevent access to school buildings by teachers during holiday periods.","AnswerText":"The details of the contracts for such schemes are matters between the education authority and the contractors concerned. In entering into a contract, it would be the responsibility of the local authority concerned to take into account the question of teacher access to the school buildings during holiday periods. I would expect them to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149150,"EventID":"S1W-12392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that future Public/Private Partnership and Private Finance Initiative contracts safeguard local authority-run activities in the evenings, at ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that future Public/Private Partnership and Private Finance Initiative contracts safeguard local authority-run activities in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.","AnswerText":"The details of the contracts for such schemes are matters between the education authority and the contractors concerned. The parties to such a contract would take a number of factors into account where out of hours use of facilities is an issue, including the needs of the schools and the wider community.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>However, I support the principle that school premises and facilities generally should be accessible for community use. I propose to raise this with CoSLA to discuss ways in which access can be improved and encouraged.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149151,"EventID":"S1W-12393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is continuing to fund health bodies which operate in reserved areas by virtue of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is continuing to fund health bodies which operate in reserved areas by virtue of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has now concluded discussions with the Department of Health and the Scotland Office about arrangements for the funding of five bodies in the health field, which deal with reserved matters. The bodies are the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority; the Human Genetics Commission; the United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Authority; the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee, and the National Biological Standards Board. Prior to devolution, the former Scottish Office contributed to the costs of these bodies; and financial provision has hitherto remained within the Scottish Executive budget. Arrangements have now been made to transfer to the Department of Health the Scottish share of the costs of these bodies. The sums involved are as follows:<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><CENTER><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">62</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">991.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">970.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">994.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1018.7</TD></TR></TABLE></CENTER><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Once the transfer has been completed, funding of these bodies will become the responsibility of the Department of Health.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149152,"EventID":"S1W-12394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was made available to its Government Modernisation Fund in 2000-01 and how much has been allocated from it to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was made available to its Government Modernisation Fund in 2000-01 and how much has been allocated from it to date.","AnswerText":"The £26 million Modernising Government Fund covers a two-year period and is part of the wider drive to modernise government.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In December the Minister for Finance and Local Government announced the allocation of all of the funding to support 36 projects across the public sector in Scotland. £13 million has been allocated for 2000-01 and £13 million for 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149153,"EventID":"S1W-12395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is funding, or has any plans to fund, any medical research into illnesses suffered by soldiers who served in the Balkans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is funding, or has any plans to fund, any medical research into illnesses suffered by soldiers who served in the Balkans.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not directly funding any research into illnesses suffered by soldiers who served in the Balkans, nor has it plans to do so.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>However, the Executive in collaboration with UK Departments provides funding for the Medical Research Council, one of the agencies through which the UK Government as a whole undertakes such research.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149154,"EventID":"S1W-12396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans there are to prevent further industrial decline and job losses in the Arbroath area following the recent job losses caused by the closure of the Alps Electric","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans there are to prevent further industrial decline and job losses in the Arbroath area following the recent job losses caused by the closure of the Alps Electric, Swankie's and Stewart and Stevenson factories.","AnswerText":"The First Minister met with a delegation comprising Mr Andrew Welsh MSP and representatives of Angus Council and Arbroath Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday 15 January to discuss proposals for an aid package for Arbroath. These proposals are being carefully considered by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149155,"EventID":"S1W-12397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10405 by Sarah Boyack on 29 November 2000, (a) whether any funding will be available to the Borders Rail project from the Public Tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10405 by Sarah Boyack on 29 November 2000, (a) whether any funding will be available to the Borders Rail project from the Public Transport Fund for walking and cycling projects as an integral part of the rail development, (b) whether there are budget limits to such local projects and (c) what the total budget is available for the year 2001-02 for such projects.","AnswerText":"The Public Transport Fund (PTF) is supporting cycling and walking measures both as part of wider public transport improvements but also as stand-alone projects. The award to Scottish Borders Council for the development of the railway to the Central Borders is to assist the council take the project forward through the parliamentary process. As part of any future bid by the council to the PTF, walking and cycling measures could be included as part of any wider application.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In the first three rounds of the PTF only projects which cost over £200,000 have been eligible for assistance under the PTF. In September 2000 I announced that the fund would be increased to £150 million between 2001-04 and I indicated that I propose to give more prominence to cycling and walking projects. Details will be issued to local authorities shortly about the arrangements for seeking bids to the next round of the fund. The budget for the PTF in 2001-02 is £40 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149156,"EventID":"S1W-12398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10406 by Sarah Boyack on 29 November 2000, (a) what funding sources are available for cycle projects, (b) how much funding is avail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10406 by Sarah Boyack on 29 November 2000, (a) what funding sources are available for cycle projects, (b) how much funding is available from each of these sources, (c) which bodies and individuals have made funding applications to these sources, (d) which bodies and individuals were successful and (e) how much each body or individual received, in this financial year.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the provision of cycling infrastructure rests with the local authorities. They receive a block allocation for expenditure on a number of services including transport. It is for the local authorities to allocate resources in accordance with locally determined priorities. Information about the level of spending by local authorities on cycling projects is not held centrally.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>However, cycling projects are eligible for support from the Public Transport Fund which was announced in 1998 in the Scottish Transport White Paper to assist local authorities to provide key value for money developments to their public transport network. It is open to all of Scotland's local authorities and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority to bid for support from the fund.<P>So far, three Public Transport Fund Competitions have taken place with 53 projects receiving funding totalling over £95 million. During this time, eight  bids for projects for improved cycling facilities have been received; all have been successful and received support from the fund. The projects and allocation is listed in the table.<P>In May 2000, I announced that local authorities had been allocated additional capital consents, totalling £5.2 million, to take forward work on implementing safer routes to school schemes. It is for individual authorities to take decisions on the specific measures to be implemented in their areas having regard to local needs and priorities. Measures could, however, include capital expenditure on cycle projects related to safer routes to school schemes.<P>In addition, there are occasionally funding opportunities from other sources such as the Millennium Commission which provided resources for the development of the National Cycle Network. However, these are not administered by the Scottish Executive<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=600><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Project</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Award<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Allocation<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries Transport Initiative<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£1.063</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£0.3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sheriffhall Cycle Bridge</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£0.802</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£0.802</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cycling and Walking Facilities</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£0.450</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Stranraer Integrated Transport Package<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£0.943</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cycling and Walking in Kilmarnock</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£0.670</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">-</TD>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149157,"EventID":"S1W-12399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what criteria will be used in prioritising those eligible under its central heating programme, (b) how many households it estimates will have central heating installe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what criteria will be used in prioritising those eligible under its central heating programme, (b) how many households it estimates will have central heating installed under the programme before winter 2001 and (c) how the allocation of the funding is to be administered, monitored and audited and how much of the funding will be required for these purposes, expressed as a figure and a percentage of the total overall budget.","AnswerText":"The Central Heating Working Group is considering the question of priority need and a report will be published shortly. No estimate of the kind described at (b) has yet been made. Funding will be administered by local authorities, Scottish Homes and a managing agent for each of the three sectors of the stock. They will be responsible for monitoring and auditing.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149158,"EventID":"S1W-12400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, as part of the inquiry into the Chokkar case, Sir Anthony Campbell will be interviewing the former Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, and what the reasons are for the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, as part of the inquiry into the Chokkar case, Sir Anthony Campbell will be interviewing the former Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, and what the reasons are for the position in this matter.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Sir Anthony Campbell and not for the Lord Advocate or the Scottish Executive. Sir Anthony Campbell will conduct his inquiry independently of the Lord Advocate and the Scottish Executive. Lord Hardie has stated that he will co-operate with the inquiries.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149159,"EventID":"S1W-12401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Social Security on any impact which the current level of Invalid Care Allowance has on its National Strategy for Car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Social Security on any impact which the current level of Invalid Care Allowance has on its National Strategy for Carers and, in particular, on the living standards of carers.","AnswerText":"<I>The Strategy for Carers in Scotland </I>is aimed at addressing the needs of carers for better information and more flexible health and social care support. Financial support to carers through the social security and benefits system remains the responsibility of the UK Government. We welcome the Government's recently announced packages of financial measures to help carers. The measures include substantial increases in the weekly Carer Premium, an increase in the earnings limit for Invalid Care Allowance (ICA) and extending eligibility for ICA to carers over the age of 65, all of which should help deliver improvements in the living standards of many Scottish carers.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149160,"EventID":"S1W-12402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11489 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 December 2000, whether enhanced criminal record certificates will be available without charge to volu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11489 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 December 2000, whether enhanced criminal record certificates will be available without charge to voluntary organisations working with other vulnerable people such as disabled and elderly people.","AnswerText":"Enhanced criminal record certificates for those working with vulnerable people aged 18 or over would become available only after regulations are made under section 115(4) of the Police Act 1997. The question of charging volunteers working with vulnerable adults for the enhanced certificates will be considered before any such regulations are drafted.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149161,"EventID":"S1W-12403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Authority has sufficient numbers of adequately qualified markers available to deal with the examination","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Authority has sufficient numbers of adequately qualified markers available to deal with the examination scripts which will be submitted for the 2001 diet of examinations.","AnswerText":"My answer to question S1W-12484 indicated that, following a review of remuneration, the SQA intends to increase fees for markers and other appointees in 2001 by 50%. The Executive will fund these increases in full, at a cost of approximately £3 million. SQA's progress in recruiting markers will be monitored closely by my officials and by the Ministerial Review Group.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149162,"EventID":"S1W-12404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the Scottish Qualifications Authority's definition is of a qualified marker.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the Scottish Qualifications Authority's definition is of a qualified marker.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to reply to you.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149163,"EventID":"S1W-12405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the Scottish Qualifications Authority's definition of a qualified marker is determined.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the Scottish Qualifications Authority's definition of a qualified marker is determined.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to reply to you.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149164,"EventID":"S1W-12406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff working days have been lost at the Scottish Qualifications Authority through stress-related illnesses in the past year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff working days have been lost at the Scottish Qualifications Authority through stress-related illnesses in the past year.","AnswerText":"This is an operational issue for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to reply to you and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149165,"EventID":"S1W-12407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Authority staff who worked through the recent problems at that organisation will not lose any time off ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Authority staff who worked through the recent problems at that organisation will not lose any time off in lieu leave that they have built up during that period.","AnswerText":"This is an operational issue for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to reply to you and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149166,"EventID":"S1W-12408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to address any problems of stress and low staff morale at the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to address any problems of stress and low staff morale at the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"SQA's statement of how it intends to implement the recommendations of the Deloitte and Touche report (available from the Parliament's Reference Centre, bib. no. 9778) sets out a number of actions which are intended to address the problem of low morale. These include a review of working practices and procedures, organisational restructuring and the deployment and recruitment of additional staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149167,"EventID":"S1W-12409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, or any predecessor body, has carried out any environmental studies of the Tain bombing range.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, or any predecessor body, has carried out any environmental studies of the Tain bombing range.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has not undertaken any environmental studies of the Tain bombing range, and is not aware of any studies undertaken by its predecessor bodies.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149168,"EventID":"S1W-12410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the environmental impact of any possible use of depleted uranium shells on the Tain bombing range.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the environmental impact of any possible use of depleted uranium shells on the Tain bombing range.","AnswerText":"My officials have contacted the Ministry of Defence about this matter. They were advised that depleted uranium based ammunition has not been fired at the Tain bombing range.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149169,"EventID":"S1W-12411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued by the Scottish Ambulance Service on the criteria to be applied in deciding which categories of patients should be conveyed to accident and eme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued by the Scottish Ambulance Service on the criteria to be applied in deciding which categories of patients should be conveyed to accident and emergency departments other than the one which is geographically closest.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service does not issue such guidelines. However, it agrees protocols with health boards and NHS Trusts on the most appropriate transfer of patients into the hospital network.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149170,"EventID":"S1W-12412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list for each of the hospitals in the Tayside Health Board area for each of the past five years how many (a) beds were in use, (b) staff were based in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list for each of the hospitals in the Tayside Health Board area for each of the past five years how many (a) beds were in use, (b) staff were based in the hospital pharmacy and (c) laboratory services staff were based at the hospital.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the form requested. Information about staffed beds is available at hospital level. Information about staff numbers is available only at board and Trust level.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149171,"EventID":"S1W-12413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the responses it has received to its consultation on the proposals for the revision of the EU Directive on public access to environmental information can be viewed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the responses it has received to its consultation on the proposals for the revision of the EU Directive on public access to environmental information can be viewed by the public and when the findings of this consultation exercise will be published.","AnswerText":"The responses received can be viewed at the Scottish Executive Library, Saughton House, Edinburgh and a summary of the views expressed in the consultation has been published on the Internet.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149172,"EventID":"S1W-12414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost was of publishing, promoting and distributing the Annual Report of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body 2000 and accompanying statistical report a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost was of publishing, promoting and distributing the Annual Report of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body 2000 and accompanying statistical report and how many copies of each were printed.","AnswerText":"The total cost of designing, printing and publishing the Annual Report of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and Scottish Parliament Statistics was £41,454. 2,500 copies of each publication were printed.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We intend to review carefully future publications of the Annual Report and Statistics Report in view of the costs identified above.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149173,"EventID":"S1W-12415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current arrangements for the registration and ringing of birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are to be reviewed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current arrangements for the registration and ringing of birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are to be reviewed.","AnswerText":"Action is being taken on a number of fronts. A review of registration charges has already been conducted and the proposals subjected to public consultation. I expect to announce a new charging regime in the near future.<P>A review of Schedule 4 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act is also being undertaken, in co-operation with the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) and the Welsh Assembly. In addition, Executive officials are working closely with DETR to ensure that current administrative arrangements for the registration of birds are as streamlined and straightforward as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149174,"EventID":"S1W-12416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current waiting times are for first appointments with cancer consultants and what the equivalent figures were for each of the last 10 years, broken down by heal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current waiting times are for first appointments with cancer consultants and what the equivalent figures were for each of the last 10 years, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"Information on waiting times for a first outpatient appointment is not collected centrally in the form requested.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">There is no recognised specialty of &quot;cancer consultant&quot;. Patients in whom a diagnosis of cancer is suspected are referred by their general practitioner (or on occasion by hospital clinicians) to specialist physicians or surgeons dependent on the nature of their condition, including, for example, in cardio-thoracic surgery, urology or dermatology. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Information on waiting times for a first outpatient appointment following a general practitioner referral, by specialty, are published annually in <I>Scottish Health Statistics </I>which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib Number 6937) and on Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Cancer Group is preparing a cancer plan for Scotland, which will be published by March 2001. The plan will include national targets for maximum waiting times.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149175,"EventID":"S1W-12417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current waiting times are for all forms of cancer and what the equivalent figures were for each of the last 10 years, broken down by health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current waiting times are for all forms of cancer and what the equivalent figures were for each of the last 10 years, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"Treatment for cancer can take place in either an outpatient or inpatient setting. Information is not held centrally on waiting times for treatment which starts in an outpatient setting.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Information on the time between a patient being placed on inpatient and day case waiting lists for cancer treatment and their admission to hospital is available centrally. The median waiting time for inpatient and day case cancer treatment, by health board area of residence, for the last 10 years, is given in the table. These data do not include radiotherapy treatment, which is normally provided on an outpatient basis.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Cancer Group is preparing a cancer plan for Scotland, which will be published by March 2001. The plan will include national targets for maximum waiting times.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for Hospital Admission for Treatment of Cancer, by Health Board Area of Residence.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=654><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1990<SUP>*</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1991<SUP>*</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992<SUP>*</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993<SUP>*</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994<SUP>*</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(Days)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(Days)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait (Days)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(Days)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(Days)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149176,"EventID":"S1W-12418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in which health boards the additional #13 million worth of new and replacement linear accelerators for radiotherapy will be located and how many patients this new equipm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in which health boards the additional #13 million worth of new and replacement linear accelerators for radiotherapy will be located and how many patients this new equipment is expected to treat annually.","AnswerText":"£13.2 million is committed from the NHS Capital Modernisation Fund to provide state of the art linear accelerators and treatment planning computers for the delivery of radiotherapy in Scotland's five Cancer Centres.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In June last year, I announced the first round of equipment purchases totalling £5.8 million, to buy four linear accelerators and three simulators. The centres benefiting from this investment are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Additionally, as a result of separate procurement exercises, the cancer centres in Inverness and Glasgow will also receive new linear accelerators. Inverness has recently installed a simulator and have received delivery of a linear accelerator. The Glasgow centre will receive three linear accelerators. These will be sited in Gartnavel Hospital where the specialist buildings required to house them have been constructed.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">26,000 Scots are diagnosed with cancer each year. Cancer is a priority for NHSScotland and Cancer Centres give high priority to starting treatment as soon as possible after clinical decisions on treatment options have been made. Treatment may not always include radiotherapy for which referral would normally be made by clinicians after discussion and agreement with patients. These factors will determine the number of patients who will be treated annually by this major equipment investment.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Decisions on allocating the balance of £7.4 million have still to be taken and will be informed by a future needs assessment process that is currently ongoing.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149177,"EventID":"S1W-12419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the criteria according to which entitlement to assistance under its central heating initiative will be determined.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the criteria according to which entitlement to assistance under its central heating initiative will be determined.","AnswerText":"The criteria will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149178,"EventID":"S1W-12420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken with trade unions representing the staff at the Scottish Qualifications Authority over working conditions at that institution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken with trade unions representing the staff at the Scottish Qualifications Authority over working conditions at that institution.","AnswerText":"This is an operational issue for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to reply to you and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149179,"EventID":"S1W-12421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why question S1W-10426 lodged on 18 October 2000 has not been answered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why question S1W-10426 lodged on 18 October 2000 has not been answered.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-10426 was answered today.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149180,"EventID":"S1W-12422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many two and a half hour sessions of nursery provision are made available to three-year-olds in each local authority area, specifying in each case what flexibility e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many two and a half hour sessions of nursery provision are made available to three-year-olds in each local authority area, specifying in each case what flexibility exists in the number of sessions per week which may be taken up compared to the number of sessions available and whether place-sharing is allowed.","AnswerText":"Our aim is to have a place available, offering five sessions of around 2 1/2 hours of pre-school education per week, for all eligible children, whose parents wish it, by the end of school year 2002. Local authorities are responsible for developing places and for admissions. The Executive's policy is to offer flexibility. Whilst provision is expanding to meet demand, some local authorities may offer fewer than five sessions a week to three-year-old children. In most areas offering places with five sessions a week, parents are free to take up fewer sessions, if that better meets their needs and those of the child.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Information on local authority admissions policies is not collected centrally. The number of grant funded places for three-year-old children provided in each local authority by number of sessions per week is shown in the table.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Number of Three-Year-Old Children in Grant Funded Pre-school Education - September 2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=625><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=69><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=69><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Number of 3 Year Old Children Receiving a Grant Funded Place</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=69><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Number Receiving 5 Sessions per week</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=69><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Number Receiving 4 Sessions per week</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=69><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Number Receiving 3 Sessions per week</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=69><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Number Receiving 2 Sessions per week</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=69><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Number Receiving 1 Session per week</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">844</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">101</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,202</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">496</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">185</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">462</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">502</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">360</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">446</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149181,"EventID":"S1W-12423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to Sheriffs on equal opportunities issues and whether advice similar to that in the Equal Treatment Bench Book, recently produced for judges in Engla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to Sheriffs on equal opportunities issues and whether advice similar to that in the Equal Treatment Bench Book, recently produced for judges in England and Wales by the Judicial Studies Board with the support of the Lord Chancellor, will be made available to Sheriffs.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for judicial training rests with the independent Judicial Studies Committee who are currently considering equal treatment issues with a view to issuing guidance to Sheriffs.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149182,"EventID":"S1W-12424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses were repossessed through the courts in each year from 1990 to 2000 in (a) Scotland and (b) each court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses were repossessed through the courts in each year from 1990 to 2000 in (a) Scotland and (b) each court.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Data is collected with respect to the number of repossession orders granted by the courts, but not in respect of the number of houses which are actually repossessed.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149183,"EventID":"S1W-12425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why question S1W-10593 lodged on 24 October 2000 has not been answered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why question S1W-10593 lodged on 24 October 2000 has not been answered.","AnswerText":"PQ S1W-10593 was answered today.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149184,"EventID":"S1W-12426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2707 by Jackie Baillie on 14 December 2000, how many credit unions were extant in 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000 and in the current fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2707 by Jackie Baillie on 14 December 2000, how many credit unions were extant in 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000 and in the current financial year; where those currently extant are located, and how many low cost insurance with rent schemes currently exist.","AnswerText":"Figures on credit unions are available from the Registrar of Credit Unions now part of the Financial Services Authority. In 1997-98 the Registrar's annual report recorded that there were 124 credit unions in existence in Scotland. In 1998-99 this had risen to 135. The Registrar's report for 1999-2000 is not yet available but the FSA confirm that as of 16 January there were 138 credit unions registered in Scotland. The Registrar's report details the address of each credit union but aggregate figures are only provided for Scotland.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">There are currently no details available on the number of low cost insurance schemes available but the Executive is in the process of<B> </B>establishing which local authorities provide such schemes. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations operates a scheme on behalf of housing associations and approximately<B> </B>80 housing associations participate.<FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149185,"EventID":"S1W-12427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11248 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2000, how it intends to monitor the allocation of the #10 million earmarked to support car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11248 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2000, how it intends to monitor the allocation of the #10 million earmarked to support carers.","AnswerText":"Under the <I>Strategy for Carers in Scotland </I>local authorities have been asked to spend £10 million a year from this year on supporting carers, double the funding previously earmarked. The strategy requires<I> </I>authorities to report to the Executive in detail on how they use their share of these resources. This is being done through local authorities' Community Care Plans and their annual updates. These plans and updates must be accompanied by a letter from local carers' organisations confirming that they have been consulted on the use of these resources and that they are satisfied with how the money is being spent.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149186,"EventID":"S1W-12428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11248 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2000, whether it will give a breakdown by local authority of the distri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11248 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2000, whether it will give a breakdown by local authority of the distribution of the  #10 million earmarked to support carers.","AnswerText":"The £10 million allocated to local authorities in 2000-01 under the <I>Strategy for Carers in Scotland</I> for services to support carers was distributed as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=363><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£000)<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>411</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>378</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>233</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>204</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>97</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>301</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>326</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>244</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>166</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>177</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>146</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Edinburgh, City of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>887</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>70</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>270</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>699</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Glasgow City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1355</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>387</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>181</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>134</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Moray</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>155</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>283</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>611</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Orkney Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">38</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Perth &amp; Kinross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>274</TD><","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149187,"EventID":"S1W-12429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11306 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 November 2000, how many households it is estimated will be eligible under the relief scheme for wat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11306 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 November 2000, how many households it is estimated will be eligible under the relief scheme for water and sewerage charges for those on low incomes in each of the next three years and what the estimated administration costs are of the scheme.","AnswerText":"The number of households that will qualify for assistance under the proposed scheme will depend on the charges levied by each of the water authorities in the coming year and the level at which any cap is set. As the charge levels have yet to be set and proposals for the scheme are still out to consultation it is not presently possible to identify the actual number of households that will qualify. It is however anticipated that at least 100,000 households throughout Scotland will receive assistance under the proposed scheme.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>With regard to the administration costs of the scheme my officials are presently discussing the implications for the billing process with local authorities. It is anticipated that suitable software adjustments can be made to the existing systems that will significantly reduce the requirement for on going administrative costs. This is however subject to any adjustments resulting from the consultation process. For this reason an estimate of the administrative costs is not available at this time.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149188,"EventID":"S1W-12430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11211 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2000, whether it will commission research into allegations regarding the surreptitious use","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11211 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2000, whether it will commission research into allegations regarding the surreptitious use of drugs in nursing and residential homes.","AnswerText":"I have no such plans at present. The arrangements that are in place and those that are planned for the future are designed to ensure high quality care and protection for all care home residents. I will keep the need for research on this specific aspect under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149189,"EventID":"S1W-12431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11588 by Jackie Baillie on 29 November 2000, whether it will give a detailed breakdown of the allocation of the #10 million for ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11588 by Jackie Baillie on 29 November 2000, whether it will give a detailed breakdown of the allocation of the #10 million for refuge development; what criteria will be used in allocating funding, and whether there is any ceiling on the amount available for existing refuges.","AnswerText":"£2 million will be made available in the years 2001-02 and 2002-03 and £6 million will be spent in 2003-04.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Bidding guidance is currently being drawn up and will be issued shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149190,"EventID":"S1W-12432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are available on the level of personal debt and whether any are available (a) on a geographical basis, (b) broken down by household income and (c) showing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are available on the level of personal debt and whether any are available (a) on a geographical basis, (b) broken down by household income and (c) showing the increases or decreases in levels of personal debt under (a) and (b) in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Official statistics on the level of debt are limited. The Bank of England provides details on consumer credit by type of lender but not broken down either by geographical area or household type. The lack of such data is an issue being considered by the DTI Taskforce on Overindebtedness with which the Executive is involved.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149191,"EventID":"S1W-12433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8563 by Sarah Boyack on 8 January 2001, what the accident rates were involving (i) fatalities and (ii) injuries on a per mile basis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8563 by Sarah Boyack on 8 January 2001, what the accident rates were involving (i) fatalities and (ii) injuries on a per mile basis, differentiating between the M74 four and six-lane sections.","AnswerText":"Over the last 3 years there were 0.30 fatal accidents on a per mile basis and 5.10 serious and slight injury accidents on a per mile basis over the 20 miles of the 4 lane section of the M74.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Over the last 3 years there were 0.08 fatal accidents on a per mile basis and 3.73 serious and slight injury accidents on a per mile basis over the 64 miles of the 6 lane section of the M74.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149192,"EventID":"S1W-12434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the Highlands and Islands as a venue for weddings and as a tourism destination following the publicity generated by the wedding of Madonna an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the Highlands and Islands as a venue for weddings and as a tourism destination following the publicity generated by the wedding of Madonna and what budget will be made available for this purpose.","AnswerText":"The STB and the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board (HOST) are working effectively together to take advantage of the recent positive publicity generated by Madonna's wedding. The main responsibility for marketing the area lies with HOST. I understand that HOST intends to further develop its successful website <A HREF=\"http://www.highland-wedding.com/\">www.highland-wedding.com</A>. HOST is also preparing proposals for a campaign entitled &quot;Romance in the Highlands&quot;.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149193,"EventID":"S1W-12435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines exist for the provision of signage on cycleways.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines exist for the provision of signage on cycleways.","AnswerText":"Where the cycleway forms part of the public road network, only those signs specified by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 or authorised by the Scottish Ministers may be used. Guidance on road signing, including signs for cycleways, is given in the <I>Traffic Signs Manual</I>, which is published by the Stationery Office. There is no legislation or associated guidance for signs on cycleways which do not form part of the public road network, such as forest cycle trails.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149194,"EventID":"S1W-12436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are any guidelines on the maximum number of cycleway and road signs to be provided at any one location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are any guidelines on the maximum number of cycleway and road signs to be provided at any one location.","AnswerText":"Guidance on road signing, including signs for cycleways, is given in the Traffic Signs Manual, which is published by the Stationery Office. Its purpose is to provide traffic authorities with the codes to be followed in the use, siting and illumination of road signs. Decisions on placing signs and the numbers of signs required in any given situation are for the relevant traffic authority.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149195,"EventID":"S1W-12437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cycleway and road signs are located within a 100 yard radius of the roundabout on the B7076 at Kirkburn Farm, Lockerbie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cycleway and road signs are located within a 100 yard radius of the roundabout on the B7076 at Kirkburn Farm, Lockerbie.","AnswerText":"Both the roundabout and the B7076 in the vicinity of the roundabout are local roads for which Dumfries &amp; Galloway Council are the local roads authority. Nevertheless, it is understood that the number of cycleway signs is in the order of 30 and the number of other road signs is in the order of 17.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149196,"EventID":"S1W-12438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was, including installation, of the cycleway signs within 100 yards of the roundabout on the B7076 at Kirkburn Farm, Lockerbie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was, including installation, of the cycleway signs within 100 yards of the roundabout on the B7076 at Kirkburn Farm, Lockerbie.","AnswerText":"The installation of the cycleway signs was included in a package of work awarded under a lump sum form of contract ancillary to the M6 DBFO project. Consequently it is not possible to identify the contractor's costs for individual elements of the package of work such as cycleway signs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149197,"EventID":"S1W-12439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cycleway signs there are on the cycle track adjacent to the B7076 between Gretna and Beattock Summit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cycleway signs there are on the cycle track adjacent to the B7076 between Gretna and Beattock Summit.","AnswerText":"The number of cycleway signs on the 61km of cycleway and cycletrack between Kirkpatrick Fleming and Beattock where it is adjacent to the B7076 is in the order of 307.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149198,"EventID":"S1W-12440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was, including installation, of the cycleway signs on the cycletrack adjacent to the B7076 between Gretna and Beattock Summit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was, including installation, of the cycleway signs on the cycletrack adjacent to the B7076 between Gretna and Beattock Summit.","AnswerText":"The cycletrack between Kirkpatrick Fleming and Beattock was constructed as part of a number of individual contracts during the upgrading of the A74 between Gretna and Millbank. Several of these contracts were in the form of lump sum design and build and the section between Johnstonebridge and Beattock was constructed as part of the M6 DBFO project. Consequently it is not possible to identify the contractor's costs for individual elements of the various works such as cycleway signs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149199,"EventID":"S1W-12441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funds it has made available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the maintenance of cycletrack and bridges within Dumfries and Galloway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funds it has made available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the maintenance of cycletrack and bridges within Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not allocate funds to councils for the maintenance of individual road elements such as cycletracks and bridges. Any increase in the length of road to be maintained by a local authority is taken into consideration by the method by which the annual grant allocation for local roads is calculated by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149200,"EventID":"S1W-12442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it issues on the maintenance of cycletracks, particularly in relation to sweeping and the removal of debris.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance it issues on the maintenance of cycletracks, particularly in relation to sweeping and the removal of debris.","AnswerText":"In December 1999 the Scottish Executive published the consultation paper 'Cycling by Design' providing design guidance for all aspects of cycling infrastructure. Sections 12.40-12.71 inclusive of that document provides general guidance on the maintenance of cycle facilities and section 12.46 in particular offers guidance in relation to sweeping of cycle paths.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149201,"EventID":"S1W-12443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will give a guarantee that the Rankin maternity unit will not be removed from Inverclyde Royal Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will give a guarantee that the Rankin maternity unit will not be removed from Inverclyde Royal Hospital.","AnswerText":"The provision of maternity services in Argyll and Clyde is a matter for Argyll and Clyde Health Board and Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Any proposals for significant change or reconfiguration of maternity services must be subject to comprehensive public consultation. <P>The <I>Maternity Services Framework</I>, which was published on 2 February, establishes clear action points and recommendations to enable NHS Boards, NHS Trusts and other agencies to put in place maternity services appropriate to the needs of the population and demography of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149202,"EventID":"S1W-12444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients were waiting for admission to hospital in (a) Scotland and (b) each health board area in each quarter of (i) 1987 and (ii) 1992 and how many patients w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients were waiting for admission to hospital in (a) Scotland and (b) each health board area in each quarter of (i) 1987 and (ii) 1992 and how many patients were waiting for admission to hospital in each NHS Trust in each quarter of each year from 1995 to date.","AnswerText":"Prior to March 1988, information on inpatient and day case waiting lists was compiled to a completely different set of definitions and procedures, and is not comparable with subsequent data. Information on the number of patients awaiting admission to hospital for inpatient/day case treatment on the last day of each quarter of 1992, by health board area of treatment, and on the last day of each quarter since March 1995, by NHS Trust or Directly Managed Unit of treatment, is provided in the tables.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">NHSScotland: Number of Patients<SUP>1</SUP> Waiting For Admission To Hospital For In-Patient/Day Case Treatment, By Health Board Of Treatment.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=614><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 March 1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">30 June 1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">30 September 1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 December 1992</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,612</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,881</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,088</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,183</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,195</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,167</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,861</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,785</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">616</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">736</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">777</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">775</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,193</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,412</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,382</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,407</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,784</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,732</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,741</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,168</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,140</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,390</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,695</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,251</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,665</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,799</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,833</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149204,"EventID":"S1W-12446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the expenditure was in real terms on health by head of population in each year since 1979, broken down by health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the expenditure was in real terms on health by head of population in each year since 1979, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"The tables provide details in real terms of total health board expenditure per head of population for the period requested. Two sets of figures have been provided for each year. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The first set gives expenditure per head based on weighted populations. These weightings were used to calculate a health board three-year weighted average population that was used to allocate funding to each board under S.H.A.R.E.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The second set uses population figures as provided by the General Register Office for Scotland.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The revenue expenditure of health boards should not be taken to be a measure of funding nor does it represent the total funding of NHS Scotland. The total spending on health per head of population in Scotland for 1999-2000 was £966 rising to £1,060 for 2000-01.<P>Table 1: 1978-79 to 1985-86<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=613><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=9 HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">For year ending 31st March </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1980</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1981</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1982</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1983</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1984</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1985</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1986</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£/Pop</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=9 HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Weighted Population figures </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">416</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">429</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">454</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">472</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">482</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">488</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">503</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">506</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire/Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">343</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">350</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">380</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">413</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">435</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALI","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149205,"EventID":"S1W-12447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its consultation document on the control of skin piercing has been issued.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its consultation document on the control of skin piercing has been issued.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive consultation document on skin piercing is being published today and is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149206,"EventID":"S1W-12448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to make Health Education Board for Scotland advertisements targeted at young people available in more accessible formats, such as with subtitles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to make Health Education Board for Scotland advertisements targeted at young people available in more accessible formats, such as with subtitles.","AnswerText":"HEBS is concerned to ensure that all its advertisements and materials are available in formats which meet the particular needs of the various interests and groups which the board seeks to target. For example, key elements of its television advertisements are designed to communicate without sound. Certain materials are produced in different languages, such as those for ethnic communities, and others in braille and video with subtitles. HEBSWeb incorporates a large text/text only facility for people with impaired sight.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149207,"EventID":"S1W-12449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its policy is on the distribution of documents in the course of consultation exercises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its policy is on the distribution of documents in the course of consultation exercises.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is continually looking at ways to develop and enhance its consultation procedures including distribution in line with its commitments to Civic Participation. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Good Practice Guidance on Consultation has recently been made available to all departments undertaking consultations. It recognises that consultation is an essential in modern government to ensure policy decisions are soundly based on evidence, that they take into account views and experience of those affected by them, that innovative and creative options are considered and that new arrangements are workable. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Good Practice Guidance on Consultation derives from the Policy Unit report on Civic Participation which was published last year and is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/government/civicp.pdf That report identified 4 broad themes which have a bearing on extending distribution and increasing involvement in consultations:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Good Practice - to sharpen planning and execution of consultations; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Reaching 'civic' Scotland; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Reaching the wider public; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Making best use of resources. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">These broad recommendations were further broken-down into 21 actions which have now been implemented through the production of the Good Practice Guidance on Consultation. The Guidance covers issues that enhance distribution such as: <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">equality mainstreaming; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">use of sampling techniques to ensure all relevant interests are brought within the ambit of the consultation;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">enhancement of the Executive website to maximise the potential of the internet as a consultative tool;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">research into the methods of distribution to determine the most effective ways of reaching the public; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">working closely with the Civic Forum; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">as well as other key improvements such as:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">extending consultations to 12 weeks; and<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">summaries to make key issues more accessible. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>This work will continue and a dedicated team within the Executive has been established to regularly update the Good Practice Guidance on Consultations and provide advice to policy areas on effective consultation procedures.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149208,"EventID":"S1W-12450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to making Scottish history a compulsory part of the syllabus for primary and secondary school pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to making Scottish history a compulsory part of the syllabus for primary and secondary school pupils.","AnswerText":"In Scotland the curriculum is not prescribed by statute and delivery is a matter for local authorities and schools. The Scottish Executive's policy is to ensure that guidance to education authorities and schools and the framework of national qualifications provide ample opportunities for teaching Scottish history at every level of the school curriculum.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The 5-14 Environmental Studies - Social Subjects Guidelines are designed to develop pupils' understanding of the past through a variety of studies which include attention to Scottish contexts. Pupils aged 14-16 who choose to study history at Standard Grade cover Scottish history in its wider British and international context over a 100-year period of social history. Pupils aged 16 and over can choose from a wide range of new National Qualifications covering Scottish history at five levels of difficulty.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>There are no plans to change current policy.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149209,"EventID":"S1W-12451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the teaching of Scottish history in primary and secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the teaching of Scottish history in primary and secondary schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12450.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149210,"EventID":"S1W-12452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to expanding the teaching of Scottish history in the school curriculum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to expanding the teaching of Scottish history in the school curriculum.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12450.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149211,"EventID":"S1W-12453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to ensure that all primary and secondary school pupils are taught Scottish history.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to ensure that all primary and secondary school pupils are taught Scottish history.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12450 on.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149212,"EventID":"S1W-12454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the route action plan study carried out on the A77 between Ayr and Stranraer in 1994 available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the route action plan study carried out on the A77 between Ayr and Stranraer in 1994 available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The A77 Route Action Plan (RAP) study report was not commissioned for external publication.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As I explained in my letter to the member of 19 December 2000, the improvement measures recommended in the RAP will be progressed when funding opportunities become available.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149213,"EventID":"S1W-12455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to secure additional agrimonetary compensation and, if so, what amount it will seek to secure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to secure additional agrimonetary compensation and, if so, what amount it will seek to secure.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues including agrimoney compensation. The Scottish Executive cannot decide unilaterally to pay compensation since agrimoney payments must be made on a UK-wide basis. That is why the subject was discussed along with other issues when I met with the other Agricultural Ministers on Monday 22 January.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The United Kingdom Government has until the end of April 2001 to apply to the EU Commission for such aid. Since the precise amounts of agrimoney compensation available to the UK has yet to be determined by the EU Commission, it is rather pre-mature to discuss how much agrimoney compensation, if any, we will apply for. We will consider the matter in more detail once we have a clearer picture of precisely how much money is at stake.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149214,"EventID":"S1W-12456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there have been any alterations to its timetable for the proposed Land Reform Bill and whether it will set out its current timetable for the Bill from consultati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there have been any alterations to its timetable for the proposed Land Reform Bill and whether it will set out its current timetable for the Bill from consultation to introduction through to Royal Assent.","AnswerText":"As detailed in the latest Land Reform Action Plan Progress Report, issued on 7 December 2001 and copied to all MSPs and to the Parliament's Reference Centre (question S1W-11799 refers), the draft Land Reform Bill will issue for consultation later this month. Following the 12-week consultation period, the target date for introduction to Parliament is September 2001. Thereafter, the Bill's timetable will be a matter for the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149215,"EventID":"S1W-12457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is currently provided to farmers and crofters on lower incomes and in particular to those whose net income is below that of a full-time worker in receipt ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is currently provided to farmers and crofters on lower incomes and in particular to those whose net income is below that of a full-time worker in receipt of an income based on the minimum wage.","AnswerText":"There are a wide range of agricultural support measures available to farmers and crofters regardless of income levels. In addition the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board sets a minimum hourly rate of pay for agricultural workers. The rate for an adult worker is currently 18% above the national minimum wage.<P>Farmers and crofters on low incomes are entitled to the normal social security assistance. Social Security is reserved to the UK Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149216,"EventID":"S1W-12458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11354 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 January 2000, in what specific ways the guidelines for initial teacher education require instituti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11354 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 January 2000, in what specific ways the guidelines for initial teacher education require institutions to prepare teachers to be responsive to the linguistic needs of pupils in relation to the Scots language.","AnswerText":"The guidelines for initial teacher education courses are not prescriptive. The competencies set out in the guidelines are generic to enable interpretation relevant to the particular education sector and situation the student teacher is training in. The competence to be attained by new teachers in relation to being responsive to the linguistic needs of pupils is therefore not specific to any language group.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149217,"EventID":"S1W-12459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Scotland will benefit from the increased funding for sport announced by the Prime Minister on 11 January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Scotland will benefit from the increased funding for sport announced by the Prime Minister on 11 January 2001.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Prime Minister's speech on 11 January referred to the UK-wide proposals for the next round of New Opportunities Fund initiatives. These proposals involve a major investment in school and community sport in Scotland. Sam Galbraith also announced in Parliament on 9 November 2000 a substantial increase in funding for sport in Scotland as part of the outcome of the 2000 Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149218,"EventID":"S1W-12460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all school children in Scotland will be guaranteed at least two hours of sporting activity per week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all school children in Scotland will be guaranteed at least two hours of sporting activity per week.","AnswerText":"The desirability of primary schools providing a minimum of two hours of physical education per week was identified in <I>Sport 21</I>, the national strategy for sport in Scotland, and the Scottish Executive is working towards that.<B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">sport</B>scotland works closely with education authorities in a number of programmes, targeted at primary and secondary schools, which aim to promote and increase the level and range of sporting and physical activity of school-aged children during and after school hours.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>There are, however, no plans to prescribe as part of the curriculum that school children should have set levels of sporting activity per week.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149219,"EventID":"S1W-12461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the remit of school sports co-ordinators in Scottish schools compares to the remit of (a) school sports co-ordinators and (b) the proposed sports assistants in Engla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the remit of school sports co-ordinators in Scottish schools compares to the remit of (a) school sports co-ordinators and (b) the proposed sports assistants in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"School sports co-ordinators in Scotland and England cover broadly similar remits. Co-ordinators in England work with groups of schools. In Scotland, our objective is to appoint a co-ordinator in every secondary school and we have announced funding to extend the scheme to enable co-ordinators to work with local sports clubs to introduce young people to club sport while still at school. The role and remit of sports assistants is still being developed prior to the pilot being commenced but the intention is that they should complement the work of co-ordinators in schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149220,"EventID":"S1W-12462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will answer parliamentary questions S1W-10935 and S1W-10936.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will answer parliamentary questions S1W-10935 and S1W-10936.","AnswerText":"Questions SIW-10935 and SIW-10936 were answered on 25 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149221,"EventID":"S1W-12463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer parliamentary questions S1W-10883, S1W-10884, S1W-10885, S1W-10886 and S1W-10887.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer parliamentary questions S1W-10883, S1W-10884, S1W-10885, S1W-10886 and S1W-10887.","AnswerText":"Parliamentary questions S1W-10883, S1W-10884, S1W-10885, S1W-10886 and S1W-10887 were all answered today, Tuesday 16 January.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149222,"EventID":"S1W-12464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will answer parliamentary questions S1W-10967, S1W-10968, S1W-10969 and S1W-10970.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will answer parliamentary questions S1W-10967, S1W-10968, S1W-10969 and S1W-10970.","AnswerText":"Parliamentary questions S1W-10967, S1W-10968 and S1W-10969 were answered on Thursday 18 January 2001. Parliamentary question S1W-10970 was answered on Thursday 25 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149223,"EventID":"S1W-12465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to amend the status of sportscotland in its review of non-departmental public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to amend the status of sportscotland in its review of non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question 12267 on 25 January.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149224,"EventID":"S1W-12466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in developing sustainable alternative ways of promoting traditional and Gaelic arts and music in Inverness and the Highlands and in ensuring ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in developing sustainable alternative ways of promoting traditional and Gaelic arts and music in Inverness and the Highlands and in ensuring the continuance of the educational work done at Balnain House, Inverness following its closure, and what funding it is making available for this, particularly for tuition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council is working, with other members of the Highland Arts Partnership, to develop sustainable programmes of support for the traditional arts. I have therefore asked the Director of the Arts Council to write to the member with the requested information and to make it available to the Parliament's Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149225,"EventID":"S1W-12467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12006 by Malcolm Chisholm on 4 January 2001, what the current timetable is for the establishment of the national service network fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12006 by Malcolm Chisholm on 4 January 2001, what the current timetable is for the establishment of the national service network for autistic spectrum disorder, which organisations are being consulted regarding its establishment and what the timetable is for the establishment of the Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities including the location, staffing and remit.","AnswerText":"As to the national service network for autistic spectrum disorders, I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1O-2810 on 18 January (<I>Official</I> <I>Report,</I> Vol.10 Col. 420).<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The procurement process for the Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities leading to the award of grant is well under way but many of the areas relating to the location, staffing and operational aspects of the new centre are still uncertain and subject to clarification and negotiation with applicants. Due to confidentiality constraints, further details cannot be made public at this stage. The Executive expects to award the grant soon for commencement on 1 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149226,"EventID":"S1W-12468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much money has been made available to the textile industry in the Borders since 6 June 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much money has been made available to the textile industry in the Borders since 6 June 2000.","AnswerText":"Companies are supported by a very wide variety of programmes from the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Enterprise Networks and other public sector bodies. Scottish Enterprise Borders received an additional £2.3 million in the current year to help meet the challenges the area is facing, the third year of increased funding. The LEC estimates that this has helped it to provide some £700,000 to textile companies in the Borders since 6 June 2000. In addition, a Faraday award of £1.2 million has been awarded by the DTI to the Technitex project, a collaborative project across the UK led by Heriot Watt at Galashiels. The total value of support is dependent on the extent to which companies and other bodies involved in the industry come forward with eligible projects and proposals.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149227,"EventID":"S1W-12469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9643 by Henry McLeish on 19 September 2000, how many textile-related projects have been developed by (a) the enterprise network and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9643 by Henry McLeish on 19 September 2000, how many textile-related projects have been developed by (a) the enterprise network and (b) the textile industry, and which of these projects are receiving or are to receive financial support, specifying the amount of support in each case. ","AnswerText":"We are determined to help the textile sector in its transition from volume manufacturing to higher added-value markets. Since the Scottish Textile Forum was established on 6 June last year, nearly £3 million of public support has been provided to the textile sector in Scotland. The Scottish Executive and its agencies have over this period provided: over £2 million towards retraining of those made redundant by textile companies; £300,000 in Regional Selective Assistance to textile companies; £10,000 to support companies attending London Fashion Week; £449,000 over two years for the cashmere club; £20,000 support for in-store promotion; £20,000 for the development of a website for the Scottish textile industry; £15,000 to support companies attending industry trend presentations; and £20,000 support for the development of a national textile action plan. The DTI has also provided £70,000 under their Engineering Technicians programme to raise skill levels in the Borders and are currently considering support for various other projects from Scottish companies. The £3 million figure does not include a £1.2 million DTI Faraday award for the UK-wide Technitex project led by Heriot-Watt University in Galashiels.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149228,"EventID":"S1W-12470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9641 by Henry McLeish on 19 September 2000, how many times the Scottish Textiles Forum has met to date; what decisions have been ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9641 by Henry McLeish on 19 September 2000, how many times the Scottish Textiles Forum has met to date; what decisions have been taken further to the forum's discussions, and what measures have consequently been implemented.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Textile Forum met on 12 June and 12 September, and the next meeting will be on 31 January. Minutes of these meetings are available on the Scottish Executive's website (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/who/elld/tra_tex.asp). Subgroups of the forum have been working on producing an action plan document for the industry. Plans are also being developed for future support of the textile industry by the Enterprise Network. Further announcements on these developments will be made in the spring.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149229,"EventID":"S1W-12471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many copies of the Annual Report of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body 2000 and accompanying statistical report have been sold to date, broken down between sale","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many copies of the Annual Report of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body 2000 and accompanying statistical report have been sold to date, broken down between sales to the public and sales to publicly funded organisations.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body distributed 1,175 copies free of charge to MSPs, Scottish MEPs, partner libraries, embassies and consulates, councils, police and Fire Boards, Health boards and Trusts and various other bodies within civic Scotland who contributed to the Consultative Steering Group report on the Scottish Parliament. Additional copies are also available from SPICe.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">We understand that the Stationery Office has to date sold 45 copies to the general public.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Annual Report is freely available on the Scottish Parliament website and has had nearly 400 &quot;hits&quot; since publication on 22 December.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149230,"EventID":"S1W-12472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of its Water Quality & Standards 2002-2006: A Consultation Paper have been published; how many have been distributed, and what the total cost was of publi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of its Water Quality & Standards 2002-2006: A Consultation Paper have been published; how many have been distributed, and what the total cost was of publishing, promoting and distributing the document.","AnswerText":"The initial print run of 500 has been distributed and a further print run of 200 has been ordered to meet increased demand. The paper is also available on the Scottish Executive website and through the Stationery Office Bookshop.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>It is not yet possible to quote the total cost for printing and distribution because my officials are in the process of confirming the initial invoice and securing an estimate for the second print run. I anticipate, however, that the cost should be slightly less than that quoted for the Affordability of Water and Sewerage Charges consultation paper (£1601.49) due to using the same cover design.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149231,"EventID":"S1W-12473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of its Affordability of Water and Sewerage Charges: A Consultation Paper have been published; how many have been distributed, and what the total cost was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of its Affordability of Water and Sewerage Charges: A Consultation Paper have been published; how many have been distributed, and what the total cost was of publishing, promoting and distributing this document.","AnswerText":"500 copies of this paper were printed, of which 480 have been distributed to date (17.01.01). Approximately 20 further copies have been issued by email. The paper is also available on the Scottish Executive website and through the Stationery Office Bookshop.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The total cost for printing and distribution, including entry on to the Scottish Executive website and lodging with the Stationery Office Bookshop was £1601.49.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149232,"EventID":"S1W-12474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer by Jackie Baillie to my supplementary question to S1O-2769 on 11 January 2001 (Official Report, col. 149), how many homelessness applications to lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer by Jackie Baillie to my supplementary question to S1O-2769 on 11 January 2001 (Official Report, col. 149), how many homelessness applications to local authorities have been made in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of applications from households to local authorities under the homeless persons legislation, for the last five years, is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in the following two statistical bulletins: <I>The Operation of the Homeless Persons Legislation in Scotland 1988-89 to 1998-</I>99: National and Local Authority Analyses - HSG/2000/2&quot; (table 3) and <I>Housing Trends in Scotland: Quarter ending 31 March 2000 - HSG/2000/7</I> (table 20).","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149233,"EventID":"S1W-12475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often and on what dates the Scottish Textiles Forum has met since June 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often and on what dates the Scottish Textiles Forum has met since June 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer Ms Grahame to the answer given to question S1W-12470.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149234,"EventID":"S1W-12476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can supply further details about the Better Neighbourhoods Fund announced as part of the Spending Review on 20 September 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can supply further details about the Better Neighbourhoods Fund announced as part of the Spending Review on 20 September 2000.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to announce that £90 million will be available to support pathfinder projects to improve the quality of services to those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in 12 Scottish local authority areas. Each council will have the opportunity to agree with its community planning partners locally which neighbourhood should benefit and how the resources should be deployed to bring about improvement in the lives of those communities. Through involving those communities agreement will be reached on the specific services and outcomes that will result from the pathfinders, and these will become the subject of local outcome agreements along the lines that I described in the debate on the renewal of local government finance on 22 November 2000. Resources will be available over the coming three-year period, as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=585><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Glasgow </TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27.00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>West Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.50</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.75</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.50</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.75</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.50</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FO","AnswerDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149235,"EventID":"S1W-12477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Scotland did not participate in the 1999 Third International Mathematics and Science Study Repeat as a follow-up to the participation by The Scottish Office in the o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Scotland did not participate in the 1999 Third International Mathematics and Science Study Repeat as a follow-up to the participation by The Scottish Office in the original 1995 study.","AnswerText":"Revised national advice on the teaching of mathematics and science was issued in 1997 and 1999 respectively, and in 1999 it was agreed that the Third International Mathematics and Science Study Repeat was too early for the national advice to have taken effect.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scotland is participating in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment which is assessing the reading, mathematics and science performance of 15-year-olds in 2000, 2003 and 2006. Participation in the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study which will assess the attainment of nine- and 13-year-olds in mathematics and science in 2003 is under consideration, and I will report to Parliament the outcome of that consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149236,"EventID":"S1W-12478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Strategy for Victims will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Strategy for Victims will be published.","AnswerText":"The <I>Scottish Strategy for Victims</I>, and the <I>Scottish Executive Justice Department Action Plan</I> which sets out what the Justice Department plans to do to support the strategy, is published today. A copy of each document will be placed in the Parliament's Information Centre and additional copies made available in the Document Supply Centre. (Bib. no's 10680 and 10681).","AnswerDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149237,"EventID":"S1W-12479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what information it has on the progress of projects which have received funding from the Modernising Government Fund and, in particular, the development of a new custome","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what information it has on the progress of projects which have received funding from the Modernising Government Fund and, in particular, the development of a new customer service centre in South Lanarkshire, the \"eCare Project\" and the use of telecommunication technology in public access kiosks in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"On 18 December 2000 I announced £26 million of funding to support 36 projects. The funds have still to be drawn down and at the present time it is too early to say how the projects are progressing.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>All of the projects are being monitored by the Executive and the project plans, along with progress reports for each of the projects, will be published on the Executives 21st Century Government website.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149238,"EventID":"S1W-12480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to investigate waiting lists for cardiac transplant surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to investigate waiting lists for cardiac transplant surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"The waiting list is kept under constant review. Its size is influenced by a number of factors, including referral rates and the availability of medical therapies as alternatives to transplantation.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149239,"EventID":"S1W-12481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the reported instruction by the Scottish Executive's head of New Media and Presentation that NHSiS staff should not give out information, photographs or reaction","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the reported instruction by the Scottish Executive's head of New Media and Presentation that NHSiS staff should not give out information, photographs or reactions to researchers from the Sunday Times Good Hospital Guide complies with the Code of Openness in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Code of Practice on Openness for the NHS in Scotland makes a presumption of openness and accessibility of information. In response to a recent request for advice from an NHS Trust, the Executive confirmed that the Code does not, however, require the NHS to provide information already widely available publicly or where to do so would result in an unacceptable diversion of resources from patient care.<P>Requests for information are considered on an individual basis and decisions on whether to provide information depend on the subject matter and content. It is not normal practice to seek ministerial approval for the handling of each such request. Under the proposed Freedom of Information Bill, requests will continue to be considered case by case.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149240,"EventID":"S1W-12482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any minister was aware of or sanctioned the reported instruction by the Scottish Executive's Head of New Media and Presentation that NHSiS staff should not give ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any minister was aware of or sanctioned the reported instruction by the Scottish Executive's Head of New Media and Presentation that NHSiS staff should not give out information, photograph or reactions to researchers from the Sunday Times Good Hospital Guide. ","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12481.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149241,"EventID":"S1W-12483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the reported instruction by the Scottish Executive's Head of New Media and Presentation that NHSiS staff should not give out information, photographs or reaction","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the reported instruction by the Scottish Executive's Head of New Media and Presentation that NHSiS staff should not give out information, photographs or reactions to researchers from the Sunday Times Good Hospital Guide would comply with the requirements of its proposed Freedom of Information Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12481.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149242,"EventID":"S1W-12484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11436 by Mr Jack McConnell on 22 November 2000, whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority has completed its review of markers' ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11436 by Mr Jack McConnell on 22 November 2000, whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority has completed its review of markers' fees and what decisions have been taken on the fees for 2001 and subsequent exam diets.","AnswerText":"The SQA has now recommended to me a 50% increase in fees for its markers, members of examining teams, moderators and other appointees for 2001. I have agreed that the Executive will fund this increase in full.<P>In addition, I am setting up an in-depth review of fees for 2002 and future years, involving the SQA, local authorities and further education colleges. This review will aim to produce a fee structure that is balanced and transparent, and that ensures SQA can recruit sufficient teachers and lecturers to carry out marking and other assessment tasks effectively. It will commence immediately, and will make proposals jointly to me and to the Chair of SQA in time for SQA to implement any necessary changes to their systems for the 2002 diet.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149243,"EventID":"S1W-12485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will undertake research into the presence of radioactive fallout in areas which have been subject to depleted uranium shelling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will undertake research into the presence of radioactive fallout in areas which have been subject to depleted uranium shelling.","AnswerText":"Monitoring of depleted uranium in the environment is already undertaken by the Radiation Protection Services of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The Scottish Executive has no plans to instigate additional monitoring.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149244,"EventID":"S1W-12486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5422 by Sarah Boyack on 13 April 2000, whether the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture will now ask for direct advance noti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5422 by Sarah Boyack on 13 April 2000, whether the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture will now ask for direct advance notification of any future target practice to be undertaken in Scotland by the Ministry of Defence.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149245,"EventID":"S1W-12487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it or any other Scottish public body holds information on the number of rounds of depleted uranium shells which have been exploded in Scotland and the location o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it or any other Scottish public body holds information on the number of rounds of depleted uranium shells which have been exploded in Scotland and the location of such activities in connection with environmental monitoring responsibilities.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Ministry of Defence that 6,907 depleted uranium projectiles have been fired into the Solway Firth from the Dundrennan Range, Kirkcudbright, and 315 into Luce Bay from the West Freugh Range, near Stranraer. These projectiles are not explosive.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149246,"EventID":"S1W-12488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make additional funding available to Lothian and Borders police to meet any additional policing burden which will result from the Global Forum for Law En","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make additional funding available to Lothian and Borders police to meet any additional policing burden which will result from the Global Forum for Law Enforcement and National Security Conference in Edinburgh in June 2001 and, if so, what funding will be allocated.","AnswerText":"It is for the Chief Constable in consultation with his joint police board to determine priorities within the budget set for the force. Funding is allocated to forces in total and is not earmarked by the Executive for specific purposes.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149247,"EventID":"S1W-12489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many flights between (a) Edinburgh and London and (b) Glasgow and London were taken by (i) ministers and (ii) staff of the Scottish Office and the Scottish Executive","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many flights between (a) Edinburgh and London and (b) Glasgow and London were taken by (i) ministers and (ii) staff of the Scottish Office and the Scottish Executive since 1997 and how many of those flights were made using budget or low-cost airlines.","AnswerText":"The number of flights by ministers and officials in the period 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2000 which were arranged through the business travel agent were (a) 9,935 between Edinburgh and London and (b) 1,287 between Glasgow and London. These flights are recorded in the system operated by the business travel agent and were with selected carriers at preferred government rates negotiated in conjunction with UK government departments.<P>Budget or low cost airlines do not accept bookings through the business travel agent's system and comparable information on total numbers of flights is not available.<P>Flight information is available from the business travel agent's system which records each flight by the named traveller. A name search to collate and differentiate between flights by ministers and staff could be completed only at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149248,"EventID":"S1W-12490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to bring forward the commencement order in respect of the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 in order to ensure that home owners do not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to bring forward the commencement order in respect of the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 in order to ensure that home owners do not continue to face demands from feudal superiors for payments for waiver of title conditions and whether it will canvass MSPs in order to establish how widespread this practice continues to be.","AnswerText":"We will bring forward the commencement order in due course. The Property Law Reform programme is a package and we will assess the appropriate date for commencement when the next Bill in the package - the Title Conditions Bill - has been enacted. We expect to consult on a draft Title Conditions Bill in the spring. Meantime, we have no plans to conduct a survey of MSPs, but would of course be happy to receive any information from them.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149249,"EventID":"S1W-12491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the Disability Rights Task Force Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the Disability Rights Task Force Report.","AnswerText":"We have published today the Scottish Executive's response to the Disability Rights Task Force Report setting out how recommendations in devolved areas will be taken forward in Scotland. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10690).","AnswerDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149250,"EventID":"S1W-12492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what powers it has to address any current transport gridlock in Aberdeen caused by the closure of the Grandholm Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what powers it has to address any current transport gridlock in Aberdeen caused by the closure of the Grandholm Bridge.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for management of traffic rests primarily with Aberdeen City Council. There is consultation with the Executive on trunk road matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149251,"EventID":"S1W-12493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it will take to ensure that the movement of emergency vehicles travelling into Aberdeen from the north is not impeded due to any current traffic gridlock cau","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it will take to ensure that the movement of emergency vehicles travelling into Aberdeen from the north is not impeded due to any current traffic gridlock caused by the closure of the Grandholm Bridge.","AnswerText":"We have consulted the emergency services and have received no reports of significant problems concerning increased response times for emergency vehicles travelling into Aberdeen from the north.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149252,"EventID":"S1W-12494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children in the 12 to 13 age cohort received BCG vaccinations in 1998, 1999 and 2000 in each health board area and what percentage this figure represents of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children in the 12 to 13 age cohort received BCG vaccinations in 1998, 1999 and 2000 in each health board area and what percentage this figure represents of the school population in this age cohort.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Numbers vaccinated</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">424</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">599</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Ayrshire &amp; Arran*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">198</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">157</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">121</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">192</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,872</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,340</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">405</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">378</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">674</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">566</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">G Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,123</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">849</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,925</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,915</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">906</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">921</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">231</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">220</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">443</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">425</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">W Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,343</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,622</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Source: Common Services Agency, Information and Statistics Division.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">*This board targets pupils aged 14; hence the absence of data for the years requested.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The BCG schools programme was suspended in September 1999. The age at which BCG vaccination has been offered to schoolchildren has varied among health boards. Information about the percentages of target populations vaccinated is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149253,"EventID":"S1W-12495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current availability of the BCG vaccination is in health board areas and whether the targets of the Scottish Executive on availability are being met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current availability of the BCG vaccination is in health board areas and whether the targets of the Scottish Executive on availability are being met.","AnswerText":"BCG vaccines, as with all childhood vaccines, are distributed through a control facility in Cumbernauld to 18 holding centres (normally located in hospital pharmacy departments) across Scotland. Vaccines are then distributed to hospitals and community health providers on request. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Health boards are responsible for ensuring that they have sufficient supplies of vaccine for high-risk groups in their areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149254,"EventID":"S1W-12496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the incidence of tuberculosis was in each health board area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the incidence of tuberculosis was in each health board area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of the Common Services Agency has provided the table which sets out the annual numbers of tuberculosis notifications from Scottish health boards for the period 1997-99:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=365><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">433</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">457</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">496   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">416*</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">42</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"1","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149255,"EventID":"S1W-12497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce a statutory obligation on local authorities to ensure the provision of free, impartial and independent (a) legal advice and information an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce a statutory obligation on local authorities to ensure the provision of free, impartial and independent (a) legal advice and information and (b) debt management advice and information throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to introduce a statutory obligation on local authorities, but through our work on the community legal service and national debtline we are working to improve access to free, impartial, quality legal and money advice throughout Scotland. My colleague Jim Wallace has set up a working group to bring forward proposals on how a community legal service can be established in Scotland and is reviewing the law on diligence, which will include consideration of a debt arrangement scheme. I will be piloting our plans for a National Telephone Debt line later this year and I am also pursuing with CoSLA how the money and debt advice services provided by local authorities can be improved.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149256,"EventID":"S1W-12498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its social inclusion strategy takes account of the role played by independent advice services in tackling social exclusion through the provision of free and impa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its social inclusion strategy takes account of the role played by independent advice services in tackling social exclusion through the provision of free and impartial advice and information; if not, what role it believes such independent advice services have in tackling social exclusion, and how it sees this role fitting in with its policies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the role played by independent advice services in tackling social exclusion. For this reason representatives from the sector are involved in our work to develop the national debtline and the community legal service which will ensure that free, impartial, legal and money advice will be available throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149257,"EventID":"S1W-12499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether increased funding will be made available to Visitscotland, the British Tourist Authority or any other relevant organisation to market the Highlands as a tourist ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether increased funding will be made available to Visitscotland, the British Tourist Authority or any other relevant organisation to market the Highlands as a tourist destination following the coverage generated by Madonna's wedding and, if so, how much.","AnswerText":"The tourism marketing organisations have flexibility to meet emerging, new priorities within the budgets available to them. No additional funding is being made available specifically for this purpose.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149258,"EventID":"S1W-12500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8803 by Sarah Boyack on 10 August 2000, whether the final draft of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance has now been issued fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8803 by Sarah Boyack on 10 August 2000, whether the final draft of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance has now been issued for consultation; if so, what the timescale is for the consultation period, and when a final version of the guidance will be published.","AnswerText":"I expect a draft of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance to be issued in early March 2001 to a wide range of interested bodies. A copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The first major application of the guidance will be in the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies later this year. I will also be encouraging local authorities and the Strathclyde Passenger Executive to use the draft guidance to appraise their transport projects. The draft will be updated as necessary in the light of these experiences and the comments received in the consultation. The final version will issue around the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149259,"EventID":"S1W-12501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2899 by Sarah Boyack on 13 January 2000, whether the route profiles of all routes in the trunk road network have now been updated a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2899 by Sarah Boyack on 13 January 2000, whether the route profiles of all routes in the trunk road network have now been updated and, if so, whether it will place a copy of the findings of this exercise in respect of each route in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The work to update the Route Profiles should be completed next month. Thereafter the Route Profiles will be widely distributed and a copy of each placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149260,"EventID":"S1W-12502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2904 by Sarah Boyack on 12 January 2000, whether it  has published any estimates provided by local authorities in interim road traf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2904 by Sarah Boyack on 12 January 2000, whether it  has published any estimates provided by local authorities in interim road traffic reduction reports; if not, whether it now considers it appropriate to do so, and when it will publish any such estimates.","AnswerText":"I did not consider it appropriate to publish the figures as these were interim reports. I am currently considering the statutory reports received from local authorities towards the end of last year.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149261,"EventID":"S1W-12503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3850 by Sarah Boyack on 3 February 2000, which of the nine applications for Freight Facilities Grant being assessed at that time (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3850 by Sarah Boyack on 3 February 2000, which of the nine applications for Freight Facilities Grant being assessed at that time (a) have been funded (i) in full and (ii) in part, (b) are still under review, (c) were deferred and (d) were rejected.","AnswerText":"Of these nine applications for Freight Facilities Grant, six have now been funded up to the level justified by economic and financial appraisal as necessary in order to tip the balance of costs in favour of rail or inland waterway. The other three applications remain under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149262,"EventID":"S1W-12504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3850 by Sarah Boyack on 3 February 2000, whether it will list all applications for Freight Facilities Grant received since then, sp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3850 by Sarah Boyack on 3 February 2000, whether it will list all applications for Freight Facilities Grant received since then, specifying in each case whether a decision has been reached and what each such decision was.","AnswerText":"Since 3 February 2000, the Scottish Executive have received a further five applications for Freight Facilities Grant. Of these applications one has recently been awarded (£693,000) and four are under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149263,"EventID":"S1W-12505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8809 by Sarah Boyack on 10 August 2000, whether the full business case for the Larkhall to Milngavie rail route project has been re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8809 by Sarah Boyack on 10 August 2000, whether the full business case for the Larkhall to Milngavie rail route project has been received and considered; whether a decision has been taken on the project's suitability for level playing field support under the Public/Private Partnership arrangements; if so, whether it will announce that decision and, if not, when it expects a decision to be taken and an announcement made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has still to receive for our consideration the Full Business Case for this project.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149264,"EventID":"S1W-12506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6054 by Sarah Boyack on 20 April 2000, whether it is now able to provide details of how the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) propos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6054 by Sarah Boyack on 20 April 2000, whether it is now able to provide details of how the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) proposed for the A77/M77 upgrade (Malletsheugh-Fenwick) will differ from that used for the Paddy's Rickle Bridge-Cleuchbrae phase of the M74 and whether the A77/M77 PPP is intended to include operation and maintenance of any section of the A77/M77 corridor other than that to be constructed.","AnswerText":"The nature and extent of the proposed Public/Private Partnership and the extent of the contract have not been finalised, but will take into account matters raised by the Audit Committee in relation to the M74 contract.<P>It is intended that the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh trunk road scheme and the local authority Glasgow Southern Orbital proposal would be procured as a single Public/Private Partnership depending on the outcome of the recent Public Local Inquiry into the Southern Orbital.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149265,"EventID":"S1W-12507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6862 on 22 June 2000 by Sarah Boyack, whether work in relation to the Kingston Bridge Phase 1 Strengthening contract has now been c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6862 on 22 June 2000 by Sarah Boyack, whether work in relation to the Kingston Bridge Phase 1 Strengthening contract has now been completed and when existing traffic restrictions on the bridge are expected to be lifted.","AnswerText":"All major strengthening operations have been completed and the remaining minor works such as landscaping and site clearance are programmed for completion by April.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Revised traffic management arrangements are in hand, including re-opening the traffic lanes that are currently closed, and implementation is expected by the end of February.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149266,"EventID":"S1W-12508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7186 by Sarah Boyack on 12 July 2000, whether the analysis of the 1997 survey of aggregate working has led to the drawing of any me","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7186 by Sarah Boyack on 12 July 2000, whether the analysis of the 1997 survey of aggregate working has led to the drawing of any meaningful conclusions; if so, what these conclusions are, and when it expects to publish the results of the survey.","AnswerText":"Sarah Boyack wrote to you on 14 August 2000 confirming that the low level and lateness of returns, together with a number of other difficulties, made it impossible to publish any meaningful conclusions and that the 1997 survey was therefore being abandoned. The Executive is currently considering how work towards future surveys can be progressed.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149267,"EventID":"S1W-12509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8375 by Sarah Boyack on 13 July 2000, whether the investigation into the cost and practical implications of ending the date-stampin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8375 by Sarah Boyack on 13 July 2000, whether the investigation into the cost and practical implications of ending the date-stamping on books of discount tickets for the Skye Bridge has been concluded and, if so, whether it will announce its decision on the ending of date-stamping.","AnswerText":"In response to representations from MSPs, Highland Council and others last year, I asked officials to explore the possibility of ending date stamping of books of discount vouchers for Skye Bridge. Following discussions, the Concessionaire, Skye Bridge Limited, have made it clear that they are not willing to change the present arrangements. The discount vouchers already offer generous benefits to frequent users of the bridge, most of whom are local people, but I will discuss this matter further with the company later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149268,"EventID":"S1W-12510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8386 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 13 July 2000, whether it has now refined the precise funding mechanism that will apply to any cash in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8386 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 13 July 2000, whether it has now refined the precise funding mechanism that will apply to any cash incentives to be provided to tenants of social landlords and, if so, whether it will announce the criteria and related procedures which will apply.","AnswerText":"Section 43 of the recently published Housing (Scotland) Bill will extend the powers available to local authorities to provide cash grants to tenants. Specifically, this section, as currently drafted, will allow local authorities to prepare a scheme for designated pressured areas which would allow for grants to be paid both to its own tenants and to tenants of registered social landlords living within a designated area if they chose to do so. The Bill also gives Scottish Ministers powers to issue guidance on the form and content of these schemes and this will be prepared in due course and contain advice on eligibility criteria and the determination of grant payments.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As far as the funding mechanism is concerned, it is intended that grants to tenants under these schemes in designated pressured areas will be paid by local authorities from resources made available for housing by Scottish Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149269,"EventID":"S1W-12511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8804 by Sarah Boyack on 25 August 2000, whether the work on the viability of the proposed Public/Private Partnership (PPP) in respe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8804 by Sarah Boyack on 25 August 2000, whether the work on the viability of the proposed Public/Private Partnership (PPP) in respect of the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh scheme has been completed; if so, whether tender documents for this PPP are expected to be issued and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149270,"EventID":"S1W-12512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9470 by Rhona Brankin on 19 September 2000, whether the public local inquiry in relation to the application for scheduled monument ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9470 by Rhona Brankin on 19 September 2000, whether the public local inquiry in relation to the application for scheduled monument consent for the conservation of Caisteal Tioram has taken place; if so, when a decision is expected and, if not, whether the arrangements for the inquiry are now finalised and when the inquiry will take place.","AnswerText":"No. The arrangements for holding a public inquiry into the application for scheduled monument consent have been postponed at the request of the applicants to await the outcome of the Executive's appeal of the County Properties judgement which is being heard by the Inner House of the Court of Session. It is not yet possible to give an indication as to when the inquiry may take place.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149271,"EventID":"S1W-12513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7986 by Sarah Boyack on 28 June 2000, whether it has now responded to the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liabilit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7986 by Sarah Boyack on 28 June 2000, whether it has now responded to the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability and, if so, whether its response accepted the principle of strict liability.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive contributed to the development of the United Kingdom Government's response to the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability. This was published on the Scottish Executive website on 24 August 2000, and is available at <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/environment/UKresponse.asp<P>The UK response fully supported the concept of environmental liability, and the need to ensure that those who cause damage to the environment should be made to pay for putting it right.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149272,"EventID":"S1W-12514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7985 by Sarah Boyack on 28 June 2000, whether it has now assessed the potential impact on the Scottish agricultural sector of the E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7985 by Sarah Boyack on 28 June 2000, whether it has now assessed the potential impact on the Scottish agricultural sector of the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability and, if so, what its assessment is.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with DETR on an UK-wide assessment of the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability, which will include the potential impact on the agricultural sector.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149273,"EventID":"S1W-12515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7987 by Sarah Boyack on 28 June 2000, whether it has now sought or obtained a definition of the public interest groups who may be g","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7987 by Sarah Boyack on 28 June 2000, whether it has now sought or obtained a definition of the public interest groups who may be granted rights to act under the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability.","AnswerText":"The European Commission has yet to develop a definition of the public interest groups who may be granted rights to act under the White Paper on Environmental Liability. Progress on this may be affected by the proposed reorganisation of the Environment Directorate General in the Commission.  We may comment once details emerge.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149274,"EventID":"S1W-12516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7988 by Sarah Boyack on 30 August 2000, whether it has now assessed the impact on Scottish industry of an extension of industry's l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7988 by Sarah Boyack on 30 August 2000, whether it has now assessed the impact on Scottish industry of an extension of industry's liability beyond compliance with environmental legislation, as envisaged in the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability and, if so, what this assessment is.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with DETR on an UK wide assessment of the European Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability, which will include the impact on industry's liability.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149275,"EventID":"S1W-12517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in respect of the recommendations in the report of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in respect of the recommendations in the report of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive accepted the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime on 9 June 2000. Immediate funding of £3.5 million was announced for distribution to local authorities in order to develop and support programmes which will challenge and change the behaviour of young offenders. A further £20 million is being made available over the next three years.<P>Local authorities have established Youth Crime Teams and carried out audits of local services and needs. They are now drawing up local strategies to tackle youth crime and are expected to submit preliminary reports in March.<P>The study into the legal implications of a review of the age of criminal responsibility is currently with the Scottish Law Commission. The feasibility study into a pilot scheme to extend the scope of the children's hearings system to 16- and 17-year-old offenders is due to report by April. We will consult shortly on a National Strategy on youth crime. This will build on the principles set out in the Youth Crime Review and take into account the representations made during the post-publication consultation exercise.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149276,"EventID":"S1W-12518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its document It's a Criminal Waste: Stop Youth Crime Now, whether funding to local authorities has been reallocated to increase resources for criminal jus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its document It's a Criminal Waste: Stop Youth Crime Now, whether funding to local authorities has been reallocated to increase resources for criminal justice social work by #0.5 million in order to fund an extension of bail information and supervision schemes, and pilot diversion schemes, to all 16 and 17-year-olds.","AnswerText":"Local authorities were informed last September of their provisional funding allocations for 2001-02 to allow extension from 18&nbsp;pilot diversion from prosecution schemes to national coverage.  The 16-17 age group was identified as one of 4&nbsp;priority groups for the more targeted approach to diversion.  Funding decisions in respect of the extension of bail information and supervision schemes will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149277,"EventID":"S1W-12519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities currently require tenants who are exercising their right to buy to take out a particular building insurance policy as a condition of buying their","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities currently require tenants who are exercising their right to buy to take out a particular building insurance policy as a condition of buying their home and which of these authorities receive commissions from the insurance premiums generated.","AnswerText":"Conditions attached to right to buy sales relating to insurance policies are a matter for local authorities and prospective purchasers to agree. Information on these matters is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149278,"EventID":"S1W-12520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any conflict of interest exists where a local authority is factor of property in an area where there is a mixture of tenanted and owner-occupied property.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any conflict of interest exists where a local authority is factor of property in an area where there is a mixture of tenanted and owner-occupied property.","AnswerText":"Where a tenant has exercised his or her right to buy their council property, they should be allowed the full enjoyment and use of the house as owner. However, if ownership of the building is shared between the local authority and RTB owners, specific conditions may be put in place to cover arrangements for carrying out factoring services and repair and maintenance work. In general terms, such conditions may be required to ensure that all parties will pay their share of the costs towards any communal work carried out. The precise conditions of sale are a matter for agreement between the landlord and purchaser and it is for each party to satisfy themselves, in consultation with their legal advisors prior to completing the transaction, that all terms are reasonable. Any dispute over the conditions would normally be resolved by the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149279,"EventID":"S1W-12521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to undertake a review of how complaints from owner-occupiers of properties where the local authority is the factor are handled by the authority concern","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to undertake a review of how complaints from owner-occupiers of properties where the local authority is the factor are handled by the authority concerned.","AnswerText":"We currently have no plans to undertake such a review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149280,"EventID":"S1W-12522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any conflict of interest exists where a local authority uses its own operatives to carry out repairs on owner-occupied property which it factors, rather than see","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any conflict of interest exists where a local authority uses its own operatives to carry out repairs on owner-occupied property which it factors, rather than seek quotes on behalf of owners, given the factor's responsibility to act in the owner's best interest.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12520.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149281,"EventID":"S1W-12523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to assist local authorities in improving their planning systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to assist local authorities in improving their planning systems.","AnswerText":"In 1997 a Planning Audit Unit was set up within Planning Services Division of the Scottish Executive. Its initial purpose was to work with authorities to assist in securing improvements in the delivery of their development control service. As well as continuing to do this, it is now also working with authorities to improve their development planning functions.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We also seek to keep national planning policy up to date. In November 2000 we published a revision of <I>National Planning Policy Guideline 1: The Planning System</I>. We will shortly be publishing a revision of <I>Planning Advice Note&nbsp;40: Development Control</I> which will provide, inter alia, best practice advice on development control services.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149282,"EventID":"S1W-12524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce a right of appeal for objectors to a particular planning development which has been approved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce a right of appeal for objectors to a particular planning development which has been approved.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to introduce such a right of appeal into the planning system.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149283,"EventID":"S1W-12525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase the availability of venture capital finance to small businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase the availability of venture capital finance to small businesses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive keeps the financial needs of small business under continued review. I am very pleased that the change of status afforded to Scottish Equity Partners - formerly Scottish Development Finance, Scottish Enterprise's investment arm - has allowed the company to raise £80 million for a new Venture Capital Fund aimed at early stage and growth technology companies. This will provide access to equity funding for an increasing number of Scottish small businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149284,"EventID":"S1W-12526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the economic and social consequences will be of delaying the construction of the M74 Northern Extension until the completion of a public inquiry and what the cost o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the economic and social consequences will be of delaying the construction of the M74 Northern Extension until the completion of a public inquiry and what the cost of the inquiry will be.","AnswerText":"If a public inquiry is necessary then that is part of the statutory process and is not a delay. It is not possible to estimate the cost of an inquiry until the scope of any objections to the scheme are known.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149285,"EventID":"S1W-12527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the earliest date is when the construction of the M74 Northern Extension can commence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the earliest date is when the construction of the M74 Northern Extension can commence.","AnswerText":"I expect construction works for the new motorway to start in 2005 subject to completion of all of the statutory and procurement procedures.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149286,"EventID":"S1W-12528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on regeneration, land reclamation and investment of constructing a modified M74 Northern Extension without junctions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on regeneration, land reclamation and investment of constructing a modified M74 Northern Extension without junctions.","AnswerText":"The scheme that will be taken forward in partnership with Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire, will have four key junctions. It will create significant investment and regeneration opportunities for the whole of west central Scotland and in addition, more locally assist in making contaminated land safe.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149287,"EventID":"S1W-12529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when an integrated digital network will be established in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when an integrated digital network will be established in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The core telecommunications networks in Scotland provided by operators such as BT, Thus and Energis, all are engineered as Integrated Digital Networks. The fibre backbone extends from Wick in the Highlands, through central Scotland and into Galashiels in the South of Scotland. The principle challenge is to ensure that advanced digital services are extended out to individual customers - the so-called &quot;last mile&quot; problem. The Scottish Executive is working to promote conditions for the most rapid and comprehensive provision of such services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149288,"EventID":"S1W-12530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will respond to the report by the Federation of Small Businesses, Barriers to Growth and Survival, and, if so, when.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will respond to the report by the Federation of Small Businesses, Barriers to Growth and Survival, and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Officials in the Executive's Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department hosted a seminar on 7 December at which the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) gave a presentation on the report. This allowed the FSB representatives to discuss the findings with officials working on most of the subjects covered by the report. My officials will continue to meet regularly with the FSB.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149289,"EventID":"S1W-12531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its consultation paper Affordability of Water and Sewerage Charges, what further consultation will take place and whether any further consultation will in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its consultation paper Affordability of Water and Sewerage Charges, what further consultation will take place and whether any further consultation will include those not connected to the public water supply and those who have their septic tanks emptied by the local water authority.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper on <I>Affordability of Water and Sewerage Charges</I> covers charges for those connected to the public water and sewerage network. <P>As far as those not connected to the public networks are concerned, we have no present plans for consultation in relation to affordability, but a consultation on revisions to the private supply regulations will be brought forward in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149290,"EventID":"S1W-12532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any of the #7 billion allocated to the rail modernisation fund will be included in the Scottish assigned budget as a result of the operation of the Barnett formu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any of the #7 billion allocated to the rail modernisation fund will be included in the Scottish assigned budget as a result of the operation of the Barnett formula and, if not, what process is in place to allow bids to be made from Scotland for assistance from this fund.","AnswerText":"The Barnett formula will not apply to the Rail Modernisation Fund which will be distributed by the Strategic Rail Authority across the rail network of Great Britain. Bids for assistance from Scotland will be considered in the same way as bids from elsewhere in GB.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149291,"EventID":"S1W-12533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimate it has made of the total cost of bringing Scotland's school buildings up to an acceptable standard.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimate it has made of the total cost of bringing Scotland's school buildings up to an acceptable standard.","AnswerText":"The overall management of their school building stock is a matter for individual education authorities. Detailed consistent information of the kind requested is not available centrally. We will be discussing with local authority representatives aspects of school building needs with a view to clarifying the level of need for improvement, and agreeing a shared approach to establishing priorities in meeting that need.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149292,"EventID":"S1W-12534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any powers to declare a moratorium in respect of the planning notification by Forest Enterprise to establish a tourist village along the west shore of Loc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any powers to declare a moratorium in respect of the planning notification by Forest Enterprise to establish a tourist village along the west shore of Loch Lubnaig in relation to (a) the fact that this area falls within the boundaries currently considered for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park; (b) the existing designation of the shores of Loch Lubnaig as an area of Special Scientific Interest, and (c) the area's impending designation as a Special Area of Conservation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have such statutory powers.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149293,"EventID":"S1W-12535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received representations from the Stank Glen Residents' Association in relation to the proposal by Forest Enterprise to establish a tourist village on the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received representations from the Stank Glen Residents' Association in relation to the proposal by Forest Enterprise to establish a tourist village on the shores of Loch Lubnaig; if so, what response it has made or will make, and whether, if the area were at present designated as a national park, a planning application in relation to such a development would be likely to be rejected.","AnswerText":"Representations have been received from the Stank Glen Residents' Association and the Scottish Executive Development Department will be replying shortly explaining the procedures which apply in respect of a proposed development to be undertaken by a body entitled to Crown exemption. All proposals for development have to be considered individually and these particular proposals will be a matter to be considered, in the first instance, by Stirling Council as planning authority.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149294,"EventID":"S1W-12536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7100 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 June 2000, what (a) the basic staff requirement for officers and (b) the number of officers in post was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7100 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 June 2000, what (a) the basic staff requirement for officers and (b) the number of officers in post was for each prison on 31 December 2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The table shows (a) the staffing complement and (b) the Staff-In-Post (SIP) on 31 December 2000, for prison officers and operational first-line managers. <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Establishment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Complement (a)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">SIP (b)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Aberdeen </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">126</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Barlinnie </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">475</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">487</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Castle Huntly </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMPI Cornton Vale </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">190</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">189</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HM YOI Dumfries</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">127</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">126</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Edinburgh </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">382</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">384</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Glenochil </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">392</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">388</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Greenock </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">144</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">147</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Inverness</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">81</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Low Moss</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">131</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">130</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Noranside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">51</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">51</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Perth </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">348</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">344</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Peterhead </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">196</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">195</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>HMP Polmont </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">275</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT ","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149295,"EventID":"S1W-12537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many proposed special areas of conservation it has formally considered and how many sites went on to be presented to the European Commission for approval.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many proposed special areas of conservation it has formally considered and how many sites went on to be presented to the European Commission for approval.","AnswerText":"Sarah Boyack announced on 14 June 2000 a list of 90 new proposed Special Areas of Conservation. These were in addition to the 131 Scottish and three cross-border sites already submitted to the European Commission in the period up to June 1999. Following consultation with owners and occupiers and other interested parties, 50 of the new sites have been transmitted to the European Commission as part of the UK list of candidate Special Areas of Conservation.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149296,"EventID":"S1W-12538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional resources it intends to make available for the management and protection of special areas of conservation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional resources it intends to make available for the management and protection of special areas of conservation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to his question S1O-2855.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149297,"EventID":"S1W-12539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the European Commission on proposals on the presence of GM seeds in the seed of conventional species.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the European Commission on proposals on the presence of GM seeds in the seed of conventional species.","AnswerText":"The Commission has recently published a working paper on the presence of GM seeds in seeds of conventional varieties and this is being made available for consultation among interested organisations. I have arranged for copies of the Commission proposals to be available in SPICe.<P>The draft proposals include provisions on GM threshold levels in conventional seeds, time restrictions in relation to previous crops grown on the same land, isolation distances of seed crops of conventional cross-pollinating varieties, the labelling of packages of seeds and examinations for compliance with these requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149298,"EventID":"S1W-12540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11525 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 January 2001, what the total annual cost per prisoner place at Kilmarnock Prison would be if it was c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11525 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 January 2001, what the total annual cost per prisoner place at Kilmarnock Prison would be if it was calculated using the same methodology as is used to calculate annual costs per prisoner place in relation to Scottish Prison Service prisons and excluding any capital costs such as designing, construction and financing costs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The SPS annual cost per prisoner place is based on the net current expenditure. This excludes all capital expenditure and financing costs of the service.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Kilmarnock prison contract won in open competition is for the provision of a complete custodial service over 25 years and the price includes all design, construction, financing and management costs and cannot therefore properly be compared with this SPS figure.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The only meaningful comparison is between the cost of the winning bid for Kilmarnock and the estimated cost of SPS providing the equivalent custodial service as specified in the contract over the whole period of the contract. This is properly done by comparing the respective net present values over the 25 year period. On this basis, the average net present value per prisoner place for HMP Kilmarnock amounts to £11,000 compared to an SPS equivalent of £21,000 or £23,000 including risks.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149299,"EventID":"S1W-12541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning has received representations from a group of business people operating within the Lochaber area, comprising Ala","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning has received representations from a group of business people operating within the Lochaber area, comprising Alan Kirk of McTavish's Kitchens, Stewart MacLean of Innseagan Holidays and 16 others, regarding proposals for the promotion of tourism in the area; if so, whether a meeting with the group will be arranged as a matter of urgency in order that their proposals could be implemented in relation to the 2001 season.","AnswerText":"Yes. The letter raises a number of issues relating to the tourism industry.  These are being considered and a full reply will be sent as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149300,"EventID":"S1W-12542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of (a) the number of motor vehicles in Scotland and (b) the number of these which presently run on liquid petroleum gas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of (a) the number of motor vehicles in Scotland and (b) the number of these which presently run on liquid petroleum gas.","AnswerText":"At 31 December 1999, the latest date for which information is available, there were 2,131,000 motor vehicles licensed in Scotland. Information on the number of motor vehicles running on liquefied petroleum gas is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149301,"EventID":"S1W-12543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning will reply to the letter dated 9 December 2000 from Mr W.H. Gray of Dunipace, Denny.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning will reply to the letter dated 9 December 2000 from Mr W.H. Gray of Dunipace, Denny.","AnswerText":"A reply was issued to Mr W. H. Gray on 18 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149302,"EventID":"S1W-12544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer  whether the major works packages referred to by the Parliament's Clerk/Chief Executive during the Audit Committee meeting on 3 October 2000 (Official Report, col. 406) ha","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer  whether the major works packages referred to by the Parliament's Clerk/Chief Executive during the Audit Committee meeting on 3 October 2000 (Official Report, col. 406) have now been awarded; if so, whether the project management team has been able to review the inflation risks with the cost consultants in the light of these tender results, and what conclusions and recommendations arose from any such review.","AnswerText":"I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that some, but not all, of the works packages referred to have been awarded. Project Management are currently reviewing the impact of the inflation risk in the light of these contracts and a report will be made to MSPs shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149303,"EventID":"S1W-12545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much financial assistance was made available in each of the last three years for road improvements in (a) Aberdeen, (b) Dundee, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Glasgow and (e) ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much financial assistance was made available in each of the last three years for road improvements in (a) Aberdeen, (b) Dundee, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Glasgow and (e) each Scottish parliamentary region and what percentage of the total transport budget for the relevant year each of these figures represents.","AnswerText":"Central government funding for expenditure on local roads forms part of the annual local government settlement. It is for each local authority to decide how much to allocate to local roads. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Spending on motorway and trunk road schemes is recorded by individual project and by network management area, not by city or council boundaries. Similarly, data is not held centrally on roads budgets and expenditure by parliamentary region.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149304,"EventID":"S1W-12546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times Aberdeen City Council have requested meetings with the Minister for Transport since 1 January 2001, specifying the date of each such request.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times Aberdeen City Council have requested meetings with the Minister for Transport since 1 January 2001, specifying the date of each such request.","AnswerText":"I received a request from Aberdeen City Council on 15 January to attend the public meeting on traffic congestion in the Bridge of Don area planned for 18 January.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149305,"EventID":"S1W-12547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the communications received from Aberdeen City Council since 1 January 2001 in connection with current traffic problems in Aberdeen, specifying the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the communications received from Aberdeen City Council since 1 January 2001 in connection with current traffic problems in Aberdeen, specifying the date each such communication was sent. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive received communications from Aberdeen City Council on this issue on the 3 and 15 January.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149306,"EventID":"S1W-12548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport intends to visit Aberdeen to observe recent traffic problems; if so, when and with whom she intends to meet while in the city.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport intends to visit Aberdeen to observe recent traffic problems; if so, when and with whom she intends to meet while in the city.","AnswerText":"I have a commitment to visit Aberdeen to meet representatives of the North East Scotland Economic Development Partnership to discuss further their proposed Modern Transport System for the city and its hinterland. That meeting will take place as soon as is mutually convenient.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149307,"EventID":"S1W-12549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many official visits the First Minister has undertaken in (a) Aberdeen and (b) the North East of Scotland parliamentary region since his appointment and when he next","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many official visits the First Minister has undertaken in (a) Aberdeen and (b) the North East of Scotland parliamentary region since his appointment and when he next intends to visit these locations.","AnswerText":"I will be visiting Aberdeen on 1 and 2 February.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149308,"EventID":"S1W-12550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who will be involved in producing the Neighbourhood Renewal Statement for Scotland and whether this will be used to measure the effectiveness of the ways in which the Be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who will be involved in producing the Neighbourhood Renewal Statement for Scotland and whether this will be used to measure the effectiveness of the ways in which the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund is utilised in different local authority areas.","AnswerText":"The Neighbourhood Renewal Statement will be produced by the Scottish Executive in conjunction with key stakeholders. The statement will include issues relating to service delivery but separate measures will be developed to monitor and evaluate outcomes from pathfinders of the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149309,"EventID":"S1W-12551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the formula to be used to distribute the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the formula to be used to distribute the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","AnswerText":"Allocations from the Better Neighbourhoods Services Fund were announced on 15 January 2001. They were made on the basis of proportions of income support recipients in the population of local authority areas.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Glasgow City Council, which has the highest proportion and also the largest number of claimants, will receive additional resources of £6.00/9.00/12.00 million over the coming three-year period to run three pathfinder projects. Other authorities with more than 12% IS claimants will receive £2.00/3.00/4.00 million each, authorities with between 10-12% £1.50/2.25/3.00 million and those between the average and 10% £1.00/1.50/2.00 million. Each of these authorities is expected to run one pathfinder. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>To ensure that the lessons learnt from the pathfinders can be rolled out across Scotland, a further three rural authorities - those with the highest proportion of IS recipients of those authorities with a high level of population dispersal - have also been selected to operate pathfinders. These three authorities will run five smaller scale pathfinders at £0.30/0.45./0.60 million each, in view of the smaller scale of deprivation in their areas. Argyll &amp; Bute will operate two pathfinders, Dumfries &amp; Galloway two pathfinders and Eilean Siar one pathfinder.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149310,"EventID":"S1W-12552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many listed buildings were demolished in 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many listed buildings were demolished in 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<P>The number of listed building consent applications involving demolition, which were notified to Scottish Ministers by planning authorities during 1999, under the requirements of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, and for which consent was granted, was 37.<P>Whether all the works for which consent was granted were carried out during 1999, or subsequently, is not known.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149311,"EventID":"S1W-12553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether present statutory powers for safeguarding listed buildings are adequate and enable the aims of all relevant legislation to be met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether present statutory powers for safeguarding listed buildings are adequate and enable the aims of all relevant legislation to be met.","AnswerText":"The current legislation provides a wide range of statutory powers to help safeguard listed buildings. Many of these powers are for local authorities to use in relation to buildings in their areas. Generally, these powers appear to be adequate, though, as with any other legislation, they are kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149312,"EventID":"S1W-12554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who nominates Scottish buildings for World Heritage Site status and who advises this person or body.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who nominates Scottish buildings for World Heritage Site status and who advises this person or body.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<P>The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO determines whether sites should be inscribed on the World Heritage List. Sites must be nominated by national governments.<P>Scottish Ministers nominate Scottish sites for inscription drawing from the UK Tentative List which was published in 1999, following public consultation. For cultural sites they are advised by Historic Scotland, which is the relevant agency within the Scottish Executive.<P>Historic Scotland is responsible for the preparation of the detailed submission for any Scottish cultural site which is nominated. The case is then assessed by independent experts appointed by the World Heritage Committee.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149313,"EventID":"S1W-12555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funds were allocated for listed building repairs in 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funds were allocated for listed building repairs in 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I have been asked by the Minister to respond. In 1999-2000, Historic Scotland allocated £11.45 million to assist owners with the cost of repairing buildings of special architectural or historic interest and for the repair of buildings which make an important contribution to the appearance or character of conservation areas classified as outstanding.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149314,"EventID":"S1W-12556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications for grant aid for listed building repairs were received in 1999; how many grants were approved, and how much was spent on such grants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications for grant aid for listed building repairs were received in 1999; how many grants were approved, and how much was spent on such grants.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<P>In 1999-2000, Historic Scotland received 57 applications from owners for grants to assist with the cost of repairing buildings of special architectural or historic interest, and for the repair of buildings making an important contribution to the appearance or character of conservation areas classified as outstanding; 113 awards of grant were made during the year; expenditure by way of grants disbursed amounted to £11,401,241. As applications can take several months to assess and process, and as grants tend to be paid out over more than one year, there is no direct correlation between applications received, grants awarded or money spent on grants in any given financial year.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149315,"EventID":"S1W-12557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people in each health board area are currently diagnosed with hepatitis C and how many of these are currently receiving anti-retroviral treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people in each health board area are currently diagnosed with hepatitis C and how many of these are currently receiving anti-retroviral treatment.","AnswerText":"The following table, provided by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH), sets out confirmed cases of hepatitis C, by health board, to the end of 1999:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Numbers</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">601</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">384</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">147</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">254</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">410</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,126</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,712</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">198</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">561</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,730</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">786</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,987</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Information on the number of these cases who were receiving treatment is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149316,"EventID":"S1W-12558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Chinese medicines may be prescribed under the NHS as part of alternative therapy treatments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Chinese medicines may be prescribed under the NHS as part of alternative therapy treatments.","AnswerText":"The safety of medicines is a reserved matter. The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is responsible for monitoring the safety of medicines over the whole of the UK. From time to time it may direct that a specific medicine may not be prescribed, and such a direction would apply both to the NHS and private practitioners.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>It is<B> </B>open to a GP or hospital clinician to refer a patient for any alternative therapy, which might include the administration of medicines. The GP or hospital clinician would require to be satisfied of the value of the treatment, the competence of the practitioner and the safety of the medicine, and would remain responsible for the patient's medical care.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149317,"EventID":"S1W-12559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which alternative therapies are offered as part of NHS provision in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which alternative therapies are offered as part of NHS provision in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. We know that the therapies most commonly offered within the NHS are acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy and chiropractice, but it is open to a GP or hospital clinician to refer a patient for any alternative therapy. The GP or hospital clinician would require to be satisfied of the value of the treatment and the competence of the practitioner, and would remain responsible for the patient's medical care. Some GPs and other medical professionals themselves are also qualified to offer particular alternative therapies. Whether the costs of alternative therapies are met by the patient or the NHS would be for the health board to decide. It is also open to health boards to arrange for the provision of alternative therapies, but that would be a decision for the board based on its assessment of local needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149318,"EventID":"S1W-12560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to assist Glasgow City Council in safeguarding the future of priceless pieces in their museums and galleries collections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to assist Glasgow City Council in safeguarding the future of priceless pieces in their museums and galleries collections.","AnswerText":"The National Cultural Strategy recognised the particular position of Glasgow and committed the Executive to working with Glasgow City Council to examine the circumstances of their museums and galleries. As a first step, I had a constructive and positive meeting on 19 January with Bailie Cameron, Convenor of Glasgow's Cultural and Leisure Services, to discuss the way forward. We have agreed to continue discussions to address the council's difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149319,"EventID":"S1W-12561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any of Glasgow's museums and galleries can be designated as being of national importance and, if so, whether this would entitle them to receive central funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any of Glasgow's museums and galleries can be designated as being of national importance and, if so, whether this would entitle them to receive central funding.","AnswerText":"The National Audit of all museums and galleries in Scotland will determine the relative importance of collections. Preparations for the audit are well advanced and I have agreed to give priority to Glasgow's museums, after our commitment to audit the industrial museums first. We have made available £3 million over the next three years for restructuring the museum sector and access to these funds will take account of the outcome of the National Audit.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149320,"EventID":"S1W-12562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the Scottish Society for Autism regarding autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the Scottish Society for Autism regarding autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"We have had discussion with the Scottish Society for Autism about their proposal to implement recommendation 7 of <I>The same as you</I> report of the review of services for people with learning disabilities. The society is also a member of the Users' and Carers' Reference Group for people with learning disabilities, which continues to meet regularly and which Scottish Executive officials attend.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The society has also been awarded funding of £209,000 for several projects under the Scottish Executive's Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149321,"EventID":"S1W-12563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the Home Office regarding the development of guidelines for police authorities on dealing with people with autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the Home Office regarding the development of guidelines for police authorities on dealing with people with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"There have been no discussions between the Executive and the Home Office about this matter. It is for Chief Constables to make local arrangements for the practical care of individuals coming to its attention. Each force will have agreed a course of action or protocol with local hospitals, social services, and possibly other agencies, of which local officers should be aware.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149322,"EventID":"S1W-12564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will support the Scottish Society for Autism in developing guidelines for police authorities on dealing with people with autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will support the Scottish Society for Autism in developing guidelines for police authorities on dealing with people with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"We are presently considering proposals jointly submitted by the Scottish Society for Autism and the National Autistic Society to take forward the establishment of a national network, as recommended in the review of services for people with learning disabilities. While it will be for the network itself to decide how best to raise awareness and understanding of the needs of people with autistic spectrum disorder, we would expect it will wish to consider existing Departmental guidance to the police on how they deal with people with learning disabilities and consult Chief Constables in the development of further good practice.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149323,"EventID":"S1W-12565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that the concord for metadata in education and other IT data input standards are applied when public bodies seek funds from it for projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that the concord for metadata in education and other IT data input standards are applied when public bodies seek funds from it for projects.","AnswerText":"The concord drafted by the UK Metatagging in Education Group (MEG) is not a data input standard. It is a series of principles underpinning the work of the group in developing and promoting guidance on the use of descriptive standards, or &quot;metadata&quot;, for meaningfully and usefully describing educational content<FONT SIZE=2>. The National Grid for Learning in Scotland already uses a set of metadata standards closely based on existing international standards, and adoption of these is now normal for schools material commissioned by the Executive and by Learning and Teaching Scotland. The Executive has been represented at all meetings of UK MEG, and we expect that the NGfL Scotland standards will be influential in shaping wider agreement on metadata for content intended for schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149324,"EventID":"S1W-12566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it monitors the effectiveness of methadone programmes used in the rehabilitation of drug addicts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it monitors the effectiveness of methadone programmes used in the rehabilitation of drug addicts.","AnswerText":"There is already robust national and international evidence for the effectiveness of methadone programmes. In Scotland research carried out by clinicians and academic institutions consistently shows effective outcomes for individuals. These include reduced criminality, improved health, reduced illicit drug use and spread of blood-borne virus and improved personal, social and family functioning. Methadone programmes that include counselling and other forms of support for the individual are most effective. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive's new drugs research programme will include an evaluation of the long-term outcomes and relative cost effectiveness of treatment with methadone. A large-scale research project into outcomes' effectiveness, funded by the Robertson Trust and supported by the Executive, is also under way. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Over the next year, the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit will be developing detailed guidance on the effective planning and delivery of methadone programmes within shared care arrangements. Initial guidance will be issued to Drug Action Teams and related agencies shortly.<P>The Executive has also set a national target that every Local Health Care Co-operative or Primary Care Trust is to have a locally approved shared care scheme by 2004.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149325,"EventID":"S1W-12567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Minister for Rural Affairs was renamed the Minister for Rural Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Minister for Rural Affairs was renamed the Minister for Rural Development.","AnswerText":"The portfolio was renamed to emphasise the Executive's commitment to the development of rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149326,"EventID":"S1W-12568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to introduce compulsory registration for bed and breakfast establishments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to introduce compulsory registration for bed and breakfast establishments.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149327,"EventID":"S1W-12569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the British Council regarding its proposals for eight smaller offices in Germany to replace the present structure in the light of its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the British Council regarding its proposals for eight smaller offices in Germany to replace the present structure in the light of its policy of building relationships with the German lander.","AnswerText":"The development of Scottish Executive links with the German l&auml;nder will not be affected by the structure of the network of British Council offices in Germany.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149328,"EventID":"S1W-12570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make any contribution to the costs of any of the new British Council offices in Germany in the light of its policy of building relationships with the Ger","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make any contribution to the costs of any of the new British Council offices in Germany in the light of its policy of building relationships with the German lander.","AnswerText":"No. The nature and funding of the British Council's office network in Germany is a matter for the council, who have assured me that programme expenditure has not been reduced and that activity will continue at current levels.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149329,"EventID":"S1W-12571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what working arrangements it is planning with the British Council to take advantage of the plans for eight regional offices in Germany to ensure that its policy of build","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what working arrangements it is planning with the British Council to take advantage of the plans for eight regional offices in Germany to ensure that its policy of building relationships with the German lander can be progressed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149330,"EventID":"S1W-12572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many court proceedings were initiated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and how many and what percentage of the cases taken to court resulted in a convic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many court proceedings were initiated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and how many and what percentage of the cases taken to court resulted in a conviction, broken down for each year since the establishment of the agency.","AnswerText":"The numbers of cases involving alleged contravention of environmental protection legislation referred to the Procurator Fiscal service by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are set out in the table.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The decision on whether or not to proceed with prosecution in a particular case is for the Procurator Fiscal. The numbers of cases proceeded with and convictions secured are shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=615><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1/4/1996 to 31/3/1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1/4/1997 to 31/3/1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1/4/1998 to 31/3/1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1/4/1999 to 31/3/2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1/4/2000 to 26/1/2001</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cases referred to Procurators Fiscal<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">37</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">51</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cases proceeded with</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Percentage of cases proceeded with</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70%<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33%<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cases resulting in conviction</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Percentage of cases proceeded with resulting in conviction</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">90%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">79%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">90%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88%</TD></TR></TABLE><DIR><DIR><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Notes:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1. Figures may differ slightly to those published in SEPA's annual reports, depending on when legal proceedings were resolved.</DIR></DIR><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2. 25 cases are currently under consideration by the Procurator Fiscal service.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149331,"EventID":"S1W-12573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many sea cage fish farming operators have been taken to court by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and what percentage of these cases resulted in a convicti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many sea cage fish farming operators have been taken to court by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and what percentage of these cases resulted in a conviction, broken down for each year since the establishment of the agency.","AnswerText":"Information about the number of cases taken to court by the Procurator Fiscal after referral by the agency is not held centrally. However, the agency publishes details of successful prosecutions on its website at:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>http://www.sepa.org.uk/envdata/prosecutions/","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149332,"EventID":"S1W-12574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it intends to encourage the production of material in the Scots language which is suitable for use with pre-school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it intends to encourage the production of material in the Scots language which is suitable for use with pre-school children.","AnswerText":"The provision of support materials for pre-school children is a matter for each centre to decide, taking account of the <I>Curriculum Framework for Children 3 to 5</I> and any parental cultural preferences.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149333,"EventID":"S1W-12575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that training for nursery nurses will include the promotion and development of pupils' Scots language skills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that training for nursery nurses will include the promotion and development of pupils' Scots language skills.","AnswerText":"Qualifications held by nursery nurses are developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority based on occupational standards determined by the industry itself, through the relevant National Training Organisation. The Executive has no direct involvement.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149334,"EventID":"S1W-12576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that any expansion of nursery provision will not lead to the diminution of the place of the Scots language in pre-school provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that any expansion of nursery provision will not lead to the diminution of the place of the Scots language in pre-school provision.","AnswerText":"The Executive aims to provide a part-time pre-school education place for every three and four-year-old whose parents wish it by April 2002. Within the principles set by the <I>Curriculum Framework for Children 3 to 5, </I>providers are free to adjust the content of learning programmes to reflect the cultural preferences of parents. The framework makes clear that a child's home language should always be valued.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149335,"EventID":"S1W-12577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it has in place to increase the numbers of trained psychologists in the NHS across Scotland and in particular in the Dumfries and Galloway area in order to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it has in place to increase the numbers of trained psychologists in the NHS across Scotland and in particular in the Dumfries and Galloway area in order to improve waiting times for initial appointments.","AnswerText":"We have recognised the need to address issues of education, training and workforce planning for Clinical Psychologists. The Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (SCPMDE) was given responsibility for the support of the postgraduate training of clinical psychologists in April 1999. Last August the Scottish Executive allocated £100,000 to SCPMDE to provide extra training posts for Clinical Psychology. In addition, the Chief Medical Officer has appointed a Clinical Psychology Advisory Group to focus on matters such as service design and waiting times. These initiatives are at an early stage and will deal with their remits on a national basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149336,"EventID":"S1W-12578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown by parliamentary constituency of the #20 million funding announced for libraries for a network of learning centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown by parliamentary constituency of the #20 million funding announced for libraries for a network of learning centres.","AnswerText":"Distribution of the £11.5 million allocated for the development of the public library network is a matter for the New Opportunities Fund. I shall ask the Director to write to the member.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149337,"EventID":"S1W-12579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review or extend the period allowed for charities to make returns to the Charity Commission in respect of street collections so as to bring t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review or extend the period allowed for charities to make returns to the Charity Commission in respect of street collections so as to bring the timescale into line with the three-month period allowed in England.","AnswerText":"Returns in respect of street collections in Scotland are made to the local authority concerned. The Scottish Charity Law Review Commission is currently looking at all aspects of the regulation of public charitable collections. It is due to report at Easter and we shall then examine its recommendations in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149338,"EventID":"S1W-12580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of Rough Sleeper Initiative grants awarded to schemes involving faith-based organisations in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99, (iii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of Rough Sleeper Initiative grants awarded to schemes involving faith-based organisations in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99, (iii) 1999-2000 and (iv) 2001-01 showing the number of grants made and value of each grant.","AnswerText":"RSI funding is made available to local authorities for the delivery of projects and services which the authority has assessed best meet the identified needs of people sleeping rough in their area. These projects and services are delivered by a range of providers, including both statutory and non-statutory organisations, some of which are faith-based. However, as this was not a factor which determined whether or not projects received funding, the breakdown of information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149339,"EventID":"S1W-12581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many and what proportion of Rough Sleeper Initiative grants in 2000-01 have been allocated and spent to date and whether all available funding will be spent by the e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many and what proportion of Rough Sleeper Initiative grants in 2000-01 have been allocated and spent to date and whether all available funding will be spent by the end of this financial year.","AnswerText":"RSI allocations were announced in the answer to question S1W-4640 and in Wendy Alexander's statement to the Parliament of 1 June 2000.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Local authorities, with their partners are now taking forward the development of approved projects. Delays in progressing some of these are likely to result in slippage of spending into 2001-02. The extent of the slippage has not yet been assessed.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149340,"EventID":"S1W-12582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what have been the costs to (a) it and (b) each local authority of implementing and operating the \"best value\" regime in each year since the system came into operation. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what have been the costs to (a) it and (b) each local authority of implementing and operating the \"best value\" regime in each year since the system came into operation. ","AnswerText":"The implementation of Best Value has involved no significant public expenditure on the part of the Scottish Executive.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive holds no information on the costs to local authorities of implementing Best Value. Such costs would be associated with the review of services and the development of new systems for the public reporting of council performance.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The implementation of Best Value will, however, afford local authorities opportunities to focus resources on priority services through new approaches to service delivery and more effective performance management. In its consultation paper <I>Best Value in</I> <I>Local Government: Next Steps</I>, published in June 2000, the Executive suggested that local authorities should set themselves an annual target of redistributing 2% of their overall resources through effective implementation of Best Value.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149341,"EventID":"S1W-12583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it has taken to encourage the Scottish Football Association to progress a joint bid to host the 2008 European football championships in the light of the supp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it has taken to encourage the Scottish Football Association to progress a joint bid to host the 2008 European football championships in the light of the supportive comments made by Harry Been, Secretary of the Dutch Football Association.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, together with its Agencies, is assisting the SFA with the carrying out of a feasibility study into the possible staging of the 2008 European Nations Championships in Scotland. We will also wish to consider an informed and objective assessment of the prospects of a successful SFA bid before considering any financial or other banking for a bid. The decision on whether or not to bid is a matter for the SFA.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149342,"EventID":"S1W-12584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much each Water Authority paid in interest on debt in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much each Water Authority paid in interest on debt in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The amounts paid in interest by each water authority are:<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£millions<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>West of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54.248</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52.379</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49.239</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31.737</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26.204</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26.013</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36.656</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40.051</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44.247</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The figures shown exclude any debt refinancing costs and any interest received. They are also consistent with the annual accounts for each of the water authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149343,"EventID":"S1W-12585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to stop publishing league tables of school examination results.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to stop publishing league tables of school examination results.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not publish league tables of school examination results.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149344,"EventID":"S1W-12586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the floating pontoon at Lerwick and a slipway at Stornoway have been exempted from regulations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 concerning the use of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the floating pontoon at Lerwick and a slipway at Stornoway have been exempted from regulations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 concerning the use of Tributylin or Triphenyltin coatings and, if so, whether it will explain the reasons for any exemptions.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The authorisation of processes under the Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations 1991 is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149345,"EventID":"S1W-12587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11372 by Susan Deacon on 17 January 2001, why information on the number of hospitals with mobile phone masts attached to their buil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11372 by Susan Deacon on 17 January 2001, why information on the number of hospitals with mobile phone masts attached to their buildings is not held centrally and where this information is held.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of hospitals with mobile phone masts attached to their buildings is not held centrally as this is an operational matter, with this information being held by individual Trusts.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149346,"EventID":"S1W-12588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current status is of the Youth Training Guarantee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current status is of the Youth Training Guarantee.","AnswerText":"Young people across the UK who are under 18 and not in full-time education or employment are guaranteed an offer of suitable training. The guarantee is delivered in Scotland by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise as a key element of the Skillseekers programme, funded by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149347,"EventID":"S1W-12589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it was first informed on 12 January 2001 that the kidneys of a calf whose mother was infected with BSE may have passed into the human food chain and, if not, whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it was first informed on 12 January 2001 that the kidneys of a calf whose mother was infected with BSE may have passed into the human food chain and, if not, when it was first informed.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Food Standards Agency notified Scottish Ministers on 12 January that offal from the offspring animal may have passed into the food chain.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149348,"EventID":"S1W-12590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will order an inquiry into the circumstances of how parts of a calf whose mother was infected by BSE may have found their way into the human food chain and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will order an inquiry into the circumstances of how parts of a calf whose mother was infected by BSE may have found their way into the human food chain and, if so, who will be involved in this inquiry.","AnswerText":"Where possible animals identified as offspring of BSE cases are traced and removed from the human food chain. Officials of the Food Standards Agency, the Scottish Executive and the Ministry of Agriculture are jointly considering whether, in this particular case, the offspring could have been removed at an earlier stage.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149349,"EventID":"S1W-12591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to amend the traceability system for cattle to permit more prompt identification of the calves of cows which are diagnosed as being BSE affected","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to amend the traceability system for cattle to permit more prompt identification of the calves of cows which are diagnosed as being BSE affected.","AnswerText":"The traceability systems used for BSE and cattle tracing purposes are kept under review. Any lessons to be learned from this particular incident will be acted on as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149350,"EventID":"S1W-12592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has made any representations to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in support of an investigation into the reasons for the delay in the di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has made any representations to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in support of an investigation into the reasons for the delay in the diagnosis of a cow with BSE and the tracing of the offspring of that cow, part of which may have passed into the human food chain, and whether it will place details of the results of any such investigation by MAFF in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency, the Scottish Executive and the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food are involved in investigating this incident. Any lessons learned will be acted upon.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149351,"EventID":"S1W-12593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all memos, letters, e-mails and other communications between it and (a) the Food Standards Agency Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all memos, letters, e-mails and other communications between it and (a) the Food Standards Agency Scotland and (b) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on all the circumstances of the handling of the case of the 25-month-old animal from England whose mother was infected with BSE, which was slaughtered at an abattoir in Scotland on 8 January 2001 and parts of which may have entered the food chain.","AnswerText":"The documents requested cannot be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre as their disclosure could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion between Ministers and their officials. The Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information provides an exemption in such circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149352,"EventID":"S1W-12594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what priority will be given to crofters and small hill farmers in less favoured areas in the allocation of modulation funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what priority will be given to crofters and small hill farmers in less favoured areas in the allocation of modulation funding.","AnswerText":"The activities into which modulated EU resources can be allocated are specified in Council Regulation (EC) 1259/99. To comply with this legal requirement, estimated amounts of modulated EU resources have been allocated in Scotland to agri-environment and forestry schemes, which apply across all our rural areas. All farmers and crofters in Scotland will have access to these schemes.<P> There is no similar legal constraint on the matching resources secured from the UK Exchequer. Where this money is spent on schemes included in the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme, a sum will be allocated which is proportionate to the amount modulated from farmers and crofters in that area.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149353,"EventID":"S1W-12595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether or not the creation of offences under paragraph 19 of the Sheep and Goats Identification (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (SSI 2000/418) was necessary given that Arti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether or not the creation of offences under paragraph 19 of the Sheep and Goats Identification (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (SSI 2000/418) was necessary given that Article 9 of EU Directive 92/102/EEC on the identification and registration of animals states \"Member States shall adopt administrative and/or penal measures to punish any infringement of Community veterinary legislation, where it is established that the marking or identification or the keeping of registers provided for in Article 4 has not been carried out in conformity with the requirements of this Directive\" and whether any infringement of the Regulations could have been dealt with by administrative measures.","AnswerText":"Article 9 of European Council Directive 92/102/EEC gives Member States the choice of measures they can adopt, either administrative or penal. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Penal measures were introduced because the implementation and registration of animals are central both for veterinary and premium control purposes. On the veterinary side, they are essential for the control of outbreaks of disease and on the premium side to ensure compliance with EU Subsidy scheme rules.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149354,"EventID":"S1W-12596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Sheep and Goats Identification (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (SSI 2000/418) are more detailed and more strict than the counterpart regulations imposed in Engla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Sheep and Goats Identification (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (SSI 2000/418) are more detailed and more strict than the counterpart regulations imposed in England and Wales and, if so, whether it will give details as to why this is and, in particular, why the Scottish Regulations contain provisions regarding the powers of inspectors (paragraph 180) which are not in the Regulations for England and Wales. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Regulations implement European Council Directive 92/102/EEC and this is reflected in corresponding legislation in the rest of GB. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>While there are some minor differences, the Scottish SI is no stricter in its application than the counterpart legislation in the rest of GB. The differences are mainly in drafting including: the implementation date; record keeping for subsidy purposes; movement of sheep off holding to a tattooist, and powers of inspectors and penalties.<P>Specifically on record keeping, the veterinary legislation requires records to be kept for six years whereas the premium legislation stipulates a minimum of four years. Since the same flock data is used for both purposes, the Scottish SI specifies six years - to avoid the need to keep separate records.<P>The powers for inspectors and penalties in England are given in detail under the Animal Health Act 1981 and therefore not contained in the English SI. Since the Scottish SI is made under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972, the powers for inspectors and penalties require to be included in the Scottish SI. There are similar powers and penalties under the Animal Health Act 1981.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149355,"EventID":"S1W-12597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Argyll and Bute Council's proposal to construct a car park in The Avenue in Inveraray has not been called in for determination by the Scottish Ministers, given that ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Argyll and Bute Council's proposal to construct a car park in The Avenue in Inveraray has not been called in for determination by the Scottish Ministers, given that the case has been referred to the Commission of Local Administration in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office Development Department Circular 4/1997 lays down the criteria which require local authorities to notify planning applications to the Scottish Ministers. Reference of a case to the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland is not included and, therefore, is not a planning reason for call-in.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149356,"EventID":"S1W-12598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer questions S1W-11654, S1W-11655, S1W-11656 and S1W-11657, lodged on 4 December 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer questions S1W-11654, S1W-11655, S1W-11656 and S1W-11657, lodged on 4 December 2000.","AnswerText":"These questions will be answered as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149357,"EventID":"S1W-12599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the cost was, for each of the last three years, of dealing with criminal record checks for those who work in the voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the cost was, for each of the last three years, of dealing with criminal record checks for those who work in the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"Under arrangements first introduced in 1989, criminal record checks for employment-related purposes are available mainly to employers in the statutory sector who are appointing people to positions which would give them substantial access to children in health, social work and education. Statutory sector employers may check volunteers under these arrangements but such checks are not separately identified.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">A limited scheme was introduced in 1998 allowing criminal record checks to be carried out by the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) on behalf of approved voluntary child care organisations. The cost to SCRO of these checks in each of the last three years is estimated approximately as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=359><TR><TD WIDTH=\"82%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 July 1998 to 31 December 1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2,250</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"82%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£7,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"82%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£9,750</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149358,"EventID":"S1W-12600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will establish a central body to help the voluntary sector make the best use of criminal record checks on volunteers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will establish a central body to help the voluntary sector make the best use of criminal record checks on volunteers.","AnswerText":"Part V of the Police Act 1997 makes provision for criminal record checks to be carried out at the request of individuals. The first stage of implementation of Part V is planned for the summer. We are, therefore, aiming to have the central body established before then so that it is ready to assist the voluntary sector when Part V is implemented.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149359,"EventID":"S1W-12601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to ensure information concerning levels of short and long-term teacher absenteeism is publicly available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to ensure information concerning levels of short and long-term teacher absenteeism is publicly available.","AnswerText":"The management of teacher absence is a matter for local authorities as employers. However teacher absence rates are one of a series of performance measures on which local authorities report to Audit Scotland and that information will be published in due course. We have no plans to collect information on short or long-term absence amongst teachers.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149360,"EventID":"S1W-12602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what circumstances are leading to the closure of the Scottish Agricultural College veterinary laboratory in Thurso.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what circumstances are leading to the closure of the Scottish Agricultural College veterinary laboratory in Thurso.","AnswerText":"On 17 January, the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) announced plans to close its Veterinary Disease Surveillance Centre in Thurso on 31 July 2001. In recent years, demand for consultancy services provided from the Thurso Centre to local veterinary practices and farmers has significantly reduced and the small amount of diagnostic material arising from this is now mainly referred to SAC's Central Diagnostic Laboratory. In addition, some research work currently managed through the Thurso Centre will be coming to an end shortly. The centre therefore now provides SAC with very little commercial income, and its residual functions relate primarily to the provision of data for the UK-wide animal disease surveillance programme.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The decision to close the Thurso Centre was not taken lightly, and SAC appraised all the options very carefully, including the cost implications of keeping the centre open. However, closure of the Thurso Centre represents the most sensible and pragmatic outcome in the circumstances and will make more efficient use of the resources available for veterinary diagnosis and disease surveillance throughout Scotland.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Veterinary practices and their farmer clients in the areas presently covered by the Thurso Centre will continue to have access to the full range of SAC's analytical, consultancy and animal health schemes through the Veterinary Centres in Inverness (for the North of Scotland and Orkney) and Aberdeen (for Shetland). Staff at these centres will be available to handle enquiries, and samples for investigation or analysis will be conveyed there either by post or by road and/or ferry using refrigerated vans. Under the new arrangements, SAC expects the level of service provided to existing clients to be at least as good as at present, and SERAD is satisfied that the necessary level of animal disease surveillance will be maintained.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149361,"EventID":"S1W-12603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional funds available in order to keep the Scottish Agricultural College veterinary laboratory in Thurso open.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional funds available in order to keep the Scottish Agricultural College veterinary laboratory in Thurso open.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12602.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149362,"EventID":"S1W-12604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it will take to ensure that continuation of the work previously undertaken by the Scottish Agricultural College veterinary laboratory in Thurso is secure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it will take to ensure that continuation of the work previously undertaken by the Scottish Agricultural College veterinary laboratory in Thurso is secure.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12602.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149363,"EventID":"S1W-12605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many school students in each local authority area currently have a record of needs and what proportion of the total school roll in each area this represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many school students in each local authority area currently have a record of needs and what proportion of the total school roll in each area this represents.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Pupils Of Publicly Funded Schools With A Record Of Needs: 1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Source: September 1999 School Census</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of pupils with a Record of Needs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">As a % of total number of pupils</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>SCOTLAND</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15,257</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">652</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">680</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">270</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">180</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">153</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">444</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">555</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">417</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">170</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">109</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">212</TD>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149364,"EventID":"S1W-12606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what improvements the use of the materials Looking after Children in Scotland: Good Parenting, Good Outlook have made to contemporary practice in this area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what improvements the use of the materials Looking after Children in Scotland: Good Parenting, Good Outlook have made to contemporary practice in this area.","AnswerText":"These materials are designed to achieve better outcomes for children through more systematic planning and measurement of their needs. Their use can strengthen working partnerships between key people in a child's life as they cover the critical aspects of education, health and personal and social development. They should also help to clarify the allocation of professional responsibilities.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">All local authorities in Scotland have agreed to use the materials. An audit of progress on implementation is underway and a report is expected by April this year.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We are currently considering how best to measure the impact of the materials in terms of improvements to professional practice and to the lives of looked-after children.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149365,"EventID":"S1W-12607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each of the last three years, how many lung cancer patients in (a) Scotland and (b) each health board area have survived (i) six months and (ii) 12 months beyond dia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each of the last three years, how many lung cancer patients in (a) Scotland and (b) each health board area have survived (i) six months and (ii) 12 months beyond diagnosis.","AnswerText":"The tables show the numbers of people in Scotland diagnosed with lung cancer in each of the years 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the numbers alive after (i) six months and (ii) 12 months after diagnosis for (a) Scotland and (b) each health board in Scotland.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year of diagnosis 1995</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of people diagnosed with lung cancer</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">People alive 6 months after diagnosis</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">People alive 12 months after diagnosis</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">440</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">167</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">93</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">330</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">114</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">67</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">81</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">138</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">45</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">30</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">303</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">106</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">59</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">228</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">79</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">48</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">385</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">184</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">110</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1142</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">400</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">218</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" S","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149366,"EventID":"S1W-12608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much is being invested in the current year in lung cancer treatment in (a) Scotland and (b) each health board area and how much was invested in each of the last thre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much is being invested in the current year in lung cancer treatment in (a) Scotland and (b) each health board area and how much was invested in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Cancer is a priority for the NHSScotland.  Health Boards receive an annual general revenue allocation. It is a matter for Health Boards to determine within the funds available how to manage and deliver local healthcare services that best meet the assessed needs of their patient populations. Details of specific investment in cancer services in Health Board areas are not held centrally.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Executive has invested £13.2 million modernisation funding to provide new and replacement linear accelerator equipment for radiotherapy. In June last year, I announced the first round of equipment purchases totalling £5.8 million, to buy four linear accelerators and three simulators. Decisions on allocating the balance of £7.4m have still to be taken and will be informed by a future needs assessment process that is currently ongoing.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In August 2000 I also announced a further £16 million for new MRI scanners and other imaging equipment to speed up diagnosis and treatment of cancer.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149367,"EventID":"S1W-12609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make provision for continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy in any new investment it makes in lung cancer treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make provision for continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy in any new investment it makes in lung cancer treatment.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\">Our National Health: A plan for action; a plan for change</I> published on 14 December 2000 clearly sets out the Executive's overall aims for a better integrated and responsive NHSScotland which puts patients first. The plan sets out a significant programme of work to be undertaken by NHSScotland and the Executive, including the publication of a comprehensive Scottish Cancer Plan by March 2001. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive's linear accelerator modernisation programme, with the accompanying investment of £13.2m will mean that clinicians working across the cancer networks will be better able to aim towards bringing the benefits of new and emerging treatments to their patients. </FONT><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>It is precisely because we are aware of issues such as CHART that we have pledged to bring forward the Scottish Cancer Plan. This plan will look ahead over the next 5 - 10 years and will consider how best to meet the challenges posed by cancer, including prevention, early detection, treatment and care for people with cancer.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149368,"EventID":"S1W-12610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the pupil/teacher ratio in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools is in each local authority area and whether it holds any similar information in relation to indepen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the pupil/teacher ratio in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools is in each local authority area and whether it holds any similar information in relation to independent schools.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the pupil/teacher ratios calculated from the September 1999 School Census.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">I have recently sent a report on the supply of teachers to the Convener of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee detailing the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751) for the information of all members. A table giving this information on pupil teacher ratios was inserted into the report on 8 February 2001 as Annex J.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=509><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>PUPIL/TEACHER RATIOS BY LOCAL AUTHORITY, SCHOOL TYPE AND SECTOR TYPE: 1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Source: September 1999 School Census</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Publicly funded</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Independent</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Primary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Secondary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Primary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Secondary</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>SCOTLAND</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> -</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> -</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> -</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149369,"EventID":"S1W-12611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the extra funding for local authorities announced by the Minister for Finance and Local Government on 7 December 2000 will be sufficient to prevent local authori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the extra funding for local authorities announced by the Minister for Finance and Local Government on 7 December 2000 will be sufficient to prevent local authorities from making any substantial cuts in frontline services.","AnswerText":"Our announcement provided for every local authority to receive a better than real terms increase in grant in each of the next three years. These additional resources should enable authorities to invest in improved services and infrastructure. However, it is for local authorities themselves to manage their budgets and determine their expenditure priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149370,"EventID":"S1W-12612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many miners have (a) received compensation in relation to serious and debilitating illnesses contracted as a result of their employment, such as emphysema, bronchiti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many miners have (a) received compensation in relation to serious and debilitating illnesses contracted as a result of their employment, such as emphysema, bronchitis and vibration white finger, and (b) applied for compensation but are yet to receive any payment.","AnswerText":"Mineworkers' compensation is a reserved matter.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>This information can be obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149371,"EventID":"S1W-12613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is achieving its aim of providing \"an efficient and integrated environmental protection system for Scotland which will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is achieving its aim of providing \"an efficient and integrated environmental protection system for Scotland which will both improve the environment and contribute to the Government's goal of sustainable development\", with particular regard to the Scottish salmon farming industry.","AnswerText":"The salmon farming industry is relatively new and wishes to expand, and to use a range of chemicals. To do so it is seeking consents to discharge into the water environment. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency must reconcile these demands with its duties to protect the environment and to observe the requirements of EU legislation, such as the Dangerous Substances Directive (76/464/EEC). The Scottish Executive believes that the agency is carrying out this task effectively.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149372,"EventID":"S1W-12614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has adequate resources to undertake its regulatory and monitoring functions relating to salmon farming in such a way t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has adequate resources to undertake its regulatory and monitoring functions relating to salmon farming in such a way that the agency's main aim of providing \"an efficient and integrated environmental protection system for Scotland which will both improve the environment and contribute to the Government's goal of sustainable development\" is achieved in relation to this particular area.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Executive has given careful consideration to the resources which the Scottish Environment Protection Agency requires to carry out its regulatory and monitoring functions. As a result of this consideration, in the Spending Review announced in September 2000, the agency was awarded additional funding of £16.5 million for the three years 2001-02 to 2003-04. The agency's total resources over this period, including income from charges, will be about £123 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149373,"EventID":"S1W-12615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-11971, S1W-11972 and S1W-11973 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 4 January 2000, what consideration it has given to the possibility that the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-11971, S1W-11972 and S1W-11973 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 4 January 2000, what consideration it has given to the possibility that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) may have misinterpreted the law and consequently misled Scottish salmon farmers with regard to SEPA's powers and farmers' legal rights.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has recently become aware that certain offices of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency have until recently been issuing standard letters dating from before an amendment to section 34(2) of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. These letters suggest that a failure on the applicants' part to agree a period longer than four months to consider their application would result in a deemed refusal, whereas the amended legislation would merely give the applicants the option to treat it as such.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The agency has issued guidance to staff to prevent the issue of any more of these standard letters.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149374,"EventID":"S1W-12616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has investigated or will investigate whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has misinterpreted the Control of Pollution Act 1974 section 34 (2), m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has investigated or will investigate whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has misinterpreted the Control of Pollution Act 1974 section 34 (2), misdirected itself in relation to its power to refuse discharge consents and consequently misled Scottish salmon farmers and, if such misinterpretation has taken place, what action it will take.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12615.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149375,"EventID":"S1W-12617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to offer Capecitabine in tablet form for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer on the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to offer Capecitabine in tablet form for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer on the NHS.","AnswerText":"On 19 October 2000, The Committee on Proprietary Medicinal Products, part of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency, recommended that Capecitabine be granted a marketing authorisation for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. This recommendation has to be approved by the European Commission before the product can be marketed.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The UK took part in an international clinical trial of Capecitabine used in combination with another drug, for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This trial has now concluded and the results will inform decisions about Capecitabine's use in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149376,"EventID":"S1W-12618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether pensioner households in Glasgow will benefit from the central heating and insulation investment project planned by it during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether pensioner households in Glasgow will benefit from the central heating and insulation investment project planned by it during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149377,"EventID":"S1W-12619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is satisfied with the accessibility and structure of the Visitscotland website; if not, why adequate steps were not taken during the development of the websit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is satisfied with the accessibility and structure of the Visitscotland website; if not, why adequate steps were not taken during the development of the website to ensure that it was easily located by Internet search engines and how much it will cost to correct any problems in this regard.","AnswerText":"I am satisfied with the progress that the Scottish Tourist Board is making in developing the visitscotland.com website. The action that the board is taking includes investing in improving accessibility through search engines. A new look site, which will include improved search and navigational techniques, is at the advanced stages of specification.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149378,"EventID":"S1W-12620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the original registration procedure for the Ossian project was adequate; if so, why more companies did not register and what action it is taking to ensure that r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the original registration procedure for the Ossian project was adequate; if so, why more companies did not register and what action it is taking to ensure that registration will increase in the future.","AnswerText":"The registration procedure is an operational matter for the Scottish Tourist Board. I will ask the Chairman to write to you. The website now contains details of more than 17,400 businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149379,"EventID":"S1W-12621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the independent consultants currently working with Visitscotland are reviewing the Ossian project and what action it intends to take over the performance to date","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the independent consultants currently working with Visitscotland are reviewing the Ossian project and what action it intends to take over the performance to date of the Ossian project.","AnswerText":"The project is not at present being reviewed by independent consultants. Continuous improvements are being achieved in the performance of the website, which attracted over 3 million user sessions last year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149380,"EventID":"S1W-12622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether a slimming down of Visitscotland's management structure would be sufficient to deal with any problems which exist in relation to the performance of Visitscotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether a slimming down of Visitscotland's management structure would be sufficient to deal with any problems which exist in relation to the performance of Visitscotland and reverse the drop in overseas visitors to Scotland.","AnswerText":"The implementation of the recommendations contained in the recent Management Review of the Scottish Tourist Board is only one of the actions that are being taken to further support our tourism industry. The Executive's Tourism Strategy contains many new actions designed to grow tourism throughout Scotland. We are also providing increased levels of financial support through the STB.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149381,"EventID":"S1W-12623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which information returns on cattle that are required from farmers by its Rural Affairs Department duplicate information returns which farmers already provide to the catt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which information returns on cattle that are required from farmers by its Rural Affairs Department duplicate information returns which farmers already provide to the cattle movement scheme computer system at Workington.","AnswerText":"Action to reduce repeat requests for cattle information has already been implemented and wherever possible requests for duplicate information are avoided when pre-printed information is supplied or is available. Further measures to eliminate the remaining requests for duplicate information however, could not be introduced until the central computer system was extended to include details of all cattle in GB. As a result of a major data capture exercise last autumn the database is now over 98% complete. We are now considering how we can make more effective use of this data. This includes reducing the paper burden on farmers on a wider scale - further streamlining of subsidy claim procedures; electronic cattle registration and movement reporting, and eliminating the capture of some census information from farmers.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149382,"EventID":"S1W-12624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to attract nurses back to work after they become parents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to attract nurses back to work after they become parents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is keen to encourage former nurses back to work. <I>Our National Health, A plan for action, a plan for change</I> requires all NHS employers to meet or exceed best practice guidance on family friendly policies as part of the new Staff Governance Standard. To help employers, I launched guidance on family friendly policies on 26 January. These policies include guidance on flexible working, childcare, breastfeeding and career breaks. The guidance applies to all NHS Scotland staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149383,"EventID":"S1W-12625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what provision the NHSiS makes for nurses with young families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what provision the NHSiS makes for nurses with young families.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> requires all NHS employers to meet or exceed best practice guidance on family friendly policies as part of the new Staff Governance Standard. To help employers, I launched guidance on family-friendly policies on 26 January 2001. These policies include guidance on flexible working, childcare, breastfeeding and career breaks. The guidance applies to all NHS Scotland staff and has been developed through the Scottish Partnership Forum, which represents all NHS Scotland staff group.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149384,"EventID":"S1W-12626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many health boards offer creche facilities for nursing staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many health boards offer creche facilities for nursing staff.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. You will wish to know that the family friendly policies guidance I launched on 26 January contains guidance on the options available for childcare which health boards and NHS Trusts are expected to follow.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149385,"EventID":"S1W-12627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many new, affordable houses for (a) rent and (b) purchase have been constructed with assistance from Scottish Homes in each local authority area since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many new, affordable houses for (a) rent and (b) purchase have been constructed with assistance from Scottish Homes in each local authority area since 1996.","AnswerText":"The number of new, affordable houses for rent and purchase that have been constructed with assistance from Scottish Homes in each local authority area from April 1996 to March 2000 is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=578><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Rent</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Ownership</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">437</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">316</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">753</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">453</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">81</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">534</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">386</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">514</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>City of Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">588</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">348</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">936</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>City of Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">448</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">288</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">736</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,747</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">763</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,510</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>City of Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,452</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,021</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,473</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">78</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">135</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">235</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">161</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">396</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=1","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149386,"EventID":"S1W-12628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much funding Scottish Homes has made available for the construction of new, affordable rural houses for (a) rent and (b) purchase in each year since 1994.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much funding Scottish Homes has made available for the construction of new, affordable rural houses for (a) rent and (b) purchase in each year since 1994.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. The funding includes the support provided both for construction and improvement of houses: <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=531><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million Rent</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million Ownership</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1994-95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">42.669</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.485</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56.154</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49.990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15.910</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65.900</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39.310</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14.999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54.309</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30.465</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.855</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39.320</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27.386</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.540</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35.926</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34.598</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.783</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41.381</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">224.418</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68.572</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">292.990</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149387,"EventID":"S1W-12629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2729 by Susan Deacon on 11 January 2001, how much of the additional resources are earmarked for the prevention of hepatitis C and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2729 by Susan Deacon on 11 January 2001, how much of the additional resources are earmarked for the prevention of hepatitis C and which organisations will receive such funding.","AnswerText":"The additional funding, totalling £7 million, will be allocated to health boards over the next four years. It will be for each health board to consider how best the new resources should be used, taking account of local needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149388,"EventID":"S1W-12630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Scots would require to be known to be carrying the hepatitis C virus before the situation would be considered a serious threat to public health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Scots would require to be known to be carrying the hepatitis C virus before the situation would be considered a serious threat to public health.","AnswerText":"As <I>Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change</I> indicates, the Scottish Executive already takes seriously the threat to public health posed by hepatitis C. The plan said that we will put more resources into tackling modern epidemics like HIV and hepatitis C and, as has already been announced, an additional £7 million is being made available over the next four years to health boards for this purpose.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149389,"EventID":"S1W-12631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12158 by Sarah Boyack on 16 January 2001, whether it will request a copy of the Rosyth traffic study and respond to it and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12158 by Sarah Boyack on 16 January 2001, whether it will request a copy of the Rosyth traffic study and respond to it and, if so, over what timescale.","AnswerText":"I understand from Fife Council that this study is still in draft.  Once finalised it will be forwarded and we will respond to it as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149390,"EventID":"S1W-12632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward the future delivery of ferry services in the Highlands and Islands to bring these into compliance with European Community Law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward the future delivery of ferry services in the Highlands and Islands to bring these into compliance with European Community Law.","AnswerText":"In April 2000, I announced publication of the consultation document <I>Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services</I> which sought views on options for putting our subsidised lifeline services out to tender in order that they can continue under European Community rules.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">We received a response of over 100 replies. I have considered all of the points made carefully, taking account of the relevant EC Regulations and Guidelines on State Aid. I am announcing today a package of provisional proposals which have been submitted to the European Commission and which I believe will provide a robust framework for the continued delivery of high quality lifeline ferry services to the Highlands and Islands. The key elements are briefly summarised as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">- I regard all Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services which serve islands as being consistent with public service obligations (PSOs) and plan to tender these services in line with the requirements for these as set out in the European Community cabotage regulations and guidelines;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">- I have made robust representations to the Commission in relation to Caledonian MacBrayne's mainland-to-mainland routes, Gourock-Dunoon and Tarbert-Portavadie. I am pleased that the Commission has indicated it might be prepared to consider such services where land based transport would not provide a viable alternative. I regard Caledonian MacBrayne's present mainland-to-mainland routes as being consistent with this criterion. I therefore propose PSOs in respect of these routes also. In the case of Gourock-Dunoon, the PSO would be in respect of a passenger only service because of its integration with other modes of transport (as indeed is the approved service at present);<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">- On the packages of routes to be tendered, the Executive's strong preference, based on the results of consultation, is to tender the network as a whole. Overwhelming support was expressed for this option in response to consultation and we believe this would maximise service reliability for the communities served, simplify the process for management of vessels and provide economies of scale in company management, safety and quality systems. It also avoids cherry picking of routes and facilitates integrated transport through co-ordinated timetabling of services;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">- On arrangements for future ownership of vessels, I propose to establish a publicly owned vessel owning company in line with proposals set out in <I>Delivering Lifeline</I> <I>Ferry Services</I>. I believe this strikes the right balance between the need to ensure the efficient utilisation of the unique existing fleet and service reliability through this period of great change. Vessels would be leased to operators on a commercial basis and without subsidy in line with European Community rules that prohibit grants in respect of vessel replacement;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">- I propose operators would be bound to the vessel owning company's existing vessels. However, I propose to allow scope for operators to bring their own vessel solutions where we have identified a need for new vessels to replace older ships or expand the range of services during a five-year contract period. This will be decided on a case by case basis at the outset of each PSO contract period. In line with the Commission's guidance, the vessel owning company's functions would focus on bare boat leasing to operators as well as ownership and maintenance of CalMac's piers and harbours. I am considering the possibility of the vessel owning company offering, on an optional basis, a management of maintenance package which might be attractive to some operators. We also propose the vessel owning company should act as an operator of last resort which would provide an important safeguard through this period of change;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">- <I>Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services</I> made clear that the Executive would allow Caledonian MacBrayne to bid to operate th","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149391,"EventID":"S1W-12633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the  cost is, in total and broken down by component, of each of the four school Public/Private Partnership projects recently confirmed by Highland Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the  cost is, in total and broken down by component, of each of the four school Public/Private Partnership projects recently confirmed by Highland Council.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not directly involved in the detailed contract and cost provisions of school PPP projects which individual local authorities may be pursuing. Any enquiries about the detailed costs of this project should be directed to The Highland Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149392,"EventID":"S1W-12634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of beef and sheep farmers in Kintyre will be worse off under the new less favoured area formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of beef and sheep farmers in Kintyre will be worse off under the new less favoured area formula.","AnswerText":"Estimates suggest that roughly two-thirds of beef and sheep claimants in Kintyre will receive lower LFA payments than last year and one-third will receive more. Under the safety net which I negotiated to ease the transition from headage to area-based support, all regular LFA claimants are guaranteed at least 90% of last year's assistance this spring.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149393,"EventID":"S1W-12635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9867 by Susan Deacon on 8 January 2001, what guidelines it has made available to health boards to ensure that the services obtained","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9867 by Susan Deacon on 8 January 2001, what guidelines it has made available to health boards to ensure that the services obtained from sources other than the NHS deliver value for money and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Boards and Trusts are under a general requirement to make best use of their resources to provide for the needs of their populations, it is not necessary to issue particular guidance in relation to services obtained from sources other than the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149394,"EventID":"S1W-12636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many homes are connected to the world wide web, broken down (a) by local authority area and (b) enterprise area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many homes are connected to the world wide web, broken down (a) by local authority area and (b) enterprise area.","AnswerText":"Figures are not currently available on how many homes are connected to the world wide web by local authority area or by enterprise area. Survey work conducted between April 1999 and March 2000 by the Office for National Statistics suggest that across Scotland as a whole 14% of households were connected to the web. In surveys conducted in Scotland by ONS between April 2000 and September 2000 this had risen to 19%. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Figures from the 1999 Scottish Household Survey on the percentage of households with access to email or the internet from home are available only for local authority groupings and are shown in the table. However, given the rapid growth of household access to the web noted above, the 1999 figures are likely to significantly understate the percentage of households now connected to the web in local authority area. <P>Scottish Household Survey figures 1999 also show that 19% of households in remote rural and 20% of households in accessible rural areas are connected to the web, in comparison to 15% of urban households in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen & Dundee and 12% in urban areas with a population of more than 10,000. Figures for each local authority area will be published in the Scottish Household Survey in late summer 2001. <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=52><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Local Authority area(s) *</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=52><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Percentage of households with access to email or the internet from home</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>South Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highlands and Islands (Argyll and Bute, Eilean Siar, Highland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian (City of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Tayside (Angus, Dundee City, Perth, Kinross)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Central (Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dunbartonshire (West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire (South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, North Ayrsh","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149395,"EventID":"S1W-12637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the projects which will benefit from the #2.3 million funding for the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network announced in Press Release SE3266/200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the projects which will benefit from the #2.3 million funding for the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network announced in Press Release SE3266/2000, specifying how much of this funding each project will receive.","AnswerText":"On 19 December 2000 I announced an additional allocation of £2.275 million to Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in respect of the current financial year. This money has now been made available to HIE as part of the Spring Budget Revision. The tables detail how these monies will be disbursed:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=595><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"81%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Project</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£25,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"81%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>To pilot additional flexibilities to the Scottish Executive's Training for Work programme.  </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£250,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"81%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>To deliver Information Communication Technology (ICT) qualifications and skills, including the European Computer Driving Licence, to unemployed and inactive clients in the Highlands &amp; Islands.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£2,000,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"81%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>For the provision of support in respect of the following projects intended to improve regional imbalances.</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"> <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=602><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Highlands &amp; Islands Enterprise Area and Project Location</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Project</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Western Isles Enterprise</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>General</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£50,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Oil Industry Training Scheme</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>General</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£30,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Call Centre Customer Care Training Scheme</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>General</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£20,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Retail Training Scheme</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scalpay</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£610,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Continued development of new factory   </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Drinishader</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£50,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Pier/Jetty project</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Flodabay</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£30,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Pier/Jetty project</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Marvaig</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£50,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Pier/Jetty project </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Miavig</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£70,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Pier/Jetty project</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149396,"EventID":"S1W-12638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10473 on 6 November 2000, what the basis is in law, in procurement guidance or in the Parliament's procedures for his response that ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10473 on 6 November 2000, what the basis is in law, in procurement guidance or in the Parliament's procedures for his response that information about the total value of any works package contract entered into by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in relation to the Holyrood Project would only be divulged with the consent of the relevant contractor.","AnswerText":"My answer to question S1W-9469 set out the basis for the Parliament's position in relation to commercial confidentiality. The Parliament's tenders are issued and received on a commercially confidential basis, respected by both client and contractor, and the legitimate commercial interests of contractors might be prejudiced by unilateral disclosure of contract information by the Parliament. The Holyrood Progress Group therefore intends for contractors to be consulted, and for agreement to be reached, before individual contract details are released.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149397,"EventID":"S1W-12639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the decision on new contractual arrangements for GPs referred to in Our National Health Plan: A plan for action, a plan for change will be made on a Scottish or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the decision on new contractual arrangements for GPs referred to in Our National Health Plan: A plan for action, a plan for change will be made on a Scottish or UK-wide basis. ","AnswerText":"Decisions on contractual arrangements for GPs are taken in close consultation with colleagues in all the other UK Health Departments.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149398,"EventID":"S1W-12640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which GP surgeries are involved in the pilot studies into new contractual arrangements for GPs referred to in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which GP surgeries are involved in the pilot studies into new contractual arrangements for GPs referred to in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, where the surgeries are located, how many GPs there are at each practice and what geographic area each covers.","AnswerText":"The table gives the details requested:<P>PMS Pilots: Scotland<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of GPs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Area</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Ballantrae Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>2 GPs, 1 Assistant</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>The Crescent Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>4 GPs, 1 Registrar, 1 Assistant</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Greater Glasgow</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Northfield Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>4 GPs, 1 Retainee</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Skene Medical Centre</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>8 GPs, 1 Registrar, 1 Retainee, 2 Assistants</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Student Health Service, Aberdeen</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>4 GPs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Maryhill Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>7 GPs, 1 Registrar</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Camphill Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>2 GPs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Rhynie Medical Practice </FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>1.5 GPs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Portsoy Medical Group</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>2 GPs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Spital Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>1.5 GPs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grampian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>The Milton Surgery</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>6 GPs, 2 Retainees</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Lothian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>The Edinburgh Homeless Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>3 GPs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Lothian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Polwarth Surgery</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>1 GP, 2 Assistants, 1 Retainee</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Lothian</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Park Avenue Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>3 GPs, 1 Retainee</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Tayside</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Springfield Medical Practice</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>3 GPs, 1 Registrar","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149399,"EventID":"S1W-12641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when pilot studies into new contractual arrangements for GPs referred to in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change are due to be wound up, what evalua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when pilot studies into new contractual arrangements for GPs referred to in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change are due to be wound up, what evaluation process has been established to study the success of the projects, who will be involved in that process and when a report on the pilot studies is expected to be published.","AnswerText":"The first seven pilots in Scotland went live on 1 April 1998 and were initially planned to last three years (this was later extended to four years). Five of these seven pilots were included in a National Evaluation project being led by Southampton University which is due to be published towards the end of this year. In addition, it is a requirement of the legislation that all pilots are reviewed locally.<P>A review of six of the seven first wave pilots was recently undertaken by Scottish Ministers and the report of this review was published in January 2001. The Primary Care Act 1997 specifies that:<P>At least one review of the operation of each pilot scheme must be conducted by Scottish Ministers;<P>The review must occur within a period of three years from initial commencement of the pilot scheme; and<P>The Primary Care Trust and pilot must be given the opportunity to provide comments relevant to the review, but otherwise Scottish Ministers will determine the review procedures.<P>The review by Scottish Ministers of each pilot must consider the benefits and costs for the NHS and whether such provision of services should continue and be generalised more widely.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149400,"EventID":"S1W-12642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to ensure that no Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) will receive less funding under the new funding arrangements announced by the Minister f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to ensure that no Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) will receive less funding under the new funding arrangements announced by the Minister for Communities on 4 October 2000, in particular in areas where for geographical reasons there is more than one CVS in a local authority area.","AnswerText":"Executive funding for the national network of Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) will increase by £1.2 million in 2001-02, in addition to an extra £0.21 million this year. The increased funding recognises the strategic potential of the network in supporting the voluntary sector and communities.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Executive has funded seven new CVS in 2000-01, and from 2001-02 will give a minimum of £60,000 to every local authority area in Scotland, including for the first time six urban areas. No individual CVS will have its Executive grant reduced. Local authority areas where there are more than one CVS will receive at least an extra £30,000, and in Highland an extra £60,000. Total Executive funding for CVS in the Highlands and Islands will be £678,000 in 2001-02 out of a scheme total of £2.6 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149401,"EventID":"S1W-12643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many whole-time equivalent nurses are employed by the NHS in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many whole-time equivalent nurses are employed by the NHS in each health board area.","AnswerText":"The latest information available centrally on how many whole-time equivalent nurses employed in the NHSScotland is shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Nurses and Midwifery staff employed by NHSScotland by Health Board <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Whole Time Equivalent as at 30 September 1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Qualified Nurses</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Unqualified Nurses</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35,596.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15,756.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">51,353.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,637.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,454.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,091.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,216.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,053.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,269.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">741.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">340.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,081.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,131.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">531.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,663.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,184.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">764.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,948.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,776.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,040.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,817.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,495.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,445.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,940.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,087.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,344.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,431.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,522.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALI","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149402,"EventID":"S1W-12644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many whole-time equivalent doctors are currently employed by the NHS in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many whole-time equivalent doctors are currently employed by the NHS in each health board area.","AnswerText":"The whole time equivalent of doctors working in NHSScotland is shown in the following table. The table contains the latest available data and should be read in conjunction with the notes.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Whole Time Equivalent<SUP>5</SUP> of doctors working in NHSScotland by Health Board area<P>As at September/October 1999<SUP>2</SUP><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Hospital / Community Services</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">General Practitioners<SUP>4</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Career Grades</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Training Grades<SUP>3</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Scotland<SUP>7</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,650.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,011.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,878.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,540.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 243.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 228.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 332.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 803.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 207.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 173.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 269.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 650.3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 60.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 51.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 93.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 204.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 102.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 73.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 132.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 307.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 182.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 150.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 243.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 576.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"1","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149403,"EventID":"S1W-12645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current ratio of nurses per 100 beds in NHS hospitals is in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current ratio of nurses per 100 beds in NHS hospitals is in each health board area.","AnswerText":"The data available centrally does not allow a robust comparison of the staffing levels per bed in each health board. Given the variation in health needs and healthcare in each area, it is in any case doubtful that such ratios would provide meaningful comparisons.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149404,"EventID":"S1W-12646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current ratio of doctors per 100 beds in NHS hospitals is in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current ratio of doctors per 100 beds in NHS hospitals is in each health board area.","AnswerText":"The data available centrally does not allow a robust comparison of the staffing levels per bed in each health board area. Given the variation in health needs and healthcare in each area, it is in any case doubtful that such ratios would provide meaningful comparisons.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149405,"EventID":"S1W-12647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it plans to implement to address any shortfall in the number of (a) nurses and (b) doctors per 100 beds in NHS hospitals in the Argyll and Clyde Health Boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it plans to implement to address any shortfall in the number of (a) nurses and (b) doctors per 100 beds in NHS hospitals in the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for health boards and Trusts to assess and provide for local needs and to determine the staffing levels required for effective service delivery. National recommendations on staffing levels would cut across these responsibilities and would undermine boards' and Trusts' ability to provide a modern, flexible service matched to local needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149406,"EventID":"S1W-12648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nurses left employment in the NHS in the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area in each of the last three years; what the reasons were for such departures, and what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nurses left employment in the NHS in the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area in each of the last three years; what the reasons were for such departures, and what the equivalent figure was for every other health board area in each of these years.","AnswerText":"The latest information available centrally is shown in the table. There is no information held centrally on reasons for leaving.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><P>Qualified nursing and midwifery staff in the NHSScotland by Health Boards <SUP><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1>1, 2</SUP> - Leavers</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">(Headcount)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998-99</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">282</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">236</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">236</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">163</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">138</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">171</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">95</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">343</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">174</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">172</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">199</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">179</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">157</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">476</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">501</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">385</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">590</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">733</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">670</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">154</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">138</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">138</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">275</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">230</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">226</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">657</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">689</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">585</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">388</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">475</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149407,"EventID":"S1W-12649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many doctors left employment in the NHS in the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area in each of the last three years; what the reasons were for such departures, and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many doctors left employment in the NHS in the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area in each of the last three years; what the reasons were for such departures, and what the equivalent figure was for every other health board area in each of these years.","AnswerText":"The number of career grade doctors who left NHS employment in each of the last 3 years are shown in the following tables, together with the reasons for leaving. The table contains the latest data available and should be read in conjunction with the notes below.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Table 1: Career grade doctors in the NHSiS by Health Board<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Reasons for leaving employment in 1996 - 1997<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=605><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Retiral / Death</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Transfer / Secondment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">End of contract / Redundancy / Redeployment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Promotion</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Leaving medicine</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=32><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Unknown</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 11</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp;<P>Galloway </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" ","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149408,"EventID":"S1W-12650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS nursing vacancies there currently are in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS nursing vacancies there currently are in each health board area.","AnswerText":"<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3>The latest information available centrally is shown in the table.</FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=3 WIDTH=457><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Nursing and Midwifery staff vacancies<SUP>1</SUP> by Health Board Area<P>Whole Time Equivalent: at 31 March 2000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Vacancies (3)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Vacant 3 months or more</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Scotland</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">874.1</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">383.2</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">90.4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45.4</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35.4 </FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Borders (2)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.8</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Fife (2)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58.5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.3</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Forth Valley</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.3</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Grampian</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">125.2</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36.9</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Greater Glasgow </FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">207.4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91.0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Highland</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32.0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Lanarkshire</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75.7</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48.1</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Lothian </FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">165.6</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">127.6</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Orkney</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</FONT","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149409,"EventID":"S1W-12651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken to fill an NHS nursing vacancy is in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken to fill an NHS nursing vacancy is in each health board area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12271 on 25 January.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149410,"EventID":"S1W-12652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assumptions have been made about the type of ferry service operating between Gourock and Dunoon in the design of the integrated transport centre in Gourock which it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assumptions have been made about the type of ferry service operating between Gourock and Dunoon in the design of the integrated transport centre in Gourock which it announced funding for on 12 January 2001.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the design, construction and opening of the Gourock transport interchange are for Inverclyde Council and its private sector partners.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Executive will shortly be writing to all authorities that received funding from the third round of the Public Transport Fund seeking action plans for their projects.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I understand that the interchange is intended to retain sufficient flexibility to allow for a range of vessels to berth at Gourock Pier, including vessels catering for passengers only and those capable of carrying vehicles and passengers. That flexibility is particularly important, since Gourock would remain a foul weather refuge for Clyde ferry services irrespective of the outcome of the present consultation with the European Commission about a public service obligation for a ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149411,"EventID":"S1W-12653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the design of the integrated transport centre in Gourock which it announced funding for on 12 January 2001 will have any impact on the type of ferry service able","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the design of the integrated transport centre in Gourock which it announced funding for on 12 January 2001 will have any impact on the type of ferry service able to operate between Gourock and Dunoon. ","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12652.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149412,"EventID":"S1W-12654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the integrated transport centre in Gourock which it announced funding for on 12 January 2001 will open and whether the final design and building of the centre will ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the integrated transport centre in Gourock which it announced funding for on 12 January 2001 will open and whether the final design and building of the centre will be delayed until a final decision on the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service has been reached.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12652.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149413,"EventID":"S1W-12656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions there were in each of the last five years on charges of culpable homicide arising from road traffic deaths.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions there were in each of the last five years on charges of culpable homicide arising from road traffic deaths.","AnswerText":"he information requested is given in the table.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Persons proceeded against in all Scottish courts where the main crime was causing death by dangerous driving, 1995-1999<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Crime</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Causing death by dangerous driving <SUP>(1)</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>(1) Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which is classified as &quot;culpable homicide (statutory)&quot; in the SEJD classification of crimes and offences.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149414,"EventID":"S1W-12657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions arising from road traffic deaths there were in the High Court of Justiciary in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions arising from road traffic deaths there were in the High Court of Justiciary in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested cannot be separately identified from the data collected centrally. The table contains the available information on prosecutions, which by legal definition, involved fatal road accidents.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Persons proceeded against in the High Court where the main crime was causing death by dangerous driving or by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs, 1995-1999<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Crime</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Causing death by dangerous driving <SUP>(1)</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs <SUP>(2)</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">(1) Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988<P>(2) Section 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1988","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149415,"EventID":"S1W-12658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide support to pre-five nursery and education services for asylum seekers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide support to pre-five nursery and education services for asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"Where families with pre-school children are granted exceptional leave to remain in the UK, these children are entitled to receive the full benefit of up to two years of grant-funded pre-school education.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Where asylum decisions are pending, the priority is to provide integrated packages of family, childcare and education support. My officials are currently discussing with representatives of the Scottish Asylum Seekers Consortium how such integrated packages might best be developed and resourced, using various streams of Executive funding in flexible ways.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149416,"EventID":"S1W-12659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with colleges of education regarding provision and funding of English language courses for asylum seekers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with colleges of education regarding provision and funding of English language courses for asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"No such direct discussions between the Executive and colleges have taken place.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149417,"EventID":"S1W-12660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether #9,726 is an adequate starting salary to recruit honours graduates to work in NHS laboratories. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether #9,726 is an adequate starting salary to recruit honours graduates to work in NHS laboratories. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-12661.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149418,"EventID":"S1W-12661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to address the pay levels of NHS laboratory staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to address the pay levels of NHS laboratory staff.","AnswerText":"In agreeing pay for 2000-01, the Scottish Executive targeted increases of 7.1% for newly qualified MLSOs and up to 26% for MLSO trainees. For 2001-02 a pay offer has recently been made for all NHS non-Pay Review Body staff of 3.7% or £380, whichever is the greater. In addition to this, further adjustments have been proposed to the MLSO pay scales. The combined effect would increase the starting salary for a newly qualified MLSO to over £15,200, a total increase of up to 16.7%. Corresponding increases would see trainees able to earn over £12,500 (an increase of up to 16.2%) and experienced MLSO 1 and MLSO 2 staff over £18,500 and £24,400 respectively, an increase of up to 7.9%.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149419,"EventID":"S1W-12662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for the disparity in the starting salaries paid to graduate nurses and honours graduates in biomedical science starting work in NHS laboratories and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for the disparity in the starting salaries paid to graduate nurses and honours graduates in biomedical science starting work in NHS laboratories and whether it has any plans to reduce this disparity.","AnswerText":"Salaries for nurses and biomedical scientists are determined through separate machinery. As indicated in the reply to question S1W-12660, the Scottish Executive is committed to addressing the pay of all NHS staff, including laboratory staff in the context of the agenda for pay modernisation. As stated in the reply to question S1W-12661, following significant increases last year, the recent offer made to non-Pay Review Body staff would result in an increase of up to 16.7% for qualified MLSOs.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149420,"EventID":"S1W-12663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether small and medium-si'ed enterprises have sufficient representation on the board of learndirect Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether small and medium-si'ed enterprises have sufficient representation on the board of learndirect Scotland.","AnswerText":"Christine Lenihan, Chairman of Scottish UfI Ltd (learndirect scotland is the brand name for SUfI's services), is currently the Marketing Director of a small company and previously owned and managed her own small business. A number of the other SUfI Board members have previous experience of running or working with small businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149421,"EventID":"S1W-12664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it had any discussions with contractors after their submissions were made with regard to the trunk road networks contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it had any discussions with contractors after their submissions were made with regard to the trunk road networks contracts.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive communicated with all of the tenderers for each of the competitions to seek clarification of the bids after tenders were lodged.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149422,"EventID":"S1W-12665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it arrived at its decision to separate the maintenance of trunk roads from the maintenance of side roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it arrived at its decision to separate the maintenance of trunk roads from the maintenance of side roads.","AnswerText":"The decision to separate the maintenance of the trunk road network from the local road network was inherited by the Scottish Executive.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The statutory provisions of the Trunk Roads Act 1936 drew the distinction between trunk roads and local roads.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Up until 1996 management and maintenance of trunk roads were undertaken by local authorities on behalf of the then Secretary of State under the terms of Agency Agreements. Thereafter contracts were let for the management and maintenance of the Central Belt (Premium) network and the management of the remaining (All Purpose) rural network following a decision taken in 1995 by Ministers in line with European Directives to seek competitive tenders on a contractual basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149423,"EventID":"S1W-12666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the formula used in the value for money appraisal of tender submissions for the trunk road network contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the formula used in the value for money appraisal of tender submissions for the trunk road network contracts.","AnswerText":"The tenders for the trunk road contracts stood to be evaluated on the basis of the &quot;most economically advantageous bid&quot;. The pre-determined assessment procedures is set out in the &quot;Instructions for Tendering&quot;. Specimen copies of the Instructions for Tendering have been lodged in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149424,"EventID":"S1W-12667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has commissioned an impact assessment on Direct Labour Organisation employment and the ability of local authorities to respond to emergency maintenance situat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has commissioned an impact assessment on Direct Labour Organisation employment and the ability of local authorities to respond to emergency maintenance situations on roads, following the decision to separate the maintenance of side roads from trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The decision to seek trunk road maintenance through contract was taken in 1995. No assessment has been made of the impact on Direct Labour Organisation employment in the event that they are unsuccessful in any competition for the work or on their ability to respond to emergency maintenance situations. Under EC procurement rules, such considerations relevant to the particular situation of tenderers cannot be taken into account in the procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149425,"EventID":"S1W-12668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9908 by Sarah Boyack on 29 September 2000, whether it will provide details of each planning application which was called in during ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9908 by Sarah Boyack on 29 September 2000, whether it will provide details of each planning application which was called in during the period 1996-97 to 1999-2000, specifying in each case whether the application was approved or refused.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:-<P>Applications Called In During The Period 1996-97 To 1999-2000.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=619><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Case</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Status</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Extension Etc at Ardoe House Hotel, Banchory-Devenick</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Approved</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sheltered Flats at Raemoir Road, Banchory</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Approved</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Telecommunications Mast Etc, Templars Park Maryculter</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Withdrawn</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Windfarm at Tayinloan, Tarbert</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cruise Liner Terminal at Leith Docks, Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Approved.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mechanised Car Park at Dewar Place/Torphichen Street, Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dwellinghouse at Toppinghead, Kirkpatrick Fleming</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sand and Gravel Works at East Challoch, Dunragit</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Rare Breeds Park at Fort Augustus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Wind Turbines at Gartymore, Helmsdale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Wind Turbines at West Garty, Helmsdale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dwellinghouses at Fort Augustus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Withdrawn</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dwellinghouse and Workshop at Windy Hollow, Roslin Glen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Refused.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dwellinghouse at Pentland Road, Lothianburn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Aria","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149426,"EventID":"S1W-12669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities can safeguard land for longer term transport infrastructure possibilities, as stated in paragraph 18 of National Planning Policy Guideline 1, when r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities can safeguard land for longer term transport infrastructure possibilities, as stated in paragraph 18 of National Planning Policy Guideline 1, when routes can only be safeguarded in planning terms through local plans and only for the five-year lifetime of the plan.","AnswerText":"Strategic<B> </B>transport safeguarding should be addressed in structure plans which are expected to have a time horizon of at least 10 years. Any local plans prepared during the currency of a structure plan would have to conform with it. There is no reason why development plan policies or allocations of land cannot be carried forward into new plans, thus allowing land to be safeguarded for as long as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149427,"EventID":"S1W-12670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5463 by Sarah Boyack on 4 April 2000, what the outcome was in relation to each planning application, notice of intention to develop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5463 by Sarah Boyack on 4 April 2000, what the outcome was in relation to each planning application, notice of intention to develop, listed building consent application and scheduled monument consent application listed and whether it will list, for each category, all applications called in since 21 March 2000, specifying in each case what decision has been reached or, if no decision has been reached, what stage the application is at.","AnswerText":"Updated information relating to the answer to question S1W-5463 is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=624><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>PLANNING APPLICATIONS</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>(a)&#9;Awaiting public local inquiry</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Housing and country park at Kilmahew Estate, Cardross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Refused.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Conversion of castle to hotel and leisure facilities at Rowallan Castle, Kilmaurs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>PLI held. Decision awaited.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Motorway Service Area at Kingswell, Fenwick (inquiry sisted at request of developer)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Withdrawn</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Motorway Service Area at Harelaw, Fenwick (inquiry sisted at request of developer)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>PLI awaited</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>House at Achnaluin, Morar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Refused.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Retail, leisure, residential etc at former East Glen and Scott Lithgow Yards, Port Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Approved</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Biotechnology Park at Gowkley Moss Farm, Milton Bridge, Penicuik</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Approved</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>House at Woodcot, Gowkley Moss, Milton Bridge, Penicuik</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Residential development at Mount Ellen Golf Club, Gartcosh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Residential development at Torrance Park, Motherwell</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Refused</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Perth &amp; Kinross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Camping and caravanning development at Balado, Kinross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>No PLI as yet at request of applicant</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>South Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Supermarket, filling station, restaurant etc at Bridgefield, Girvan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Withdrawn</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>South Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Football stadium (Ayr United) and retail development at Ayr</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149428,"EventID":"S1W-12671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6864 by Sarah Boyack on 30 May 2000, what the outcome was of the tendering exercise in relation to the contract for UK trials of el","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6864 by Sarah Boyack on 30 May 2000, what the outcome was of the tendering exercise in relation to the contract for UK trials of electronic tolling technology; what part of the cost of the contract was to be met from the Scottish Block, and whether proposals on the sharing of costs have been altered in the light of its decision not to proceed with electronic tolling trials at Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"I understand that the tendering for the UK electronic tolling trials, which is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, is expected to be completed later this year. The Executive inherited an agreement made in 1998 to participate in the trials and to contribute a maximum of £5 million towards the costs. Following our withdrawal we will not be contributing to the costs.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149429,"EventID":"S1W-12672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the First Minister intends to visit Lockerbie Primary School and Lockerbie Academy when he is next in Dumfries and Galloway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the First Minister intends to visit Lockerbie Primary School and Lockerbie Academy when he is next in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"I have no immediate plans to visit Dumfries and Galloway, but I hope that it may be possible to visit the area at some point later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149430,"EventID":"S1W-12673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in implementing the recommendations of the Knowledge Economy Task Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in implementing the recommendations of the Knowledge Economy Task Force.","AnswerText":"The conclusions of the Knowledge Economy Task Force will be reflected in the Scottish Executive report on the cross-cutting initiative on the knowledge economy which will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149431,"EventID":"S1W-12674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2801 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 18 January 2001, what steps it is taking to examine the town improvement 'one initiative operating ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2801 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 18 January 2001, what steps it is taking to examine the town improvement 'one initiative operating in England and Wales and explore whether it could be applied in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are currently examining the viability of introducing Business Improvements Districts/Town Improvement Zones in Scotland. Informal consultation has already taken place with business representative organisations. The Scottish Valuation and Rating Council are also examining the issue and are expected to report on the matter shortly. We would consult with all interested parties before any implementation is considered.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In addition, Scottish Enterprise are examining ways in which more sustainable funding for town centres could be provided.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149432,"EventID":"S1W-12675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will issue instructions or make representations to all relevant bodies to investigate the source and cause of the low frequency noise around Largs, known loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will issue instructions or make representations to all relevant bodies to investigate the source and cause of the low frequency noise around Largs, known locally as the \"Largs Hum\", and whether it has held any discussions with North Ayrshire Council on this matter.","AnswerText":"Under the Environment Protection Act 1990, each local authority must investigate complaints from residents within its area about noise to determine whether such noise amounts to a statutory nuisance. If a local authority considers there is a statutory nuisance, it can then serve an abatement notice on the noise maker and, if the noise persists, the noise maker can be prosecuted in the sheriff court.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I understand that North Ayrshire Council has made a thorough investigation of the so called &quot;Largs Hum&quot; and has concluded that the alleged noise does not amount to a statutory nuisance. Other local expert bodies have confirmed this conclusion. The Executive has also, as a result of this parliamentary question, made extensive enquiries about the issue but does not intend to intervene in this matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149433,"EventID":"S1W-12676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what response it will make to the statements by Glasgow City Council in a paper to its Policy and Resources Committee on 16 January 2001 and the Convention of Scottish L","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what response it will make to the statements by Glasgow City Council in a paper to its Policy and Resources Committee on 16 January 2001 and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities in the December 2000 issue of CoSLA Forward regarding the number of the poorest citi'ens in Glasgow and of the poorest households in Scotland who will be ineligible for assistance with water charges under its new proposals.","AnswerText":"The submission from Glasgow City Council in response to the consultation paper Affordability of Water and Sewerage Charges is presently being considered as part of the consultation process.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149434,"EventID":"S1W-12677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why sportscotland has turned down the Camanach Association's development plan proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why sportscotland has turned down the Camanach Association's development plan proposals.","AnswerText":"In the first instance, you may find it helpful to have a statement of the situation with regard to funding for shinty and shinty events.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Shinty receives considerable funding from <B>sport</B>scotland, nearly £100,000 per annum in cash and kind in recent years.<P>In addition to the £15,000 core grant which <B>sport</B>scotland provides to the Camanachd Association each year, the sport of shinty has received £500,000 for Youth sport since 1991, which includes the full-time salary of the Youth Sport Development Officer for Shinty and a financial contribution to two local development officers. It is one of only nine sports which have had the benefit of a full-time Youth Sport Development Officer.<P>Shinty has also received over £500,000 in lottery capital grants since 1995, has benefited from over £5,000 of &quot;in kind&quot; staff time for the establishment of a national coaching strategy and only last year received a further £15,000 from the lottery junior groups programme. More generally, the sport also benefits from the Sportsmatch Programme and has made 24 applications, 19 of which have been successful securing awards totalling £43,200.<B><P>sport</B>scotland is unable to provide funding for the annual Scotland v Ireland shinty/hurling match. The event is a hybrid of the two sports played in Scotland and Ireland; it is not of major international standard; and shinty has no international federation under the auspices of which recognised international competitions can take place. These factors rule out the Major Events and Talented Athletes Programmes as sources of funding. At the same time, the fact that the match is between two national teams means that it does not qualify for the Sportsmatch Programme, which provides funding for grassroots sporting activity. Shinty is not unique in this respect and national team competitions in sports such as netball and judo are also ineligible for <B>Sport</B>smatch funding. The Scottish Executive and <B>sport</B>scotland recognise the cultural significance of shinty but <B>sport</B>scotland cannot bend the criteria for funding under its various programmes to treat shinty differently and more favourably than other sports.<P>As with other sports, <B>sport</B>scotland staff have put considerable time and effort into helping with the development of shinty and will continue to do so. Before it can increase its investment in any sport, <B>sport</B>scotland needs to be satisfied that the sport has a clear and realistic plan for development and an organisational structure which can implement that plan. After careful consideration, <B>sport</B>scotland concluded that the Camanachd Association would face difficulty in implementing its development plan. <B>sport</B>scotland has, however, offered to fund an independent review of the Camanachd Association the aim of which would be to ensure the long-term success of the sport and viability of the association itself.<P>The Executive hopes that the Camanachd Association accepts <B>sport</B>scotland's offer of an independent review as this has proved successful in the case of other sports such as athletics, swimming and curling.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149435,"EventID":"S1W-12678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it expects payments to be made under the 2000-01 Countryside Premium Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it expects payments to be made under the 2000-01 Countryside Premium Scheme.","AnswerText":"The introduction of a new IT system necessary to satisfy EU requirements has led to delays in the issuing of annual management payments. The first of these payments was issued on 4 December 2000 and payments continue to be made as claims are processed. There have been no delays in the payment of claims made in respect of capital items under this scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149436,"EventID":"S1W-12679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what legal costs it has incurred in relation to the tendering of the trunk road unit contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what legal costs it has incurred in relation to the tendering of the trunk road unit contracts.","AnswerText":"Legal costs associated with recent Court of Session proceedings were awarded against the petitioners.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149437,"EventID":"S1W-12680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost of putting the trunk road unit contracts out to tender has been to date and what future costs are expected to be incurred, providing a breakdown of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost of putting the trunk road unit contracts out to tender has been to date and what future costs are expected to be incurred, providing a breakdown of all relevant costs in each case.","AnswerText":"The costs incurred to the award of the contracts are:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Assigned internal costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£437,252</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Seconded engineering staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£342,384</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Review and Audit costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£134,613</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£914,249</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The anticipated future annual costs relating to the supervision of the contracts are:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Assigned internal costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.160 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Seconded engineering staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.476 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Performance Audit Group</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.533 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£3.169 million</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In each case the figures are inclusive of VAT which has been or will be due to be paid.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149438,"EventID":"S1W-12681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9148 by Sarah Boyack on 14 September 2000, how local authorities will meet the costs of redundancy payments and any other costs rel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9148 by Sarah Boyack on 14 September 2000, how local authorities will meet the costs of redundancy payments and any other costs relating to the termination of employment to any local authority employees who lose their  employment in the event that the trunk road unit contracts are awarded to private sector bidders if it does not make additional finance available for this purpose.","AnswerText":"Trunk road contracts lie outwith the functions of local government and are not catered for in the local government financial settlement. Local authorities have known since1996 when the previous contracts were awarded that they could fail to secure the trunk road work. Some of the management work was lost in 1999. The contracts for the Operating Companies stood to be renewed in 2001. Agency agreements had been awarded without competition and could not therefore extend indefinitely.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149439,"EventID":"S1W-12682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what changes it plans to make to the process and procedures used to tender trunk road unit contracts in future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what changes it plans to make to the process and procedures used to tender trunk road unit contracts in future.","AnswerText":"Procedures for future tendering rounds will take into account experience gained during the present process.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149440,"EventID":"S1W-12683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the trunk road unit contracts due to come into effect on 1 April 2001 require three months notice under EU tendering regulations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the trunk road unit contracts due to come into effect on 1 April 2001 require three months notice under EU tendering regulations.","AnswerText":"The tendering requirements for the trunk road unit contracts due to come into effect on 1 April 2001 are set out in the Public Works Contract Regulations 1991 which implemented the EC Works Directive (93/37/EEC). There is no requirement for such a 3 month notice under these Regulations.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149441,"EventID":"S1W-12684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8984 by Sarah Boyack on 25 August 2000, whether its statement that it \"will have regard to\" the Statement of Practice on Staff Tran","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8984 by Sarah Boyack on 25 August 2000, whether its statement that it \"will have regard to\" the Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector means that it is following the recommendations of the statement; what requirements the tender documents for the trunk road unit contracts specified in relation to the protection of occupational pensions, and whether it will place a copy of any such requirements in SPICe, specifying the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had regard to the Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector. The new maintenance term contracts require the successful bidder to fulfil any obligations arising from TUPE. Each of the winning contractors has transferred affected staff under TUPE terms.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Specimen copies of the Instructions for Tendering and Part 11 of the Contract Agreement which refers to TUPE have been lodged in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149442,"EventID":"S1W-12685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it took to establish the accuracy of comments relating to the position of staff, and the terms and conditions of such staff, currently employed by local auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it took to establish the accuracy of comments relating to the position of staff, and the terms and conditions of such staff, currently employed by local authorities in connection with trunk roads maintenance attributed to staff of one of the private sector bidders for the trunk road unit contracts in Construction News on 9 November and, if these comments were correctly attributed, whether they would be contrary to any conditions to be included in the trunk road unit contracts and, if so, what action was taken in relation to these comments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognised at the outset that the comments made in Construction News on 9 November were inaccurate. The Executive issued letters to concerned councils to advise them that the articles were without foundation as no decision had at that time been taken.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149443,"EventID":"S1W-12686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to prevent local authority workers employed in connection with trunk road maintenance being made redundant in the event that private sector bids ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to prevent local authority workers employed in connection with trunk road maintenance being made redundant in the event that private sector bids for the trunk road unit contracts are successful and whether the tender documents specified that all existing staff be retained.","AnswerText":"It will be for the existing and incoming operators to decide whether there is a need for workers to be made redundant. The tender documents do not require that all existing staff be retained. Our current expectation is that the TUPE Regulations will apply.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149444,"EventID":"S1W-12687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has considered all of the points raised by trade unions about the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (as amended) in connect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has considered all of the points raised by trade unions about the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (as amended) in connection with the awarding of the trunk road unit contracts, in particular those points relating to those workers who spend most but not all of their time on trunk road work; whether private sector bidders were given information about the number of employees in respect of whom the Regulations  would apply in this instance and whether employees were given an opportunity to check that any such information is correct.","AnswerText":"Employment of existing staff and workers is a matter to be resolved between the existing and new operators and staff and their Unions. During the tender period, existing employers circulated lists of staff involved. The Scottish Executive is not aware of what notice and information has been given to employees by the several operators.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149445,"EventID":"S1W-12688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the standards of maintenance of trunk roads will change from 1 April 2001; if so, in what precise respects and whether it will decline to award contracts to any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the standards of maintenance of trunk roads will change from 1 April 2001; if so, in what precise respects and whether it will decline to award contracts to any private sector bidders for any trunk road unit contract unless it is satisfied that such bidders can provide, without a radio network, a service in winter emergency conditions which is fully comparable to the current service.","AnswerText":"The standards of maintenance contained within the new contracts are generally the same as specified in the existing contracts. In respect of the communications system specified in the contract, it is for the operators to examine carefully the technology they require to ensure safe communications across the unit. We are satisfied from the tender submissions that the contract specification will be met.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149446,"EventID":"S1W-12689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the continuity of winter roads maintenance will be affected in any way by the award of any trunk road unit contracts to private sector bidders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the continuity of winter roads maintenance will be affected in any way by the award of any trunk road unit contracts to private sector bidders.","AnswerText":"The award of contracts will secure the continuity of the levels of service of winter maintenance required by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149447,"EventID":"S1W-12690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the trunk road unit contract tender documents specified the number of snow blowers and snow ploughs which the successful contractors would be required to maintai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the trunk road unit contract tender documents specified the number of snow blowers and snow ploughs which the successful contractors would be required to maintain and whether, for each unit area, award of the contract to a private sector bidder will allow the number of such vehicles to be reduced.","AnswerText":"The tender documents did not specify the type and number of plant which contractors have to provide for winter maintenance. The contractors are bound to meet the specification for the level of service set out in the contract. The Executive required bidders to declare, as part of their tenders, the minimum plant which they proposed to provide, where the proposed depots would be situated and the details of proposed gritting routes so that an assessment could be made of whether the service level could be met. The contracts require the declared plant to be provided, but the provision of that plant does not absolve the companies from the requirement to meet the specification for service level and the resource level necessary to achieve the specification. Snow ploughs and blowers will be provided in each of the new units.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149448,"EventID":"S1W-12691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to revise Police (CC) Circular No. 3/1990, Investigations of Complaints of Domestic Assault. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to revise Police (CC) Circular No. 3/1990, Investigations of Complaints of Domestic Assault. ","AnswerText":"The need to produce a new police circular on domestic abuse will be considered in the context of the National Strategy to address Domestic Abuse in Scotland, which is working on the development and circulation of good practice guidelines and service standards and their adoption by public, private and voluntary sector organisations across the country.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149449,"EventID":"S1W-12692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault were prosecuted through sheriff courts in (i) 1998-99 and (ii) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault were prosecuted through sheriff courts in (i) 1998-99 and (ii) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149450,"EventID":"S1W-12693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault were brought before sheriff courts between 1992 and 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault were brought before sheriff courts between 1992 and 1997.","AnswerText":"The information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149451,"EventID":"S1W-12694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to prosecute all cases of domestic violence through sheriff courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to prosecute all cases of domestic violence through sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to prosecute all cases of domestic violence in the sheriff court. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will continue to consider each case on its individual facts and circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149452,"EventID":"S1W-12695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce specialised domestic violence courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce specialised domestic violence courts.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to implementing the Action Plan in the <I>National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland</I>. This will include a review of legislation and legal processes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149453,"EventID":"S1W-12696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current average length of time is from charges being brought against an offender of domestic assault to the date of verdict.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current average length of time is from charges being brought against an offender of domestic assault to the date of verdict.","AnswerText":"There is no available information about the average length of time for a case of domestic assault to progress through the criminal justice system, from charge by the police to verdict.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Procurator Fiscal Service has set a target in its Strategic Plan for 2000-03, where an accused is not in custody, to take and implement decisions in 80% of all cases within seven weeks of receipt of an offence report, and to issue a summary complaint citation for a first diet hearing to be held within nine weeks of receipt. The scheduling of diets thereafter is for the local sheriff clerk.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In custody and in solemn cases, the investigation and prosecution of offences is subject to strict statutory time limits.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149454,"EventID":"S1W-12697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that cases of domestic assault are dealt with as quickly as possible through the criminal justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that cases of domestic assault are dealt with as quickly as possible through the criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"Internal departmental guidance to prosecutors emphasises the effect that delay can have on a victim's resolve and instructs Procurators Fiscal to seek an early diet of trial, wherever possible.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Where an early trial diet has been requested, the court will fix as early a date as possible having regard to the availability of diets and of the witnesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149455,"EventID":"S1W-12698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault resulted in a guilty disposition between February 1998 and February 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault resulted in a guilty disposition between February 1998 and February 2000.","AnswerText":"The information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149456,"EventID":"S1W-12699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what types of evidence the police take into account when seeking corroborative evidence in cases of domestic assault.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what types of evidence the police take into account when seeking corroborative evidence in cases of domestic assault.","AnswerText":"The types of evidence the police take into account when seeking corroborative evidence in cases of domestic assault are no different from those in any other type of crime, although such evidence can be more difficult to obtain for a number of reasons. The police will take a statement from the victim and any eye witnesses, although it is less likely in such cases that there will be eye witnesses. Statements would also be sought from neighbours and from children present in the house, if appropriate. Police officers attending domestic incidents can also give evidence about what they found when they arrived at the locus, the condition of the victim, the actions of the accused and so on. In addition, physical evidence can be sought, such as photographs of injuries, medical statements about injuries and expert evidence about how injuries could have been caused. DNA, fingerprint and analysis of, for example, bloodstains can also be used, as can previous history evidence from police records.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149457,"EventID":"S1W-12700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault were dropped by the Procurators Fiscal because of a lack of evidence in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of domestic assault were dropped by the Procurators Fiscal because of a lack of evidence in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149458,"EventID":"S1W-12701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many charges of domestic assault there were in each year between 1990 and 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many charges of domestic assault there were in each year between 1990 and 2000.","AnswerText":"There is no specific charge of &quot;domestic assault&quot;. However, statistics on domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland are contained in the Scottish Executive Statistical Bulletin (CrJ/2000/5), published in August 2000, a copy of which is available in SPICe (Bib. no. 1770). The bulletin presents statistics on incidents of domestic abuse returned by the eight Scottish police forces between 1 April and 31 December 1999. This is the first time that such data has been collated.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149459,"EventID":"S1W-12702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times on average women are assaulted before they contact the police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times on average women are assaulted before they contact the police.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently conducting research in the area of domestic abuse. However, according to Yearnshire S (1997) &quot;Analysis of cohort&quot; published in Bewley S, Friend J, and Mezey G <I>Violence Against Women,</I> London, RCOG Press, in the context of domestic abuse it has been estimated that, on average, women are assaulted 35 times before they contact the police.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149460,"EventID":"S1W-12703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of all victims of sexual assault were children, in each year since 1993.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of all victims of sexual assault were children, in each year since 1993.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime statistics collected centrally do not include information on the victims of the crimes and therefore cannot distinguish those crimes of sexual assault where the victims were children. The only information available derives from some internal research covering crimes of child sexual abuse recorded by the police in a three-month period. This research suggests that, although recorded crimes of child sexual abuse are rare, they represent a substantial proportion of crimes of indecency recorded by the police. The available information is given in the following table:<P>Crimes of indecency<SUP>1</SUP> recorded by the police in Scotland,<P>1 January - 31 March 1999<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">All victims</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Children</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Per cent of crimes against children</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Rape</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">188</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Indecent assault</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">320</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">86</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lewd &amp; libidinous practices</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">396</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">315</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Indecent exposure</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">215</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">37</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sexual intercourse with a girl under 16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">102<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Other</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">42</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>TOTAL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,232</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">621</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Notes:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1. Offences related to prostitution are excluded. <FONT SIZE=2><P>2. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>By definition, sexual intercourse with a girl under 16 is child sexual abuse. The information collected for the research was extracted","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149461,"EventID":"S1W-12704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimates exist on what proportion of women with disabilities will be sexually assaulted at some point during their life.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimates exist on what proportion of women with disabilities will be sexually assaulted at some point during their life.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149462,"EventID":"S1W-12705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what mechanisms are in place to enable national information sharing on domestic violence issues between it, non-governmental organisations, front-line workers and academ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what mechanisms are in place to enable national information sharing on domestic violence issues between it, non-governmental organisations, front-line workers and academics.","AnswerText":"The Action Plan of the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland includes a recommendation to develop links between local groups and the national group through information sharing and dissemination of good practice.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As a first step the Scottish Executive is organising a Conference on the National Strategy to take place on 13 February 2001, to which non-governmental organisations, and local and national service providers have been invited.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149463,"EventID":"S1W-12706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research it is currently carrying out or planning to carry out on issues surrounding domestic violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research it is currently carrying out or planning to carry out on issues surrounding domestic violence.","AnswerText":"Reid-Howie Associates have been contracted to carry out an evaluation of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's &quot;Respect&quot; educational package, which will be piloted in schools and youth groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow from February 2001. The report of the research will be completed by 31 July 2001.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In addition, I have asked the Central Research Unit to commission research into male victims of domestic abuse. This research is likely to commence in the summer, with the final report being available early next year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149464,"EventID":"S1W-12707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to complete a national survey to measure the extent of domestic violence across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to complete a national survey to measure the extent of domestic violence across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Crime Survey (SCS) collects information on the extent of domestic violence from a nationally representative sample of adults living in private households across Scotland. The Survey is carried out approximately every four years, the most recent being in 2000. Its main purpose is to provide an alternative indicator to police statistics of the volume and distribution of crime. The survey also includes a set of questions, which are completed by all respondents (male and female) aged 16-59, specifically focusing on force and threats from partners and ex-partners. Self-completion questionnaires were obtained from around 3,000 adults in the 2000 SCS. The Scottish Executive is to carry out a review of the SCS and this will consider, among other matters, whether the Survey should be run more frequently.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149465,"EventID":"S1W-12708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to fund programmes aimed at reducing violence against people with disabilities and against people from ethnic minorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to fund programmes aimed at reducing violence against people with disabilities and against people from ethnic minorities.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering the development in Scotland of the RaceActionNet Directory on Racial Harassment. The Directory is designed to provide a range of multi-disciplinary contacts up to date knowledge and new ideas for individuals and organisations committed to combating racial abuse and attacks and to support victims. Additionally, organisations may apply for funding from the Scottish Executive 'Make Our Communities Safer' Challenge Competition for such programmes. Indeed, we have received several applications in the current round of the Competition which aim to tackle racist crime. The Scottish Executive has also committed substantial funding to the 'Safer Scotland' Campaign which involved all eight Scottish police forces and the British Transport Police in a number of collaborative initiatives to reduce violence in our communities. The Campaign which started in October 2000 has resulted in a considerable reduction in the number of certain types of violent crime compared with the figures for the corresponding period in the previous year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149466,"EventID":"S1W-12709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much funding it is planning to devote to research surrounding domestic violence issues in each of the next five years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much funding it is planning to devote to research surrounding domestic violence issues in each of the next five years. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Central Research Unit is in the process of developing its Crime and Criminal Justice Research Programme for 2001-2004. The Programme will, in due course, be presented to Ministers for approval. It is not, therefore, possible at this stage to say what research will be commissioned over the next 5 years and how much will be earmarked for research on domestic violence. Currently, the Scottish Executive is funding an evaluation of the Zero Tolerance 'Respect' pilot. The research commenced in December 2000 and will run until July 2001. There is also a proposal to commission research into domestic abuse against men in early Spring 2001, to run until December 2001. The costs of individual research studies are not normally published as this could contravene commercial confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149467,"EventID":"S1W-12710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many treatment programmes for perpetrators of domestic abuse it is currently funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many treatment programmes for perpetrators of domestic abuse it is currently funding.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-10179 on 30 October.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149468,"EventID":"S1W-12711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of serious assault of women there were in each year from 1993 to 1999 inclusive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of serious assault of women there were in each year from 1993 to 1999 inclusive.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime statistics collected centrally do not include information on the victims of the crimes and therefore cannot distinguish those crimes of assault where the victims were women. The only information available comes from the Scottish Crime Survey (SCS) which collects information through interviews with a sample of 5,000 adults resident in households across Scotland. The Survey is conducted approximately every four years.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Survey does not distinguish between serious and petty assault because of difficulties with accurately categorising such crimes. The results of the 2000 Survey suggest that assaults against women are rare (only 1.2% of women said they had been assaulted in 1999), but that many of these victims are repeatedly assaulted. The results given below are for all assaults against women in 1992, 1995 and 2000. They are presented as rates per 10,000 women in the population in order to remove any effect that changing population rates may have on crime levels.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Rates of assault on women, 1992-1999 <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=347><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Rate per 10,000 women</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>234</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>250</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>256</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Source: 1993, 1996 and 2000 Scottish Crime Surveys","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149469,"EventID":"S1W-12712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of spousal homicide there were from 1978 to 1999 inclusive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of spousal homicide there were from 1978 to 1999 inclusive.","AnswerText":"The information requested is detailed in the following table. The figures shown include all cases where the main accused was the spouse, separated/divorced spouse or cohabitee of the victim.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Homicide victims<SUP>1</SUP> where main accused was the spouse of the victim<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=200><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of victims</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1978</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1980</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1981</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1982</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1983</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1984</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1985</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1986</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1988</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1989</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1991</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"A","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149470,"EventID":"S1W-12713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research into public awareness and perceptions of domestic violence it or the Scottish Office have carried out over the past 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research into public awareness and perceptions of domestic violence it or the Scottish Office have carried out over the past 10 years.","AnswerText":"Research into public awareness and perceptions of domestic abuse was carried out by the Scottish Office in 1994, following the first domestic abuse advertising campaign. Similarly, research was carried out prior to the 1998-99 advertising campaign and repeated afterwards in order to gauge changes in attitudes. This research was repeated after the 1999-2000 campaign and will be carried out after the end of the current campaign on 31 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149471,"EventID":"S1W-12714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to carry out research into attitudes and perceptions of domestic violence before, during and after the development of the National Strategy to Address ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to carry out research into attitudes and perceptions of domestic violence before, during and after the development of the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As stated in my replies to questions S1W-12713 and S1W-12706, the Scottish Executive is carrying out evaluation research of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's &quot;Respect&quot; educational package. This research will involve asking children and young people, as well as their teachers and youth workers, about their knowledge of, and attitudes to domestic abuse. In addition, research will shortly be carried out into attitudes and perceptions of the general public, in association with the current domestic abuse advertising campaign.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland will shortly be established to oversee the implementation of the National Strategy. Decisions about future research will be taken by this group.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149472,"EventID":"S1W-12715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what structures are in place to ensure that its departments co-ordinate efforts to reduce the incidence of domestic violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what structures are in place to ensure that its departments co-ordinate efforts to reduce the incidence of domestic violence.","AnswerText":"The Crime Prevention Unit of the Justice Department co-ordinates the work of Scottish Executive departments in tackling domestic abuse.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149473,"EventID":"S1W-12716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the latest estimated annual economic cost is of domestic violence in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the latest estimated annual economic cost is of domestic violence in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149474,"EventID":"S1W-12717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, following his resignation on 1 December 2000, Mr Ron Smith, the former Chief Executive of the Common Services Agency of the National Health Service in Scotland,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, following his resignation on 1 December 2000, Mr Ron Smith, the former Chief Executive of the Common Services Agency of the National Health Service in Scotland, has received or is to receive any termination payment relative to the termination of his contract of employment over and above normal entitlements to salary, holiday pay and related matters accrued to that date.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Common Services Agency. However, I understand from the Common Services Agency that any payment to Mr Smith will not be over and above any normal contractual entitlement on termination of a contract.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149475,"EventID":"S1W-12718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any claim for compensation in respect of the termination of the contract of employment for Mr Ron Smith, the former Chief Executive of the Common Services Agency","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any claim for compensation in respect of the termination of the contract of employment for Mr Ron Smith, the former Chief Executive of the Common Services Agency of the National Health Service in Scotland, has been initiated by him or on his behalf.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Common Agency. However, I understand from the Common Services Agency that no claim has been initiated.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149476,"EventID":"S1W-12719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11701 by Rhona Brankin on 8 January 2001, whether it will detail the enquiries that have been made as to whether dogs are used unde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11701 by Rhona Brankin on 8 January 2001, whether it will detail the enquiries that have been made as to whether dogs are used underground for pest control purposes on land under its ownership or control and whether it will list (a) all estates under its ownership or control and (b) the estates in respect of which enquiries have been made.","AnswerText":"In order to answer the previous question, enquiries were made of the Headquarters of The Forestry Commission, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency along with the Estate Management section of the Scottish Executive itself. The Agricultural Staff of the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department who are responsible for managing Ministers land settlement estates (99% of which is tenanted croft land) were also consulted. These bodies account for some 800,000 hectares of land owned or controlled by the Scottish Executive. No individual enquiries were made of any specific estate or croft.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149477,"EventID":"S1W-12720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11898 by Sarah Boyack on 27 December 2000, what specific measures through the Scottish passenger rail franchise it will take to ens","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11898 by Sarah Boyack on 27 December 2000, what specific measures through the Scottish passenger rail franchise it will take to ensure that the rolling stock for rural services and less profitable lines is of a high standard and of the same standard as that used on more profitable and popular lines.","AnswerText":"We intend that our directions and guidance for the renewal of the Scottish passenger rail franchise will include references to improving the overall quality and specification of rolling stock in use across the entire Scottish passenger railway network. These references will not, however, specify the type of vehicle to be used on particular routes.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149478,"EventID":"S1W-12721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consideration it is giving to the possible return of the control of the common good fund to local community councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consideration it is giving to the possible return of the control of the common good fund to local community councils.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to change the current arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149479,"EventID":"S1W-12722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many police officers there were in each division covering Glasgow parliamentary constituencies on (a) 1 January 1997 and (b) 1 January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many police officers there were in each division covering Glasgow parliamentary constituencies on (a) 1 January 1997 and (b) 1 January 2001.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149480,"EventID":"S1W-12723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Campaign for a New Victoria postcards the Minister for Health and Community Care has received to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Campaign for a New Victoria postcards the Minister for Health and Community Care has received to date.","AnswerText":"As at 31 January, the Executive has received around 550 postcards from members of the public campaigning for a new Victoria Infirmary. The Department has asked Greater Glasgow Health Board to consider these, since public consultation on the review of acute services is a matter in the first place for the board.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149481,"EventID":"S1W-12724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Grant Aided Expenditure settlement was for Argyll and Bute Council for 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Grant Aided Expenditure settlement was for Argyll and Bute Council for 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The local government finance settlements are based on Aggregate External Finance (AEF) or Scottish Executive grant. Argyll &amp; Bute Council received AEF of £108.035 million in 1997-98, £107.728 million in 1998-99 and £110.884 million in 1999-2000.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>GAE assessments are calculations of councils' relative need to spend on services. They are not resources available to councils. Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) assessments are listed in the document &quot;Grant Aided Expenditure&quot; which is published for each year. Copies are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. no. 8455 for 1997-98, 8140 for 1998-99 and 3274 for 1999-2000).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149482,"EventID":"S1W-12725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Grant Aided Expenditure Figure will be for Argyll and Bute Council for the next three years with level playing field support and Better Neighbourhood support als","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Grant Aided Expenditure Figure will be for Argyll and Bute Council for the next three years with level playing field support and Better Neighbourhood support also included.","AnswerText":"I refer George Lyon to my answer to question S1W-12724 concerning Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) and Aggregate External Finance (AEF). AEF (including level playing field support and Better Neighbourhoods Services Fund) for Argyll &amp; Bute Council will be £121.354 million, £127.788 million and £132.781 million (2001-02 to 2003-04 respectively). Argyll &amp; Bute will also receive £0.420 million in 2001-02 from the Modernising Government Fund.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149483,"EventID":"S1W-12726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the outcome of the tendering exercise for the maintenance of trunk roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the outcome of the tendering exercise for the maintenance of trunk roads.","AnswerText":"Tenders for the competition for the four units were received by the Scottish Executive on 30 October and have subsequently been assessed. I can today announce the intention to award four new contracts worth £350 million over five years from 1 April 2001. Subject to completion of an urgent independent review of one aspect of the assessment process which has featured prominently in recent proceedings in the Court of Session, i.e. the use of tender assessment quantities, the contracts will be awarded to BEAR Scotland Limited for the North East and North West Units and to AMEY Highways Ltd for the South East and South West Units. The companies involved already have a substantial record of successful provision of trunk road maintenance in England and Scotland.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The review will be undertaken by Halcrow, in association with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. I expect it to take no more than seven days, and I am confident that that it will confirm that the processes followed in assessing quantities were both fair and reasonable. The contracts will be awarded when the review is complete, but the new companies will only take over responsibility on the roads on 1 April. The intervening period will be spent in the essential work of developing plans and systems and procuring the necessary plant, depots and staff required to carry out the work.<P>Under the terms of the competition, the new companies are responsible for any obligations for staff which arise under TUPE. We expect TUPE to apply.<P>It is customary to publish in the Official Journal of the European Community details of the outcome of public sector competitions. In the case of these competitions each bidder was required to demonstrate that their proposals for the contract would meet a quality benchmark. Each bidder satisfied that requirement and therefore an assessment of the rates and prices quoted was made against a predetermined volume of work and subjected to a number of sensitivity tests to provide an overall comparative cost for each tender. The names of each bidder for each competition are set out below, in alphabetical order, and the overall comparative costs of the tenders received for the five-year core duration of each contract are set out in numerically increasing order. The actual value of the contracts over this period will depend on the volume of work ordered within each unit.<U><P>North West Unit</U><P>Bids were received from the following contractors:<P>Accord<P>BEAR Scotland Ltd (Babtie Group Ltd, Enstone Thistle Ltd and Ringway Group Ltd)<P>Caledonian Roads (Local Authority Consortium)<P>Link Roads (Balfour Beatty and Mott MacDonald)<P>The assessed overall comparative costs of tenders were:<P>£104,975,174 <P>£124,136,868<P>£168,190,613<P>£180,013,104<U><P>North East Unit</U><P>Bids were received from the following tenderers:<P>ACTim(Atkins, Carillion and Thorburn Colquhoun)<P>BEAR Scotland Ltd<P>NE Roads (Colas)<P>Neulink (Local Authority Consortium PPP with Mouchel)<P>The overall comparative costs of the tenders are:<P>£75,822,374<P>£91,371,288<P>£93,439,545<P>£100,095,522<U><P>South East Unit</U><P>Bids were received from the following tenderers:<P>ACTim<P>AMEY Highways Ltd<P>Lowland Roads (Local Authority Consortium)<P>Total Road Care (Morrison and Mouchel)<P>The overall comparative costs of tender are:<P>£56,013,419<P>£91,628,894<P>£95,167,760<P>£96,474,835<U><P>South West Unit</U><P>Bids were received from the following tenderers:<P>AMEY Highways Ltd<P>Clyde Solway (Local Authority Consortium)<P>Link Roads<P>Nuttall<P>The overall comparative costs of tender are:<P>£99,953,997<P>£150,137,513<P>£164,307,240<P>£225,283,948","AnswerDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149484,"EventID":"S1W-12727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to assess the applicability in Scotland of Bristol City Council's decision to allow Internet voting in the referendum currently taking place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to assess the applicability in Scotland of Bristol City Council's decision to allow Internet voting in the referendum currently taking place.","AnswerText":"The results of the referendum in Bristol showed that 2.68% of the total votes cast were done so by internet as opposed to 94.18% by post. Whilst there are no current plans to introduce alternative methods of voting in local government elections in Scotland, this is an area which we will keep under review within the wider agenda of modernising Government.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149485,"EventID":"S1W-12728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has conducted into the potential impact of the local loop unbundling process on rural economies and what steps it is taking to make rural businesses awar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has conducted into the potential impact of the local loop unbundling process on rural economies and what steps it is taking to make rural businesses aware of the findings of any such studies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned Scottish Enterprise and Highlands &amp; Island Enterprise to collaborate on a study to investigate the potential impact of unbundling across Scotland. We will make the results of this study available to businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149486,"EventID":"S1W-12729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11900 by Sarah Boyack on 27 December 2000, what specific systems of audit and accountability will be applicable to the Strategic Ra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11900 by Sarah Boyack on 27 December 2000, what specific systems of audit and accountability will be applicable to the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"As a Non-Departmental Public Body, established by the Transport Act 2000, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will be subject to external audit. Accountability for funding of the SRA by the Scottish Executive for the Scottish passenger rail franchise will be included in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' Accounts Direction and financial framework for the authority. The financial framework takes account of the requirements of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149487,"EventID":"S1W-12730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has conducted into the risks of having its websites \"hacked\" and what measures it is taking to ensure that any such attacks are not successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has conducted into the risks of having its websites \"hacked\" and what measures it is taking to ensure that any such attacks are not successful.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive commissioned a study in August 2000, by an external company specialising in web security, to identify what if any vulnerability existed on its website. The Scottish Executive maintains a high level of IT security vigilance and keeps countermeasures under continuous review.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149488,"EventID":"S1W-12731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to ban, on safety grounds, mobile telephone masts on land it owns in the light of the decision by Kent County Council to do likewise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to ban, on safety grounds, mobile telephone masts on land it owns in the light of the decision by Kent County Council to do likewise.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149489,"EventID":"S1W-12733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the City of Edinburgh Council has been asked to promote a Road Closure Order for Holyrood Road and, if so, how far such a request has been progressed by the counci","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the City of Edinburgh Council has been asked to promote a Road Closure Order for Holyrood Road and, if so, how far such a request has been progressed by the council.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that the application for the closure of Holyrood Road was submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) on 17 October 2000. I understand that the application has been discussed by the CEC Development Control Sub Committee, who have in turn referred it to the Scottish Executive Transportation Committee for consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149490,"EventID":"S1W-12734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional (i) undergraduate and diploma nurse student, (ii) undergraduate physiotherapy student, (iii) undergraduate podiatry student, (iv) undergraduate occupa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional (i) undergraduate and diploma nurse student, (ii) undergraduate physiotherapy student, (iii) undergraduate podiatry student, (iv) undergraduate occupational therapy student and (v) undergraduate speech language therapy student places are expected to be created in 2001-02 as a result of the 8% increase in funding for higher education set out by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 23 November 2000.","AnswerText":"The allocation of places to particular courses or institutions is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council taking into account advice on workforce needs identified. The detailed allocation for 2001-02 academic year will be announced by SHEFC in March.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In respect of nursing, this only applies to undergraduate courses funded by SHEFC. Most pre-registration nursing courses are funded by the Scottish Executive Health Department, with student places planned separately.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149491,"EventID":"S1W-12735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12097 by Colin Boyd QC on 16 January 2001, how many reports relating to the illegal smuggling of tobacco were made to Procurators F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12097 by Colin Boyd QC on 16 January 2001, how many reports relating to the illegal smuggling of tobacco were made to Procurators Fiscal by police, Customs and Excise or any body in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Offences involving tobacco smuggling are investigated and reported by HM Customs and Excise.  They are not separately recorded in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service system.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149492,"EventID":"S1W-12736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much EQUAL funding will be allocated to Scotland on an annual basis, in total and broken down by  project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much EQUAL funding will be allocated to Scotland on an annual basis, in total and broken down by  project.","AnswerText":"The allocated resources available to support the EQUAL Community Initiative for the years 2001 to 2006 amount to €365 million (approximately £234 million) for Great Britain as a whole. A separate Scottish allocation amounting to €31,730 million (approximately £20 million) has been agreed for the seven thematic priorities which will be administered by the Scottish Executive as Managing Authority. Scottish organisations will also have access to the asylum seekers thematic priority, which will be administered at the UK level.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">It is not possible to identify the estimated annual expenditure, as expenditure will vary from year to year depending upon the nature of the activities to be supported.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The detail of financial allocations to individual projects will depend upon the Development Partnerships which come forward in the call for applications which is expected to be issued in June 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149493,"EventID":"S1W-12737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what methodology will be used to evaluate and collate details of the socio-economic backgrounds of people participating in individual learning accounts through learndire","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what methodology will be used to evaluate and collate details of the socio-economic backgrounds of people participating in individual learning accounts through learndirect scotland and what types of courses these accounts will be used for.","AnswerText":"A range of data is being collected to enable us to assess over time the use made of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) and the key characteristics of ILA holders, including age group, gender, occupation, area of residence and type, subject and level of learning undertaken.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The data will reflect both the universal character of the scheme and its promotion, in particular, to the socially excluded and those in SMEs. Key statistics will be provided to the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee during the review of the operation of the scheme in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149494,"EventID":"S1W-12738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many individual learning accounts have been (a) applied for and (b) granted to date and what percentage of accounts have been paid for by credit card.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many individual learning accounts have been (a) applied for and (b) granted to date and what percentage of accounts have been paid for by credit card.","AnswerText":"To the end of December 2000 a total of 34,361 applications from Scotland for an Individual Learning Account (ILA) have been received, of which 34,192 have been granted.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Details of the method by which ILA holders pay their individual contribution to the cost of their learning are not collected.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149495,"EventID":"S1W-12739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the decision to tender the contracts for the management and maintenance of the trunk road network was required by either European or British law; whether it is l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the decision to tender the contracts for the management and maintenance of the trunk road network was required by either European or British law; whether it is legally necessary to award the contracts as tendered or whether it is possible to review and re-tender them, and whether it would be legally competent to continue with the existing contracts or to replace them with a temporary negotiated arrangement with the existing providers, to allow for any new contracts to be subject to parliamentary scrutiny.","AnswerText":"The tendering of the contracts was required by the relevant EC Directive implemented in domestic law by the 1991 Regulations. Failure to award the contracts as tendered could expose the Scottish Executive to damages claims. Only the 5 existing Managing Agent contracts under which two private sector and three local authority consortia provide management services for the rural networks outwith the central belt, can clearly be extended. Such an extension would not deliver maintenance services of itself.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149496,"EventID":"S1W-12740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many council houses (a) there were in total and (b) were available for letting in each Glasgow parliamentary constituency as at (i) 1 January 1997 and (ii) 1 January","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many council houses (a) there were in total and (b) were available for letting in each Glasgow parliamentary constituency as at (i) 1 January 1997 and (ii) 1 January 2001.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold information on council housing stock within parliamentary constituencies. On the basis of returns from the council, the total local authority housing stock in Glasgow at 31 March 1997 was estimated to be 105,035 and at 31 March 2000 it was estimated to be 92,216.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149497,"EventID":"S1W-12741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999 and (iii) 2000, broken down by health board area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999 and (iii) 2000, broken down by health board area","AnswerText":"The numbers of newly diagnosed cases of mesothelioma registered for each health board, for the years 1995, 1996 and 1997 (the most recent years for which completed information is  available) are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=512><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year of diagnosis</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Health Board of residence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><F","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149498,"EventID":"S1W-12742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much each health board spent on the treatment of those suffering from mesothelioma in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much each health board spent on the treatment of those suffering from mesothelioma in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Information is not available in the format requested. My response to question S1W-11268 provides the background to funding decisions by health boards.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149499,"EventID":"S1W-12743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on research into the treatment of and possible cures for mesothelioma in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000 and how much is expected to be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on research into the treatment of and possible cures for mesothelioma in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000 and how much is expected to be spent in 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Details of expenditure on all research into the treatment and possible cures for mesothelioma are not held centrally.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHSScotland. CSO is not currently funding any research into the treatment of and possible cures for mesothelioma but would be pleased to receive research applications which would be subject to the usual peer group and committee review.<P>Cancer is one of three clinical priorities for the NHSScotland and a specific research priority. The Executive's approach to cancer research in general is set out in my answer to S1W-10110.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149500,"EventID":"S1W-12744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what auditing has been carried out of the use by local authorities of section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 or former section 50 agreements; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what auditing has been carried out of the use by local authorities of section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 or former section 50 agreements; whether any evidence has been found either of local authorities seeking benefits unrelated in nature, scale or kind to proposed developments or of developers offering unrelated benefits or inducements to obtain favourable decisions and whether any such evidence would require the development of notification procedures for the proposed use of section 75 agreements.","AnswerText":"The most recent analysis of information held by the Executive relating to section 75 agreements was published in the <I>Report of the Targets Working Group </I>in October 1999. A copy of the report is available in the Parliaments Reference Centre.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive commissioned research into <I>The Use and Effectiveness of Planning Agreements </I>in July 2000. Output from this research should be available within the next few months.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Executive has no present evidence of inappropriate use of such agreements.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149501,"EventID":"S1W-12745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the current advice to procurators fiscal on planning enforcement was issued; whether a copy of any such advice has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Informatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the current advice to procurators fiscal on planning enforcement was issued; whether a copy of any such advice has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre; whether any audit of practice has been carried out in relation to the enforcement of planning decisions through the courts; whether it is content that the full range of powers available in theory to planning authorities is available and working effectively in practice; when planning authorities were last asked for their views on the effectiveness of the legal system in relation to planning enforcement and what the findings of any such consultation were.","AnswerText":"Comprehensive guidance was issued to Procurators Fiscal in 1994 and updated guidance has been issued since then to take account of developments in legislation and case law. A new edition of the comprehensive guidance, consolidating developments since 1994, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is at present with key consultees for comment. This guidance contains instructions on behalf of the Lord Advocate. As such it is confidential and has not been lodged with the Parliament's Reference Centre.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Research on planning enforcement was carried out on behalf of The Scottish Office in 1996-97. This involved a survey of all planning authorities and discussions with the Crown Office and included collating details of prosecutions sought. Overall, there were few concerns about the comprehensiveness of the powers available, but this was offset by reluctance to deploy some of them in practice. One of the recommendations in the research report was that revised guidance should be issued to planning authorities on the use of enforcement powers, and this was done in March 1999. A copy of this guidance has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149502,"EventID":"S1W-12746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit (SEIRU) or its Planning Audit Unit monitor the level of successful appeals against either refusal of planning perm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit (SEIRU) or its Planning Audit Unit monitor the level of successful appeals against either refusal of planning permission or the imposition of planning conditions in each local authority area and what steps SEIRU or its Development Department have taken to assist any local authorities found to be experiencing unusually high levels of sustained appeals.","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit (SEIRU) nor the Planning Audit Unit undertake the monitoring described. As set out in Paragraph 65 of National Planning Policy Guideline 1, it is for individual local authorities to review their performance at appeal and take action as appropriate. In recent times, SEIRU has led a number of training seminars for both councillors and officers. These have been intended to enable more effective participation by planning authorities in the appeal process. More general training is also given by providing speakers from SEIRU for conferences and seminars attended by planning staff from both the public and private sectors.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149503,"EventID":"S1W-12747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what audit has taken place, or is proposed, to assess the effectiveness of local authorities in involving the public and relevant community and interest groups in the pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what audit has taken place, or is proposed, to assess the effectiveness of local authorities in involving the public and relevant community and interest groups in the planning process.","AnswerText":"This issue will be considered in a forthcoming consultation exercise on how to secure effective public involvement in the planning system. The consultation will take account of good practice and draw on recent research projects on Advertising Planning Proposals, Access to Planning Information and One-Stop Shops.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149504,"EventID":"S1W-12748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to audit the effectiveness of local authorities in using information and communications technology to receive planning applications and representations","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to audit the effectiveness of local authorities in using information and communications technology to receive planning applications and representations and to display relevant material on their websites as suggested in paragraph 75 of National Planning Policy Guidelines No.1 (revised 2000).","AnswerText":"I have asked officials to review the scope for further exploitation of information and communications technology (ICT) in the planning system as part of the forthcoming consultation exercise to improve public involvement. The progress made by planning authorities in using ICT in the planning system is considered during audits of individual councils.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149505,"EventID":"S1W-12749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to follow the advice given to local authorities in paragraph 75 of National Planning Policy Guidelines No.1 (revised 2000) itself, particularly in rel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to follow the advice given to local authorities in paragraph 75 of National Planning Policy Guidelines No.1 (revised 2000) itself, particularly in relation to notifiable applications and notices of intention to develop, its own decisions on calling in the said applications and notices, the decisions and recommendations of its Inquiry Reporters' Unit on called in or appealed planning decisions and its own decisions on structure and local plans.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering how best the type of information referred to could be made available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149506,"EventID":"S1W-12750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will clarify the respective roles of the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture, the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit and officials of its Deve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will clarify the respective roles of the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture, the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit and officials of its Development Department in reaching decisions on whether notified planning applications and notices of intention to develop by planning authorities should be called in for determination and whether such decisions are taken sufficiently independently of its role in creating development policy and guidance to ensure that applicants are treated fairly by the planning system.","AnswerText":"Decisions on planning cases coming before the Scottish Ministers may be taken either by Ministers or, under delegated authority, by officials. All decisions are, however, taken in the name of the Scottish Ministers. The power to take such decisions derives from the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and relevant subordinate legislation. I am satisfied that all such decisions are taken in a manner which ensures that applicants are treated fairly by the planning system.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149507,"EventID":"S1W-12751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all applications for scheduled monument consent are determined by Historic Scotland or whether it is open to Scottish Ministers to take decisions; whether decisi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all applications for scheduled monument consent are determined by Historic Scotland or whether it is open to Scottish Ministers to take decisions; whether decisions on scheduled monument applications referred to a public inquiry are delegated to its Inquiry Reporters Unit or can be taken personally by Scottish Ministers and whether Scottish Ministers have taken any such decisions personally since acquiring their powers and to provide details.","AnswerText":"The power to determine applications for scheduled monument consent rests with Scottish Ministers (previously the Secretary of State) by virtue of section 2 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. In practice Historic Scotland, which is an executive agency of the Scottish Executive, issues provisional decisions on all such applications, on behalf of Scottish Ministers, which, if accepted by the applicant, become the final decision.<P>Following issue of the provisional decision, an applicant can request that the application be examined through public local enquiry. Decisions on applications which have been the subject of a public local inquiry are taken by Scottish Ministers and are not delegated to the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit. The Inquiry Reporters Unit is responsible only for making the arrangements for the inquiry. Since 1 July 1999 no scheduled monument consent applications have been the subject of a public local inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149508,"EventID":"S1W-12752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance is issued to local authorities who operate joint structure plans on the creation of dedicated structure plan units; whether such authorities now operate su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance is issued to local authorities who operate joint structure plans on the creation of dedicated structure plan units; whether such authorities now operate such units and, if not, whether any audit has been undertaken or is proposed into any differential performance between those joint structure plan authorities which do, and those who do not, operate such dedicated units.","AnswerText":"No such guidance has been issued. The Councils which make up the Ayrshire structure plan area and the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley structure plan area have set up both joint Committees and joint structure plan units. Other planning authorities that are charged with carrying out jointly their structure plan functions have not made such arrangements. The experience of these different approaches will be considered during the current review of strategic planning arrangements in Scotland.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Executive Planning Audit Unit is examining the way councils are discharging their development planning functions. Comparisons of performance may be possible when sufficient audits have been undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149509,"EventID":"S1W-12753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has conducted, or plans to conduct, any audit into the impact of increased public consultation and participation on the achievement by local authorities of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has conducted, or plans to conduct, any audit into the impact of increased public consultation and participation on the achievement by local authorities of the timescales it recommends for preparing development plans and determining planning applications.","AnswerText":"I announced last November that public involvement in planning will be the subject of a consultation paper to be issued later this year. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Meanwhile the Executive's Planning Audit Unit is continuing its programme of audits of selected planning authorities' development control service and development planning functions. The Planning Audit Unit aims to identify areas of good practice and poor performance and the factors affecting performance.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Executive continues to collect 6 monthly returns from planning authorities on their performance in processing planning applications. These data inform the work of the Planning Audit Unit. We publish extracts of this information in the annual report of the Planning Audit Unit.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149510,"EventID":"S1W-12754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it has taken to ensure that splitting the Transport and Environment brief into two departments does not militate against the achievement of its goal of integ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it has taken to ensure that splitting the Transport and Environment brief into two departments does not militate against the achievement of its goal of integrating land use planning and transport policies.","AnswerText":"The Executive's policy on delivering integrated transport and land use planning policies, as set out in <I>National Planning Policy Guideline 17: Transport and Planning</I>, remains in place. I will work closely with Sarah Boyack and other ministerial colleagues in taking forward this agenda.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149511,"EventID":"S1W-12755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it reviews the planning implications in Scotland of UK-wide infrastructure initiatives and policy changes in airport, dock, rail and road services, power generation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it reviews the planning implications in Scotland of UK-wide infrastructure initiatives and policy changes in airport, dock, rail and road services, power generation and transmission and oil and gas exploration and licensing and how it ensures local community participation and parliamentary accountability in re-formulating policy in these areas.","AnswerText":"The Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and the devolved administrations, together with the supporting Concordats between the Scottish Executive and Whitehall Departments, provide for communication and consultation between the Executive and the UK Government on all issues where actions taken by one administration may have a bearing on the responsibilities of the other. This would enable the Executive to consider the planning implications for Scotland of any proposals for UK-wide infrastructure initiatives and policy changes. The implications can be brought to the attention of the Scottish Parliament as necessary and its views can be taken into account before the Executive makes its input to policy formulation. Public consultation may be conducted on a UK basis or separately in Scotland by the Executive as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149512,"EventID":"S1W-12756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why research into updating the law on compulsory purchase in Scotland due in 1999 is not yet ready and what steps it has taken since 1 July 1999 to strengthen research i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why research into updating the law on compulsory purchase in Scotland due in 1999 is not yet ready and what steps it has taken since 1 July 1999 to strengthen research into planning in Scotland and to reduce any dependency for research and policy development on the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.","AnswerText":"The compulsory purchase research has now been completed and will be published shortly.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Office already had its own planning research programme prior to 1 July 1999 to help develop and evaluate policy decisions. Details of the planning research programme are included in the Development Department Research Programme which is published annually in March and is available on the Executive's website (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/).<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We liaise with colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland and the National Assembly for Wales, but ultimately we have responsibility for developing our own research priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149513,"EventID":"S1W-12757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to review conflict resolution in the planning process with a view to devising more streamlined and less expensive mechanisms than the current system of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to review conflict resolution in the planning process with a view to devising more streamlined and less expensive mechanisms than the current system of public inquiry.","AnswerText":"Alternatives to public inquiries are already available, with the vast majority of cases dealt with by less formal hearings or by written submissions. We have no current plans to review the system.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149514,"EventID":"S1W-12758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made and what its current intentions are in relation to the objectives set out in paragraph 27 of its consultation paper, Land Use Planning Under ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made and what its current intentions are in relation to the objectives set out in paragraph 27 of its consultation paper, Land Use Planning Under a Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"A joint Scottish Executive/CoSLA Working Group was set up to consider the recommendations in the research report <I>the General Permitted Development Order and Related Mechanisms</I>. The Group is currently preparing a report on its conclusions.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149515,"EventID":"S1W-12759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the three options set out by the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture in his speech to the Royal Town Planning Institute, Scotland in November 2000 on str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the three options set out by the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture in his speech to the Royal Town Planning Institute, Scotland in November 2000 on strategic planning rule out the option of unitary development plans in any or all areas of Scotland.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149516,"EventID":"S1W-12760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail all planning applications and notices of intention to develop notified to it in circumstances where a neighbouring local authority has lodged an o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail all planning applications and notices of intention to develop notified to it in circumstances where a neighbouring local authority has lodged an objection; whether it will detail for each case whether the application or notice was called in for determination, and what the final decision was in each such case.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149517,"EventID":"S1W-12761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit is subject to quinquennial review in line with Cabinet Office guidelines on executive agencies; if so, when it was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit is subject to quinquennial review in line with Cabinet Office guidelines on executive agencies; if so, when it was last reviewed and when it is next due for review, and whether it proposes to review the unit's relationship with it as a consequence of the incorporation of the European Convention of Human Rights into Scots law.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit is not an executive agency and is not subject to quinquennial reviews. The Unit, which is part of the Scottish Executive Development Department, publishes an annual report of its work and performance.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We keep all aspects of the planning system under review in the light of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149518,"EventID":"S1W-12762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any future review of the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit will include a consideration of possible options for environmental courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any future review of the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters' Unit will include a consideration of possible options for environmental courts.","AnswerText":"It would be premature to speculate about the content of any future review.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149519,"EventID":"S1W-12763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11246 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2001, whether it will require local authorities to provide at the end of the financial year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11246 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2001, whether it will require local authorities to provide at the end of the financial year a detailed statement of account showing how the resources for resolving problems of delayed discharge were spent, including details of the specific purposes for which any surpluses of funds not required to deal with problems of delayed discharge were used. ","AnswerText":"Authorities are accountable to their electorates and are required to produce audited accounts as well as a wide range of information related to the £800 million they spend on community care services. However in this particular case performance is monitored through a quarterly census.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149520,"EventID":"S1W-12764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what recent meetings it has held with trade union representatives and the work force at Royal Ordnance Bishopton over its future and what the outcome was of any such mee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what recent meetings it has held with trade union representatives and the work force at Royal Ordnance Bishopton over its future and what the outcome was of any such meetings.","AnswerText":"I met local and national trade union representatives on 22 January to discuss the future of Royal Ordnance Bishopton. I agreed to discuss their concerns about the possible public costs of closing the site for propellent manufacture with Scotland Office and Ministry of Defence colleagues. The Trade Unions agreed that the work of the Bishopton Working Group into possible alternative uses of the site should proceed.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149521,"EventID":"S1W-12765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Office of the E-envoy on 16 January 2001 that more than 40% of UK government services are now available online, how many of its servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Office of the E-envoy on 16 January 2001 that more than 40% of UK government services are now available online, how many of its services are currently available over the Internet.","AnswerText":"Current evidence suggests that, on the basis of the progress measures defined by the Office of the e-Envoy for its Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report, more than 25% of services provided by the Scottish Executive and its agencies are available online, thus meeting the target of 25% to be online by 2002. However, we do not believe that \"services\" and \"online\" in this context have universally understood definitions within the public sector in Scotland. Since the announcement of the target of 100% of government services to be available electronically by 2005 in March 2000, we have been considering how to ensure that our 21st Century Government Agenda is about improving services to the public and about increasing choice in the way services are delivered. The option to access services electronically can and should include a variety of delivery channels, including digital tv, call centres and the Internet. We are revising the collection of statistics to reflect this and will be able to provide fuller information in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149522,"EventID":"S1W-12766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the reasons are for the proposed alterations to the A78 trunk road at the junction with Beachway in Largs; whether the carriageway of the A78 at this junction will ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the reasons are for the proposed alterations to the A78 trunk road at the junction with Beachway in Largs; whether the carriageway of the A78 at this junction will be narrowed due to the extension of the pavement by around four feet; if so, whether this will result in further traffic congestion on the seafront at Largs due to Greenock-bound traffic being unable to pass vehicles attempting to turn into Beachway, whether there will be any consultation with Largs Community Council or local people before these alterations take place, and whether it will provide the results of any cost-benefit analysis carried out prior to the proposed alterations taking place.","AnswerText":"The works at the A78 junction with the Beachway, Largs are part of an Accident Investigation and Prevention scheme to improve pedestrian safety at the junction. The width of road to be crossed by pedestrians will be reduced at this location and will force drivers to take more care when negotiating the junction.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The effects of this scheme may result in slight delays on the trunk road. However, this is considered acceptable in view of the increased safety to pedestrians. There is no requirement to undertake public consultation with regard to these minor improvement works which are considered necessary to reduce the number of accidents on the A78.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The scale of the costs involved in the improvement scheme is small in comparison with the cost savings associated with improved road safety.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149523,"EventID":"S1W-12767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the new street lighting erected along parts of the A78 trunk road provides adequate illumination and represents an improvement on the previous level of lighting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the new street lighting erected along parts of the A78 trunk road provides adequate illumination and represents an improvement on the previous level of lighting.","AnswerText":"The new street lighting erected on the A78 in Largs is designed in accordance with the national guidelines and therefore provides the nationally recommended level of lighting.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The new system of lighting was not installed to improve the standard of lighting but was to replace the life expired lighting system previously installed.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149524,"EventID":"S1W-12768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer questions S1W-10764, S1W-10767 and S1W-10768, lodged on 31 October 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer questions S1W-10764, S1W-10767 and S1W-10768, lodged on 31 October 2000.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that question S1W-10764 was answered on 25 January. Questions S1W-10767 and S1W-10768 were answered today.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149525,"EventID":"S1W-12769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in how many schools (a) 10 or more pupils and (b) 15 or more pupils achieved A passes in Higher History last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in how many schools (a) 10 or more pupils and (b) 15 or more pupils achieved A passes in Higher History last year.","AnswerText":"Pre-appeal results for the 2000 exams show that 19 schools had 10 or more pupils achieve A passes in Higher History. Of these, 7 schools had 15 or more pupils achieve A passes.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149526,"EventID":"S1W-12770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in how many schools 19 or more pupils achieved A passes in Higher Geography last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in how many schools 19 or more pupils achieved A passes in Higher Geography last year.","AnswerText":"Pre-appeal results for the 2000 exams show that nine schools had 19 or more pupils achieve A passes in Higher Geography.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149527,"EventID":"S1W-12771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to allow the emergency contraceptive Levonelle to be made available to children over 12 years of age by school nurses without parental consent i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to allow the emergency contraceptive Levonelle to be made available to children over 12 years of age by school nurses without parental consent in any area of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Nurses can only provide medication where authorised to do so under a Patient Group Direction, issued by their NHS Trust. Whether any such Direction would extend to emergency contraception would be for health boards and NHS Trusts to consider in the light of local needs. In all their actions, health professionals will have regard to issues of confidentiality and consent. As noted in 'Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change', the Executive expects each health board to work in partnership with local authorities and voluntary organisations to ensure that young people have access to a range of sexual health support and services.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149528,"EventID":"S1W-12772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Halcrow or Pricewaterhouse Coopers had any involvement in the tendering exercise for the maintenance of trunk roads prior to 23 January 2001 and, if so, what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Halcrow or Pricewaterhouse Coopers had any involvement in the tendering exercise for the maintenance of trunk roads prior to 23 January 2001 and, if so, what the nature was of any such involvement.","AnswerText":"Halcrow in association with PriceWaterhouseCoopers have a standing commission with the Scottish Executive to provide management and audit services in relation to the existing trunk road maintenance contracts and to assist with arrangements for replacement contracts.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In relation to the new contracts, they have provided staff on secondment to assist the Scottish Executive team with preparation of tender documents and the tender process. These staff have been working under the direct instructions of Civil Servants at the Scottish Executive's offices.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Separately from this, the consultants have undertaken a role of review and audit of the process. To protect the independence of this role, the consultants have created a Chinese wall using staff not involved in the development of the contracts or the tender process and located outwith the Scottish Executive's offices.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149529,"EventID":"S1W-12773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer question S1W-11835.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer question S1W-11835.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-11835 was answered today.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149530,"EventID":"S1W-12774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what translation facilities or services are in place for MSPs and staff within the Parliament complex.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what translation facilities or services are in place for MSPs and staff within the Parliament complex.","AnswerText":"Contracts are in place to provide a simultaneous interpretation of languages other than English when they are used in formal business in the chamber and committees and to assist the public information office's work in support of the Parliament. In respect of parliamentary requirements, there is also a wide range of expertise among our parliamentary staff, which is drawn on, on an ad hoc basis.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Members should make use of the allowances available to them to assist with their individual translation requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149531,"EventID":"S1W-12775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children in secondary education have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder in each local authority from 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children in secondary education have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder in each local authority from 1997 to date.","AnswerText":"Data is not collected in the School Census on children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Disorder. Information on numbers of pupils with special educational needs is categorised by severity of general learning difficulty.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149532,"EventID":"S1W-12776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the names are of the special educational needs schools in each local authority and how many pupils were in attendance at each such school in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the names are of the special educational needs schools in each local authority and how many pupils were in attendance at each such school in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the table.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Number Of Pupils Based In Scottish Special Schools<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Includes some Special Units attached to mainstream schools<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=625><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Pupil numbers</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>School Name</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>School Type</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Hazlewood School</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>LA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>67</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>54</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>66</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen School for the Deaf</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>LA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>36</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>26</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>18</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Carden School</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>LA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Beechwood School</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>LA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>137</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>130</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>118</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Woodlands School</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>LA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>53</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>49</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Marlpool School</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>LA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>71</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>72</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>70</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VA","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149533,"EventID":"S1W-12777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, before it approves an increase in the levies payable by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission, whether it will obtain from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) full detail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, before it approves an increase in the levies payable by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission, whether it will obtain from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) full details of (a) its first year's accounts, or draft accounts if the certified accounts are not yet available, (b) the amount spent on the promotion of Scottish meat, (c) how that promotional money has been spent, (d) what consultation QMS has had with the industry and (e) what future consultation QMS plans to have with the industry","AnswerText":"Quality Meat Scotland is not accountable to the Scottish Executive for its total expenditure although any expenditure arising from statutory levies is accounted for in the Meat and Livestock Commission Accounts which are published annually. MLC consultations on possible increases to beef and sheep levies are still not complete.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149534,"EventID":"S1W-12778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will support the work of the Scottish Working People's History Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will support the work of the Scottish Working People's History Trust.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149535,"EventID":"S1W-12779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has for improving the training available to those working in rural children's homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has for improving the training available to those working in rural children's homes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care, launched last year, is receiving grant of £4 million over a three-year period to offer education and training for staff working in a residential child care setting. This will include outreach work in rural and other more dispersed areas. The current Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill provides for a new Scottish Social Services Council which will regulate all staff working in child care establishments. This will be undertaken by ensuring that staff adhere to a code of conduct and by their registration through holding agreed qualifications. The council will also regulate professional education and training.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149536,"EventID":"S1W-12780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what is being done to prevent volatile substance abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what is being done to prevent volatile substance abuse.","AnswerText":"Volatile substance abuse is addressed within Scotland's drugs strategy as a whole. Drug Action Teams are asked to include it in their action plans. Efforts are focused on preventing volatile substance abuse through the education of young people, professionals, and retailers, and, where practicable, restricting the sale of solvent-based products. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Executive provides core funding for the Scottish Drugs Forum, which considers and provides information on volatile substance abuse, through its Volatile Substance Use Working Group. Guidance on volatile substance abuse for professionals working with children and young people was recently published by the Health Education Board for Scotland, in conjunction with the Scottish Drugs Forum, and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. The Executive also contributes towards the funding of the National Drugs Helpline which responds to calls about volatile substance abuse, as well as about the misuse of drugs, in general.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149537,"EventID":"S1W-12781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what is being done to improve the treatment and care of volatile substance abusers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what is being done to improve the treatment and care of volatile substance abusers.","AnswerText":"The treatment of drug misusers is one of the key objectives within the Executive's drugs strategy. As part of the new three year £100m drugs expenditure package, we have committed an additional £10m to provide treatment services in the community for more drug users, and £21m for rehabilitation services to equip former drug users for opportunities such as employment and education. These resources are available also for the treatment and rehabilitation of those who abuse volatile substances. Assessment of need and the targeting of resources will be determined at local level by Drug Action Teams (DATs) and constituent agencies.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>According to the Scottish Drugs Forum's Directory of Specialist Helping Agencies, there are over eighty treatment services in Scotland, providing a service to people who use volatile substances. The Executive has recently set a national standard to ensure that drug misusers under 16 have access to appropriate drug treatment and care services. This will include the provision of facilities for those who misuse volatile substances. For the first time this year DAT corporate action plans will contain information on the availability of services which treat volatile substance abuse clients. The plans will be analysed by the Executive, to determine whether any further action is required.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149538,"EventID":"S1W-12782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to protect the interests of (a) smaller clubs and (b) youth development in any discussions about the future of the football transfer system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to protect the interests of (a) smaller clubs and (b) youth development in any discussions about the future of the football transfer system.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>The main parties to the current negotiations relating to FIFA's international transfer regulations are FIFA, UEFA and the European Commission. We have made clear that we hope an early solution acceptable to all parties can be negotiated which achieves the aims of promoting youth development and assisting smaller clubs. We are keeping in regular touch with the SFA who are monitoring closely the progress of the negotiations.</B></FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149539,"EventID":"S1W-12783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to carry out a Scottish labour market survey similar to that being carried out by National Electrotechnical Training on behalf of the Department for Edu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to carry out a Scottish labour market survey similar to that being carried out by National Electrotechnical Training on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.","AnswerText":"As employer-led organisations, all National Training Organisations are expected to gather labour market intelligence relating to their sector as part of their normal responsibilities. There are no current plans for the Executive to commission a labour market survey for the electrotechnical industry. It will be the role of the new Future SkillsUnit in the first instance to identify the need for such surveys.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149540,"EventID":"S1W-12784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether a budget of #500,000 will become available for national training organisations in April 2001 and, if so, whether it will clarify what the targets and objectives ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether a budget of #500,000 will become available for national training organisations in April 2001 and, if so, whether it will clarify what the targets and objectives will be in relation to this fund.","AnswerText":"£500,000 will be made available to National Training Organisations by the Executive in each of the financial years 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04 to assist with the development of the network in Scotland. The focus will be on promoting workplace learning, assessing skills needs and gathering labour market intelligence.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149541,"EventID":"S1W-12785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide details of the cod recovery plan agreed between the EU and the Norwegian authorities and what the impact of this will be for the Scottish fishing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide details of the cod recovery plan agreed between the EU and the Norwegian authorities and what the impact of this will be for the Scottish fishing industry.","AnswerText":"Details of the cod recovery plan are given in the Agreed Record of Consultations between the European Community and Norway on the North Sea cod crises, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11042).<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I am currently undertaking a series of meetings with the industry to discuss the potential impact of the North Sea Cod recovery programme and the outcome of last December's Fishery Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149542,"EventID":"S1W-12786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland consider complementary an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland consider complementary and alternative medicines in formulating advice, guidelines and standards.","AnswerText":"These bodies consider information on complementary and alternative medicine where appropriate in formulating advice. However, very few studies of alternative therapies meet acceptable scientific methodological standards, and most are not therefore included as evidence. Where any such studies do meet the criteria, they will be considered along with other available evidence in arriving at the final advice.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149543,"EventID":"S1W-12787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether sufficient training is given to all NHS security staff to ensure patient, staff and personal safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether sufficient training is given to all NHS security staff to ensure patient, staff and personal safety.","AnswerText":"Training for NHS security staff is a matter for local determination. However, the Occupational Health and Safety Service strategy for NHS Scotland staff, <I>Towards a Safer Healthier Workplace</I> requires NHS employers to risk-assess all tasks and activities and implement policies based on risk assessment aimed at reducing violent incidents in the workplace. As part of the risk assessment process I would expect NHS employers to provide such training as is necessary for staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149544,"EventID":"S1W-12788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the recent National Institute of Clinical Excellence ruling on Aricept will mean that Al'heimer's patients across Scotland will have access to the drug.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the recent National Institute of Clinical Excellence ruling on Aricept will mean that Al'heimer's patients across Scotland will have access to the drug.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland is currently working on a process to comment on all Final Appraisals from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The NICE Appraisal on donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Reminyl) will be the first to go through this process in the spring.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As an interim measure, the Scottish Executive has asked Drugs and Therapeutics Committees to review any advice they may have provided to their clinicians on the use of these treatments in Alzheimer's disease, taking into account the NICE advice.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149545,"EventID":"S1W-12789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many dentists have been found to have made fraudulent NHS claims in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many dentists have been found to have made fraudulent NHS claims in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Central records have been maintained only since 1 October 1998.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">During the financial years 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999, 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 and 1 April 2000 to date, recoveries totalling more than £230,000 have been made from 50 dentists in respect of inappropriate payment claims. Further recoveries of around £120,000 are currently being pursued.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A Fraud Investigation Unit of the Common Services Agency of the NHS Scotland was established in July 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149546,"EventID":"S1W-12790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made on the introduction of country of origin labelling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made on the introduction of country of origin labelling.","AnswerText":"On matters of food safety and standards the Scottish Executive is advised by the Food Standards Agency. For foodstuffs generally the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 only require origin labelling where it is needed to avoid misleading consumers, for example where items on a label, such as a country or place name in the name of a food or use of a flag or other emblem, imply a different origin. The Agency is pressing for changes in EU rules to extend the range of foods on which origin labelling would be compulsory, including processed foods. It is also seeking changes in order to widen international standards in Codex Alimentarius; a UK discussion paper will be debated at the May meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149547,"EventID":"S1W-12791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1712 by Ross Finnie on 18 May 2000, whether it is satisfied that the concerns about the representation of the various agriculture s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1712 by Ross Finnie on 18 May 2000, whether it is satisfied that the concerns about the representation of the various agriculture sectors on the Quality Meat Scotland board have been addressed.","AnswerText":"Membership of the QMS Board has been expanded to broaden sectoral representation, a decision which I welcome.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149548,"EventID":"S1W-12792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average levy paid by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average levy paid by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission is.","AnswerText":"Levy is collected at the point of slaughter and paid by abattoir operators to the MLC. Abattoir operators deduct the farmer portion of the MLC levy from the payments they make to farmers for animals purchased. It is therefore not possible for the MLC to calculate the average levy paid by farmers as these records are not held by the Commission.<P>For information, the levy charged per animal is:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">General</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Promotion</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>CATTLE</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2.05</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2.30</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Farmers portion</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.025</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2.30</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>SHEEP</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.31</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.32</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Farmers portion</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.155</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.32</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>PIGS</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.40</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.65</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Farmers portion</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.20</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.65</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149549,"EventID":"S1W-12793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a standing committee or forum involving representatives from each of the major supermarket chains in Scotland to discuss matters relating to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a standing committee or forum involving representatives from each of the major supermarket chains in Scotland to discuss matters relating to the food and agriculture sectors.","AnswerText":"I see no need for such a body as I have regular contact with the major retailers over a range of issues impacting on the food and agriculture sectors.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149550,"EventID":"S1W-12794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any assessment has been made of Quality Meat Scotland's performance since its establishment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any assessment has been made of Quality Meat Scotland's performance since its establishment.","AnswerText":"I am encouraged by the progress made by QMS and look forward to the publication of its Strategic Plan. It should be noted that QMS is an industry body which is not directly accountable to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149551,"EventID":"S1W-12795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to make representations to the Meat and Livestock Commission on its proposals to increase its levies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to make representations to the Meat and Livestock Commission on its proposals to increase its levies.","AnswerText":"It is the views of the levy payers which are of paramount importance in any decision to increase levies. I understand that the MLC's consultation process is not yet complete.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149552,"EventID":"S1W-12796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any assessment has been made of whether the levies paid by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission offer value for money and, if so, what the findings were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any assessment has been made of whether the levies paid by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission offer value for money and, if so, what the findings were.","AnswerText":"The MLC regularly monitors the impact of levy payers expenditure. The most recent independent review - Quinquennial Review - of the MLC was published in March 1999. I have arranged for a copy to be sent to you.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149553,"EventID":"S1W-12797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any further changes are planned in connection with the promotion of meat produce following the establishment of Quality Meat Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any further changes are planned in connection with the promotion of meat produce following the establishment of Quality Meat Scotland.","AnswerText":"QMS has been drawing up a Strategic Plan which, I understand, will be published soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149554,"EventID":"S1W-12798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation has taken place with farmers on the proposals to increase the levy paid to the Meat and Livestock Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation has taken place with farmers on the proposals to increase the levy paid to the Meat and Livestock Commission.","AnswerText":"As required by the Agriculture Act 1967, the MLC currently is consulting red meat industry interests, including farming interests, about proposals to increase beef and sheep levies.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149555,"EventID":"S1W-12799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any increases in the levy paid by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission will only proceed with the agreement of all parts of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any increases in the levy paid by farmers to the Meat and Livestock Commission will only proceed with the agreement of all parts of the UK.","AnswerText":"Consultations between the MLC and the industry on proposed increases in beef and sheep levies are not yet complete. If conflicting views emerge within the industry, these will have to be balanced by the Commission before a decision to proceed, or otherwise, with the increase is taken.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149556,"EventID":"S1W-12800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive has any plans to bring forward proposals for a CrossRail scheme to link north and south Glasgow with the airport, along","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive has any plans to bring forward proposals for a CrossRail scheme to link north and south Glasgow with the airport, along the lines of the Strathclyde CrossRail draft provisional Order in 1995.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not received any proposals from Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive for a CrossRail scheme to link north and south Glasgow with Glasgow airport.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149557,"EventID":"S1W-12801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many jobs have been created in Glasgow as a result of moving its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department there.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many jobs have been created in Glasgow as a result of moving its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department there.","AnswerText":"The Department of Enterprise and Lifelong Learning transferred its Edinburgh based posts to Glasgow during 1999-2000. In total, around 140 posts were transferred.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149558,"EventID":"S1W-12802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many jobs have been created in Glasgow as a result of moving civil servants responsible for higher education there.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many jobs have been created in Glasgow as a result of moving civil servants responsible for higher education there.","AnswerText":"The transfer of Enterprise and Lifelong Learning from Edinburgh to Glasgow in 1999-2000 means that 21.5 full-time equivalent posts in the Higher Education, Science, and Student Support Divisions are now based in Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149559,"EventID":"S1W-12803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will change the formula used for the funding of social work and education in Glasgow as they have done for health in recognition that concentrations of depriv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will change the formula used for the funding of social work and education in Glasgow as they have done for health in recognition that concentrations of deprivation make the delivery of these services more expensive.","AnswerText":"The local government grant distribution formula already takes account of the impact of deprivation on the costs of service delivery, and 13 assessments within the formula - mainly those for social work and education - include deprivation adjustments. In addition a number of important social work assessments are influenced by health indicators which reflect deprivation. The Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities together carried out a thorough review of the account taken of deprivation in the local government finance system this year. As a result we have redistributed an additional £12 million to help councils tackle the effects of deprivation in schools. We have also made available through the Better Neighbourhoods Services Fund an additional £90 million to help improve services within the most deprived neighbourhoods.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The National Review of Resource Allocation for NHS in Scotland (the Arbuthnott Review) has only recently resulted in an allocation of resources through a needs-based approach. For 2000-01, Aggregate External Finance (AEF) per head for Glasgow City Council is 22.4% higher than the all Scotland average, while grant per head for Greater Glasgow Health Board is 8.6% above average.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149560,"EventID":"S1W-12806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for developing new contractual arrangements for GPs, as outlined in Our National Health, a plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for developing new contractual arrangements for GPs, as outlined in Our National Health, a plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"Personal Medical Services (PMS) operate under the NHS (Primary Care) Act 1997 and introduce flexibility to primary care services by meeting specific local needs through PMS pilots. Pilot GPs can be salaried either to Primary Care Trusts or within practices or pilots can be practice-based (where the GPs remain independent contractors but have a locally agreed contract). There are currently 15 PMS pilots in Scotland. Regulations state that Scottish Ministers may introduce the permanent PMS option if a review of pilot schemes has taken place and they are satisfied that it would be in the interests of any part of the health service to introduce permanency.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A review of Scotland's first round pilots has recently been completed and, from this, I have concluded that the permanent PMS option would be of benefit to the NHS in Scotland. A copy of the review is available in SPICe and SHOW. A copy has also been sent to the Health and Community Care Committee, health boards, Primary Care Trusts and representative bodies.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">I am therefore pleased to announce that a Permanent Personal Medical Services (PMS) option will be available to GPs and to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) from April 2001. This will mean that, for the first time, PCTs will be able to employ salaried GPs directly on a permanent basis to help recruitment and retention in deprived and remote and rural areas. This permanent PMS option will also enable PCTs and practices to develop local contracts to meet the specific needs of their local communities.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Regulations bringing this permanent option into force will be circulated to Parliament and to representative bodies for comment in February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149561,"EventID":"S1W-12807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much public money is paid to the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust and how this money is paid; what system is used to allocate unemployed people to emplo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much public money is paid to the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust and how this money is paid; what system is used to allocate unemployed people to employers and thereafter to courses; what monitoring of the course standards takes place to ensure that personnel sponsored by the Trust meet the highest skill and health and safety standards of the electrical trade, and whether any payment to further education colleges is dependent on the successful completion of courses.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask them to write to Mr Campbell with the information requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149562,"EventID":"S1W-12808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which further education colleges currently run courses for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which further education colleges currently run courses for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust.","AnswerText":"The following colleges of further education currently run courses for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Angus College <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Ayr College <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Banff &amp; Buchan College of Further Education<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Borders College <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Cardonald College <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Clackmannan College of Further Education<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Clydebank College <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dumfries &amp; Galloway College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dundee College <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Falkirk College of Further &amp; Higher Education<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Glenrothes College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Inverness College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">James Watt College of Further &amp; Higher Education<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Jewel &amp; Esk Valley College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Lauder College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Lews Castle College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Moray College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Motherwell College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">North Glasgow College <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The North Highland College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Perth College<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Reid Kerr College<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Stevenson College","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149563,"EventID":"S1W-12809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to give additional financial help through bursaries or loans to nursing students in recognition of the fact that they must continue their courses throu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to give additional financial help through bursaries or loans to nursing students in recognition of the fact that they must continue their courses throughout the summer and cannot earn money then as other students can.","AnswerText":"Student nurses already receive significantly more financial support than students studying other disciplines.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We are committed to a full review of the support arrangements for nursing students to take place over the next six months.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149564,"EventID":"S1W-12810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it plans to take to ensure the involvement in service design and delivery of those patient support groups at both local and national level whose expertise on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it plans to take to ensure the involvement in service design and delivery of those patient support groups at both local and national level whose expertise on chronic conditions was publicly acknowledged in Our National Health, a plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>Our National Health: a plan for action; a plan for change</I> commits the Scottish Executive and the NHS to take steps to work closely with patient support groups to ensure that the needs of those with chronic conditions are met effectively. This will be done through the \"Partners in Change\" programmes also announced in the plan. Detailed change programmes will be published later this year.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149565,"EventID":"S1W-12811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide funding to assist former nurses who are to retrain for re-entry into the nursing profession during the period when they are losing any previ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide funding to assist former nurses who are to retrain for re-entry into the nursing profession during the period when they are losing any previous income and have to meet course fees.","AnswerText":"We have no plans for central funding of returners to practice. These costs are a matter for individual NHS Trusts to determine in the light of staffing requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149566,"EventID":"S1W-12812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilities are available to patients in the Grampian Health Board area; where these facilities are located; how long they have been","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilities are available to patients in the Grampian Health Board area; where these facilities are located; how long they have been in place, and how the current provision compares to the provision of MRI facilities in the periods (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii)1998-99 and (iv)1999-2000.","AnswerText":"In August last year the Scottish Executive announced a £16 million investment in new imaging equipment to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Scotland. That sum included £5 million for the provision of MRI scanners.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I am asking the Chairman of Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust to write to you to provide the operational information you request about MRI facilities in Grampian.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149567,"EventID":"S1W-12813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many child protection officers there were in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many child protection officers there were in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Many agencies in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors are involved in child protection. Within these agencies, staff involved in child protection will often have wider duties and the term \"Child Protection Officer\" has no common or agreed meaning at a local level. We do however monitor and publish statistical information on child protection referrals.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149568,"EventID":"S1W-12814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it specifies to which child protection measures funding should be directed and, if not, how the use of funding is monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it specifies to which child protection measures funding should be directed and, if not, how the use of funding is monitored.","AnswerText":"Funding for child protection is part of the general budgets of the many agencies involved such as Social Work Departments, health boards and the police, who have discretion to determine their own spending priorities. Expenditure specific to child protection is not therefore separately identified or monitored.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149569,"EventID":"S1W-12815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funding was allocated specifically to child protection measures in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funding was allocated specifically to child protection measures in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12814.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149570,"EventID":"S1W-12816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the precise role of Tactica Solutions is in the design and production of its documents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the precise role of Tactica Solutions is in the design and production of its documents.","AnswerText":"Tactica Solutions provides a managed service for the design, print and production of documentation for the Scottish Executive. Their role covers the full document life cycle, including creative design and artwork, lithographic and digital print production, publication, web enablement, storage and distribution.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149571,"EventID":"S1W-12817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what stage documents are at when they are handed over by it to Tactica Solutions for design and production and whether it would be possible to publish the documents at t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what stage documents are at when they are handed over by it to Tactica Solutions for design and production and whether it would be possible to publish the documents at this stage.","AnswerText":"Documents are handed over to Tactica Solutions in a number of formats including electronic text, hand written notes, charts, maps, pictures and printed material. It is not possible to publish such material without it passing through a number of processes. Even documents that are entirely available in electronic format require further processing. Professional publications advice is provided to all Departments by the Executive's Media and Communications Group who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that Executive publications are fit for purpose and provide value for money. The services provided via Tactica Solutions to deliver finished publications include:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">typesetting<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">insertion of Scottish Executive logo and branding<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">allocation of ISBN numbers<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">ensuring documents comply with office rules on accessibility by disabled and ethnic audiences<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">translation where (necessary)<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">conversion for the internet<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">bar coding for sale and library purposes<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">chart and graph production<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">illustration<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">design<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">photography<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">proof reading<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>cartography.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149572,"EventID":"S1W-12818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Tactica Solutions changes the content of any documents given to them for design and production on its behalf.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Tactica Solutions changes the content of any documents given to them for design and production on its behalf.","AnswerText":"Tactica Solutions is responsible for managing the design and production of documents but not their textual content which is determined and approved in both draft and published format by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149573,"EventID":"S1W-12819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was to it of each document which bears the phrase \"Designed and produced for the Scottish Executive by Tactica Solutions\" up to the point at which it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was to it of each document which bears the phrase \"Designed and produced for the Scottish Executive by Tactica Solutions\" up to the point at which it was handed over to Tactica Solutions for design and production.","AnswerText":"This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149574,"EventID":"S1W-12820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10967 by Angus MacKay on 18 January 2001, whether it will provide details of the companies sub-contracted by Tactica Solutions and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10967 by Angus MacKay on 18 January 2001, whether it will provide details of the companies sub-contracted by Tactica Solutions and how much each of them received from Tactica Solutions through its contract with them since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"The commercial relationships between Tactica Solutions and its sub-contractors and suppliers are private, contractual matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149575,"EventID":"S1W-12821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it does not go direct to the sub-contractors used by Tactica Solutions and what profit margin Tactica Solutions charges on work carried out by these sub-contractors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it does not go direct to the sub-contractors used by Tactica Solutions and what profit margin Tactica Solutions charges on work carried out by these sub-contractors. ","AnswerText":"The contract with Tactica Solutions is for the provision of a managed service for the design, print and publication of documents. The Scottish Executive does not have the resources or skills required to manage the sub-contractors. Tactica Solutions was awarded the business following open competition and its profit margins are an internal company matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149576,"EventID":"S1W-12822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10969 by Angus MacKay on 18 January 200, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the tenders it receive","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10969 by Angus MacKay on 18 January 200, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the tenders it received from other design and production companies for the contract to design and produce its documents and a copy of any notes of consultations it had with tenderers.","AnswerText":"It is not Scottish Executive practice to publish commercial information provided to it in confidence by suppliers tendering for Scottish Executive contracts. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The design, print and publications contract was awarded following the advertisement of the required service in the <I>Official Journal of the European Communities</I> (OJEC). As the value of the contract was above £94,000, compliance with EC Procurement Directives was necessary. 13 expressions of interest were received. Following detailed evaluation, six companies were short-listed and invited to tender.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A tender evaluation panel selected Tactica Solutions on the basis of pre-determined criteria, including value for money and technical capability to meet requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149577,"EventID":"S1W-12823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10969 by Angus Mackay on 18 January 2001, what the precise role of each sub-contractor is in the design and production process of e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10969 by Angus Mackay on 18 January 2001, what the precise role of each sub-contractor is in the design and production process of each document.","AnswerText":"The contract between Tactica Solutions and the Scottish Executive requires Tactica to provide a complete service. It is the responsibility of Tactica to determine the role of its sub-contractors to meet the variations in both the nature and volume of demands placed by the Scottish Executive. Accordingly, the information requested is not held by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149578,"EventID":"S1W-12824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the report of the Millan Committee's review of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and what action it proposes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the report of the Millan Committee's review of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and what action it proposes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has today received the Millan Committee's report of its review of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984. Copies of the report, entitled <I>New Directions</I>, have been placed in the Parliamentary Reference Centre.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive warmly welcomes this report and is grateful to Mr Millan and his Committee for undertaking such a comprehensive and thorough review, which addresses the shift in emphasis in mental health care and treatment in recent years, and the greater recognition of the rights of patients and their families. The report also takes account of the MacLean Committee's recommendations in relation to offenders with mental disorder.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Executive will now be considering the report's recommendations, consulting as appropriate on key issues. A reference group of relevant interests is being set up to assist this process. The aim is to publish a policy statement in the summer, setting out, as promised in <I>Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change</I>, proposals for a modern legislative framework to meet the needs of people with a mental illness who require care and support, both in hospital and the community.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149579,"EventID":"S1W-12825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the report prepared by JMN Consultants on the cost of funding various departments of higher education will be published and, if so, when, or alternatively whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the report prepared by JMN Consultants on the cost of funding various departments of higher education will be published and, if so, when, or alternatively whether the evidence given to the consultants regarding the cost of funding language departments and students will be published, specifying the reason for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not commissioned such a report. The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council published a report it commissioned from JM Consulting on the costs of provision in higher education on its website on 19 December 2000 as part of its consultation on its Review of Teaching Funding.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149580,"EventID":"S1W-12826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the unit of teaching resource per full-time equivalent student has been in language departments in universities in each year from 1996 to date and what it will be f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the unit of teaching resource per full-time equivalent student has been in language departments in universities in each year from 1996 to date and what it will be for the coming academic year.","AnswerText":"The Units of Teaching Resource are determined by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and are published in their Circular series each March. The information requested is included in the Funded Subject Group: Humanities, Languages &amp; Mass Communication and is given in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2000-01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£3,444</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£3,513</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£3,698</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£3,777</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£3,834</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149581,"EventID":"S1W-12827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any jobs are expected to be lost in Scotland in the event of a merger between the Bank of Scotland and (a) Abbey National plc or (b) Lloyds TSB; if so, how many ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any jobs are expected to be lost in Scotland in the event of a merger between the Bank of Scotland and (a) Abbey National plc or (b) Lloyds TSB; if so, how many will be lost in each case and, if it does not hold any such estimates, whether it will investigate the implications for jobs in Scotland of each of these potential mergers, and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognise that all three of these companies are important employers in Scotland. While the Executive has been noting developments there are no detailed figures available at this stage on what the possible consequences of any merger would be for employment in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149582,"EventID":"S1W-12828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has received from interested organisations on the level of business rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has received from interested organisations on the level of business rates.","AnswerText":"The Executive has discussed business rates with representatives of the following bodies; in some cases separately or as part of meetings with business representative groups:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">British Hospitality Association;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Confederation of British Industry, Scotland;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Chemical Industries Association;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Convention of Scottish Local Authorities;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Forum of Private Business; <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Federation of Small Businesses, Scotland;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Institute of Directors;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Assessors' Association;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Chambers of Commerce;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Council Development and Industry;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Licensed Trade Association;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Retail Consortium;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Tourism Forum;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Valuation and Rating Council;<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scottish Wholesalers' Association.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149583,"EventID":"S1W-12829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12336 by Nicol Stephen on 22 January 2001, whether it will provide further details of the early intervention programme for children","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12336 by Nicol Stephen on 22 January 2001, whether it will provide further details of the early intervention programme for children with special educational needs, in particular how the #1 million allocated to the programme is being utilised.","AnswerText":"The Early Intervention funding is specifically for the development and training of staff working with pupils with special educational needs in the early years. Local authorities receive a pro-rata share of the £1 million based on pupil numbers.<P>A wide variety of training requirements are addressed including training in Early Years behaviour difficulties; training for nursery support staff; ICT for special schools; attendance at Early Years language seminars; target setting and Individualised Educational Programme courses; training in working with families of autistic children, and accreditation such as the Certificate in Dyslexia.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149584,"EventID":"S1W-12830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12336 by Nicol Stephen on 22 January 2001, which local authorities, schools and organisations have applied for assistance under the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12336 by Nicol Stephen on 22 January 2001, which local authorities, schools and organisations have applied for assistance under the Alternatives to Exclusion Grant Scheme and which applications have been granted, specifying the amount awarded in each case.","AnswerText":"The funding available through the Excellence Fund Alternatives to Exclusion programme is allocated to local authorities on a formula basis. It is for each authority to determine how best to use its allocation in line with its implementation plan for the area. The allocations over the three-year period from 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2002 are shown in the table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=510><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Education authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Allocation</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£5,000,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£8,000,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£10,000,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£175,032</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£280,052</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£350,065</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£251,052</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£401,684</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£502,104</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£113,126</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£181,001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£226,251</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£93,133</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£149,013</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£186,266</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£48,331</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£77,330</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£96,663</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£156,778</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£250,845</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£313,557</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£137,800</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£220,480</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£275,600</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149585,"EventID":"S1W-12831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a copy of the study into the MMR vaccine conducted by researchers in Finland and recently reported by the media; if so, whether it is using this study as ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a copy of the study into the MMR vaccine conducted by researchers in Finland and recently reported by the media; if so, whether it is using this study as a basis for any actions or advice, and whether it will place a copy of the study in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"This study was reported in the American Paediatric Infectious Disease Journal (vol 19 No 12, December 2000) which is accessible by the Parliament Reference Centre. The Executive's policies in regard to MMR vaccination are based on the independent expert advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which considers relevant evidence coming to light on the safety of MMR and will therefore have regard to this study.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The aim of the study, which involved 2 million individuals, was to identify over the period 1982 to 1996 serious adverse events causally related to MMR vaccination. One conclusion of the study was that &quot;No cases of autism were associated with MMR vaccination during this 14-year follow-up.&quot; Preliminary impressions are that this is a scientifically rigorous piece of work.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149586,"EventID":"S1W-12832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many child protection officers there currently are (a) in total and (b) in relation to the total population of children in Scotland, expressed as a children:child pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many child protection officers there currently are (a) in total and (b) in relation to the total population of children in Scotland, expressed as a children:child protection officer ratio and where these child protection officers are located.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12813.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149587,"EventID":"S1W-12833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the current children:child protection officer ratio in Scotland compares with the equivalent ratios in the other component parts of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the current children:child protection officer ratio in Scotland compares with the equivalent ratios in the other component parts of the UK.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12813.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149588,"EventID":"S1W-12834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11310 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 November 2000, whether any local authorities have to date made applications for funding for flood p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11310 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 November 2000, whether any local authorities have to date made applications for funding for flood prevention schemes in future years and, if so, whether it will provide details of each proposed scheme and specify the amount of funding (a) sought and (b) awarded in each case.","AnswerText":"The non-housing programme capital allocation to local authorities provides resources for various capital work projects, including flood prevention schemes.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In addition, subject to completing the statutory process under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, supplementary allocation may be available for the construction of major flood prevention schemes (FPS). Recently, flood prevention schemes have been confirmed for Bridge of Earn, Moredun, Paisley, River Kelvin, Collier Street, Johnston and Weem Village.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Following requests by councils, supplementary allocations have been provided recently to:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Perth and Kinross Council for Bridge of Earn FPS (£0.75 million)<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Renfrewshire Council for Moredun, Paisley FPS (£1 million); and<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Dunbartonshire Council for the River Kelvin FPS (£8 million).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The amounts provided fully met the councils' requests.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A further request from Renfrewshire Council for a supplementary allocation of £1 million for the Collier Street, Johnston FPS has just been received and is being considered.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149589,"EventID":"S1W-12835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funding was allocated to flood protection schemes in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000 and which applicants received funding in each of these years, specif","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funding was allocated to flood protection schemes in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000 and which applicants received funding in each of these years, specifying the amount awarded to each project in each year.","AnswerText":"The single allocation which local authorities receive in support of their non-housing capital programme includes provision for, among other things, expenditure on flood prevention. Separately, following flooding in recent years, resources for this programme have been enhanced to cater for major flood prevention schemes. In response to requests from councils who had experienced severe flooding in their areas, additional funding was issued to councils to support the development of flood prevention measures as shown in the table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Renfrewshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£1.0 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Moray Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£0.4 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Dunbartonshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£0.3 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Renfrewshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£0.3 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Ayrshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£1.2 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Renfrewshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£1.0 million</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In addition, awards from the former Central Challenge Fund were made to East Ayrshire Council for flood prevention measures in Kilmarnock and to Perth and Kinross Council for construction of the Perth Flood Prevention Scheme:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Ayrshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£1.47 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Perth and Kinross Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£1.82 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Ayrshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£0.41 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Perth and Kinross Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£4.4 million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Perth and Kinross Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">£7.1 million</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149590,"EventID":"S1W-12836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many reports of bullying and intimidation by colleagues were lodged by staff and management in the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many reports of bullying and intimidation by colleagues were lodged by staff and management in the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Over the last three years there have been 13 reports of bullying and intimidation formally presented to the Agency's Equal Opportunities Officer.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=396><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2 cases</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">6 cases</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">5 cases</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Since 1998 when SPS launched its Code of Conduct, incidents can be dealt with locally under informal or formal arrangements. Information on local resolution of cases is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149591,"EventID":"S1W-12837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to update any anti-workplace bullying strategies within the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to update any anti-workplace bullying strategies within the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">No. On 1 September 2000, the Scottish Prison Service launched a new strategy document entitled \"How to challenge and change unacceptable behaviour in the SPS\", together with a booklet on the standards of behaviour expected of employees. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>This initiative offers staff help, advice and support when dealing with workplace harassment, discrimination, victimisation, bullying and all forms of unacceptable behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149592,"EventID":"S1W-12838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide statistics on the number of stress-related illnesses suffered by prison officers and other Scottish Prison Service staff in each of the last thre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide statistics on the number of stress-related illnesses suffered by prison officers and other Scottish Prison Service staff in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Stress-related illness among SPS staff from 1 September 1999 to 25 January 2001 accounted for 118 periods of absence from work. Data for earlier periods is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149593,"EventID":"S1W-12839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide statistics on the incidence of depressive illness among staff in each of the last three years in the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide statistics on the incidence of depressive illness among staff in each of the last three years in the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Depressive illness among SPS staff from 1 September 1999 to 25 January 2001 accounted for 62 periods of absence from work. Data for earlier periods is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149594,"EventID":"S1W-12840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has entered into a contract with the Enham Trust to take over the role of Disability Scotland and, if so, on what date the contract was formally and legally a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has entered into a contract with the Enham Trust to take over the role of Disability Scotland and, if so, on what date the contract was formally and legally agreed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not entered into a contract with the Enham Trust. The Administrator of Disability Scotland has submitted a proposal on the future of Disability Scotland and we are considering this.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149595,"EventID":"S1W-12841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation was carried out with disability groups regarding the appointment of the Enham Trust as a replacement for Disability Scotland and what the start and end","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation was carried out with disability groups regarding the appointment of the Enham Trust as a replacement for Disability Scotland and what the start and end dates were of any consultation period.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12840.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149596,"EventID":"S1W-12842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value of the surplus of the Scottish Transport Group pension fund currently is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value of the surplus of the Scottish Transport Group pension fund currently is.","AnswerText":"The most recent annual report of the Scottish Transport Group showed the value of the surplus at 31 March 2000 to be approximately £146 million (net of tax).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149597,"EventID":"S1W-12843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the criteria against which applications for Social Inclusion Partnership funds which have become available as the result of a capital underspend are judged diffe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the criteria against which applications for Social Inclusion Partnership funds which have become available as the result of a capital underspend are judged differ from those applied in other circumstances.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive expects all Social Inclusion Partnerships to allocate funds in accordance with the terms and conditions of grant. These are currently being revised. Once the revisions are complete a copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Other than the requirement to comply with the terms and conditions of grant, it is for partnerships to decide how to allocate resources from the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund, including those arising as a result of slippage on other projects.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149598,"EventID":"S1W-12844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the recommended timescale is to allow organisations to apply for Social Inclusion Partnership funds which have become available as a result of capital underspend.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the recommended timescale is to allow organisations to apply for Social Inclusion Partnership funds which have become available as a result of capital underspend.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12843.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149599,"EventID":"S1W-12845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it has issued in relation to capital underspends of Social Inclusion Partnership funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it has issued in relation to capital underspends of Social Inclusion Partnership funding.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12843.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149600,"EventID":"S1W-12846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether nine working days is a reasonable time to allow organisations to apply for Social Inclusion Partnerships funds which become available as a result of a capital un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether nine working days is a reasonable time to allow organisations to apply for Social Inclusion Partnerships funds which become available as a result of a capital underspend.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12843.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149601,"EventID":"S1W-12847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Strategy for Enterprise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Strategy for Enterprise.","AnswerText":"The remaining commitment from Review of Enterprise Networks is to produce a Strategy for Enterprise. Consequently, today I have published <I>A Smart, Successful Scotland - Ambitions for the Enterprise Networks</I> which provides a clear sense of direction and identifiable priorities for the networks.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>It is a comprehensive statement of what the Scottish Executive expects from the Enterprise Networks. It sets out the foundation for sustained improvement economic performance in Scotland focusing on the challenges of raising productivity, encouraging entrepreneurship, raising skill levels and connecting Scotland globally.<P>It is available today on the Scottish Executive website and in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149602,"EventID":"S1W-12848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any future skills shortages and labour market issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any future skills shortages and labour market issues.","AnswerText":"We plan to extend the remit of the new Scottish Labour Market Intelligence Unit, which we propose to rename Future Skills Scotland. We see Future Skills Scotland having a central role in identifying skills shortages to fulfil our pledge to have every Scot ready for the jobs of tomorrow. Scotland's future prosperity requires the economy to achieve greater productivity levels than those of our competitors. To achieve this we need to clearly and accurately identify and communicate current and future skills needs at national and local levels. We need to ensure that employers appreciate and support investment in skills. Too many people are without the basic and specialist skills required for current and future business needs. Future Skills Scotland<I> </I>will have a leading role in ensuring that these issues are addressed to provide better matching of people to jobs.<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Future Skills Scotland</I> will set quality standards for LMI, identify skills gaps and shortages, and ensure that policy makers, education and training providers, and other users have ready access to intelligence on current and emerging skills issues. The enterprise network will manage the new unit to deliver a faster and superior job matching service across Scotland. Arrangements are in place to appoint a new Director in Scottish Enterprise who will head the unit.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149603,"EventID":"S1W-12849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it now has to support and promote credit unions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it now has to support and promote credit unions.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been working in partnership with the credit union movement in Scotland, and other interested parties, to develop a national development strategy for credit unions, which will be produced by April this year. The strategy will identify the action required to remove the current barriers to growth and will ensure that all credit unions have access to support and development services.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149604,"EventID":"S1W-12850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what public money has been expended on the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit project in addition to the transport challenge fund project allocations in 1997-98, 1998-99 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what public money has been expended on the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit project in addition to the transport challenge fund project allocations in 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 and whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of these costs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's expenditure on the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit (CERT) project is limited to the Transport Challenge Fund allocation to City of Edinburgh Council and the public local enquiry costs referred to in my answer to question S1W-12851. Any further expenditure on CERT is a matter for City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149605,"EventID":"S1W-12851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimated costs to it in respect of planning applications, appeals and inquiries in relation to the City of Edinburgh Rapid Tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimated costs to it in respect of planning applications, appeals and inquiries in relation to the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit project, taking into account both costs directly incurred and the use of staff resources.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received two planning appeals relating to the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit proposal. The Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit incurred costs totalling some £8,200 in holding a public local inquiry, as requested by the parties, to consider the proposed realignment of the CERT route between Balgreen Road and Roseburn Street. This figure includes both the Reporter's costs and other administrative expenses.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>No costs of significance have yet been incurred in respect of the other appeal by BAA for realignment of the CERT route, upgrading of roads and relocation of a park and ride site at Ingliston. Processing of this appeal has been suspended at the request of the appellant.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149606,"EventID":"S1W-12852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the central heating initiative working group last met, when the group is next due to meet and what progress has been made to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the central heating initiative working group last met, when the group is next due to meet and what progress has been made to date.","AnswerText":"The working group concluded its business on 18 January and has made recommendations. These are being considered and an announcement will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149607,"EventID":"S1W-12853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities will be able to access funds from the central heating initiative from 1 April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities will be able to access funds from the central heating initiative from 1 April 2001.","AnswerText":"All tenants of local authorities without a central heating system will be able to access funds over the course of the five-year funding programme. Tenants of those local authorities considering whole-stock transfer will also receive central heating either from the Executive or the acquiring landlord and are therefore not disadvantaged.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149608,"EventID":"S1W-12854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12419 by Jackie Baillie on 25 January 2001, whether it will give an actual date for the publication of the criteria for entitlement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12419 by Jackie Baillie on 25 January 2001, whether it will give an actual date for the publication of the criteria for entitlement to assistance under the central heating initiative.","AnswerText":"I will be making an announcement shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149609,"EventID":"S1W-12855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are for education appeals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are for education appeals.","AnswerText":"Education legislation gives a statutory right of appeal against local authority decisions about placing requests, exclusion and certain aspects of the recording process for children with special educational needs. We have no reason to believe that this legislation is incompatible with Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights and there have been no successful challenges to date.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149610,"EventID":"S1W-12856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the implications of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are for rating valuation appeals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the implications of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are for rating valuation appeals.","AnswerText":"The Executive has considered the compatibility of the current arrangements in respect of valuation appeals as presently contained in the Valuation Appeal Committee (Procedures in Appeals under the Valuation Acts) (Scotland) Regulations 1995, and the Valuation Appeal Panels and Committees (Scotland) Regulations 1996, and is satisfied that they are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149611,"EventID":"S1W-12857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on research into the treatment of and possible cures for (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) myalgic encephalomyelitis in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (ii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on research into the treatment of and possible cures for (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) myalgic encephalomyelitis in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000 and how much is expected to be spent in 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Details of expenditure on all research into the treatment and possible cures for multiple sclerosis (MS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is not held centrally.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Within the Scottish Executive Health Department, the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland and, as such, is the main Departmental funder of NHS-related research. CSO had no expenditure on MS<I> </I>and ME<I> </I>research projects in 1997-98, 1998-99, and will have none in 2000-01. Nearly £7,000 was spent by CSO on ME<I> </I>projects in 1999-2000 but there was no expenditure on MS<I>.</I><P>With regard to projected expenditure on MS<I> </I>and ME<I> </I>in 2001-02,<I> </I>CSO is not currently funding, and has no plans to promote or commission, research projects on either of these conditions. However, CSO would be pleased to consider funding proposals for innovative MS<I> </I>and ME<I> </I>studies of a sufficiently high standard.<P>CSO is aware of 162 ongoing or recently completed ME research projects in the UK, (17 of which are or were in Scotland)<FONT SIZE=2> <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>and 254 ongoing or recently completed MS research projects (15 of which are or were in Scotland). The projects' details are available from the National Research Register (NRR), a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The results of these research projects will inform the future direction of research and treatment in this area.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149612,"EventID":"S1W-12858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on treatment of those suffering from (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) myalgic encephalomyelitis in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000, broken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on treatment of those suffering from (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) myalgic encephalomyelitis in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149613,"EventID":"S1W-12859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were diagnosed with (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) myalgic encephalomyelitis in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999 and (iii) 2000, broken down by health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were diagnosed with (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) myalgic encephalomyelitis in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999 and (iii) 2000, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the form requested. However, information from samples of GP records in practices across Scotland whose population is nationally representative suggest the following numbers of patients with multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) were seen by GPs in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999 and (iii) to September 2000 (the latest available statistics).<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Estimated number of patients seen</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Multiple Sclerosis</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">CFS/ME</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Jan-Dec</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Jan-Sep</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Jan-Dec</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Jan-Sep</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,900</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,200</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,500</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,800</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,500</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,900</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Notes:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Because of changes in the codes used to gather the data it is not possible to provide information on CFS/ME prior to 1999. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>N/A - Information not available or not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149614,"EventID":"S1W-12860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with the review of audiology services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with the review of audiology services.","AnswerText":"The working group detailed in the answer to question S1W-12861 met on Thursday 1 February to consider a number of issues, including the terms of a possible remit for a wide-ranging review of audiology services. Membership of the group is likely to be expanded to reflect a wider range of health interests. We expect to receive its recommendations in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149615,"EventID":"S1W-12861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who currently serves on the working group looking at hearing services and what the group's remit is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who currently serves on the working group looking at hearing services and what the group's remit is.","AnswerText":"Current membership of the working group follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dr P Craig, Chief Scientist Office, Scottish Executive<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Mrs C De Placido, Fife Acute Hospitals NHS Trust<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Mr S Eales, Scottish Executive Health Department<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Professor Stuart Gatehouse, Medical Research Council, Institute of Hearing Research <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Mr F Lauder, Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Mr G McHardy, Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Mrs M Milligan, Scottish Healthcare Supplies, Common Services Agency.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The working group was established to look at adult hearing aid fittings and services in Scotland. The group invited a team of experts to prepare guidance for the benefit of NHSScotland. The guidance is likely to contain a set of statements and recommendations for good practice in hearing aid fittings and services and will be presented to Ministers for approval shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149616,"EventID":"S1W-12862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted Her Majesty's Government on 25 January 2001 prior to the Minister for Parliament's ministerial statement on long-term care and, if so, whom it consul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted Her Majesty's Government on 25 January 2001 prior to the Minister for Parliament's ministerial statement on long-term care and, if so, whom it consulted and on what basis.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including long-term care for the elderly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149617,"EventID":"S1W-12863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it notified the media on 25 January 2001 that the Minister for Parliament would be making a ministerial statement on long term care and, if so, at what time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it notified the media on 25 January 2001 that the Minister for Parliament would be making a ministerial statement on long term care and, if so, at what time.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149618,"EventID":"S1W-12864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to Her Majesty's Government in support of designating areas adjacent to the proposed M74 north extension as an enterprise 'one.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to Her Majesty's Government in support of designating areas adjacent to the proposed M74 north extension as an enterprise 'one.","AnswerText":"The designation of Enterprise Zones is a reserved matter. The M74 project is at an early stage, as is consideration for the development of the surrounding areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149619,"EventID":"S1W-12865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or plans to make to Her Majesty's Government regarding a review of OSPAR 98/3 on the decommissioning of oil platforms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or plans to make to Her Majesty's Government regarding a review of OSPAR 98/3 on the decommissioning of oil platforms.","AnswerText":"The binding Decision 98/3 agreed by Contracting Parties at the First Ministerial meeting of the OSPAR Commission in July 1998 was reached prior to Devolution. Scottish Office Ministers were consulted about, and agreed to the UK policy position adopted for the meeting.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>This Decision constitutes an international obligation of the United Kingdom and, as such, is reserved to the UK Government under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998. There are no plans to make representations about a review of the Decision. The Decision, however, includes a provision for a review by the OSPAR Commission at its meeting in 2003. The Scottish Executive will be consulted about the UK policy position at that time.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149620,"EventID":"S1W-12866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has into meetings of the Oslo Paris agreement on the protection of the environment in the North Sea (OSPAR); how many meetings have taken place and how many","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has into meetings of the Oslo Paris agreement on the protection of the environment in the North Sea (OSPAR); how many meetings have taken place and how many it or the Scottish Office has attended since 1997, and in what capacity it or the Scottish Office attended these.","AnswerText":"The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) has lead responsibility for arranging UK participation at meetings of OSPAR (the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic). There were 80 meetings in the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2000, of which two were ministerial meetings. In addition, there were a number of regional meetings, workshops and inter-sessional working groups. Generally the Scottish Executive is well represented at meetings with either participation within the UK delegation or at the briefing meetings convened in advance by the DETR. The Scottish Executive comments on meeting papers and contributes to the development of a common UK line before OSPAR meetings.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>During the period in question the Scottish Executive was represented at 28 meetings either as members of the UK delegation or, in some instances, as Chair or Head of Delegation.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149621,"EventID":"S1W-12867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will make available access by MSPs to videoconferencing facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will make available access by MSPs to videoconferencing facilities.","AnswerText":"Videoconferencing &quot;studio&quot; facilities are available to all MSPs and staff of the Parliament. A fully equipped videoconferencing suite is located in the basement of Committee Chambers. This can be booked through the Parliament Helpdesk (85100) and more information is available on IT Services pages of the Parliament's SPEIR intranet site. Staff in IT Services are also happy to provide further support and guidance, and assist with any special arrangements.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The videoconferencing facilities have been used very effectively for several Committee meetings and by Members wishing to link up with organisations or individuals at other locations.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149622,"EventID":"S1W-12868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether clinical geneticists are required to be medically qualified and, if not, what qualifications are necessary to carry out genetic screening.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether clinical geneticists are required to be medically qualified and, if not, what qualifications are necessary to carry out genetic screening.","AnswerText":"There are four centres in the NHS in Scotland which provide genetic screening. Services are provided in each centre by a team led by a medically qualified consultant clinical geneticist. Co-workers in the team, including nurses, counsellors and scientists, assist in service delivery. However, the consultant is ultimately responsible.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149623,"EventID":"S1W-12869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is still the case that the Health Technology Board for Scotland will appraise and evaluate new drugs, as envisaged in the Scottish Office document Designed to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is still the case that the Health Technology Board for Scotland will appraise and evaluate new drugs, as envisaged in the Scottish Office document Designed to Care.","AnswerText":"The statutory remit of the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) is to provide advice to NHSScotland on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of new and existing health technologies, including medicines, devices, clinical procedures and healthcare settings. The HTBS will therefore appraise and evaluate a number of new drugs each year as part of its wider remit.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>When a new drug is marketed, the local Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees (ADTCs) have the role of providing advice to prescribers and health boards about whether or not the new medicine (or new therapeutic indication) should be adopted into practice. HTBS will support the ADTCs assessment work by sharing expertise in assessment methodologies and seeking ways to promote consistency among the committees.<P>Additionally, in recognition of the needs and expectations of decision-makers in Scotland, from spring 2001 HTBS will provide a Scottish interpretation of all NICE guidance on appraisals, which includes many new drugs.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149624,"EventID":"S1W-12870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will review current financial targets for NHSiS Trusts, given that eight out of 28 had a financial deficit at 31 August 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will review current financial targets for NHSiS Trusts, given that eight out of 28 had a financial deficit at 31 August 2000.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\">Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> stated that: &quot;we will review existing financial systems to ensure that resources flow and are managed in a way that is effective, efficient and accountable. The review will provide initial propsals for change by March 2001&quot;</FONT><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>This includes a review of Trust financial targets. The review will take into account the requirement to maintain high standards of financial management and control.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149625,"EventID":"S1W-12871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why more resources are being allocated to organic foods and organic farming.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why more resources are being allocated to organic foods and organic farming.","AnswerText":"Aid for the organic food and farming sectors is demand-led: these sectors are responding to increased consumer demand.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149626,"EventID":"S1W-12872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has made into the effect on the local food chain of depleted uranium shells fired into the Solway Firth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has made into the effect on the local food chain of depleted uranium shells fired into the Solway Firth.","AnswerText":"Environmental monitoring of depleted uranium (DU) is undertaken by the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA) Radiation Protection Services. The programme includes analysis of marine environmental samples collected in the Solway Firth area, and the reports are publicly available.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In relation to the food chain we are advised by the Food Standards Agency and have been informed that, to date, they have had no indication that there are detrimental effects on the food chain. Should monitoring raise concerns, the agency would investigate the situation urgently.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149627,"EventID":"S1W-12873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all patients in psychiatric hospitals have the right and the opportunity to speak with a chaplain when requested.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all patients in psychiatric hospitals have the right and the opportunity to speak with a chaplain when requested.","AnswerText":"Yes, however, a request may be denied if any chaplain's personal safety came into question.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149628,"EventID":"S1W-12874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide any assistance to prevent the possible closure of the Community Service Volunteers in Clyde Street, Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide any assistance to prevent the possible closure of the Community Service Volunteers in Clyde Street, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Executive currently provides grant of £64,890 towards the HQ funding of Community Service Volunteers. CSV's Clyde Street office is not under threat of closure but some of the projects based there may be. Officials are seeking further information from the Director of CSV ScotIand to find out if there is any way in which the Executive can properly assist.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149629,"EventID":"S1W-12875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many groups in (a) Glasgow and (b) Glasgow Kelvin have been unsuccessful in their bids for Objective 3 funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many groups in (a) Glasgow and (b) Glasgow Kelvin have been unsuccessful in their bids for Objective 3 funding.","AnswerText":"Applicants are required to indicate the local authority area within which will be found the addresses of the beneficiaries of their projects, but there is no breakdown below this level available at this stage. On this basis, there were 44 unsuccessful applications made in respect of the Glasgow City Council area. There were also 89 successful applications in respect of the Glasgow City Council area and these projects were awarded grants totalling £14,966,499.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">None of these figures take account of those applications which had beneficiaries in more than one local authority area, of which there were 214 successful applications and 154 unsuccessful applications across Lowland Scotland as a whole.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In terms of the proportion of applications which were successful in securing funding, I can confirm that, of the 133 applications made in respect of the Glasgow area, 89 were awarded grants, a success rate of 66.9%. By comparison, the overall success rate of applicants to Objective 3 as a whole was only 59.6%.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149630,"EventID":"S1W-12876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a significant difference in the number of Catholic prisoners as compared with those from other religious groupings and, if so, whether it will investigat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a significant difference in the number of Catholic prisoners as compared with those from other religious groupings and, if so, whether it will investigate the reasons for any such differences.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Each prisoner's religion is among routine information collected on admission to prison. As at 29 January the breakdown of the prison population's declared religious beliefs was as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=492><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">% of total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Baptist</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Buddhist</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Christian - other</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">77</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Church of England</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Church of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,565</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Episcopalian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Hindu</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Jehovah Witness</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Muslim</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>No Record</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>No Religion</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1194</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Other</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Roman Catholic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1621</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,734</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Prison Service accepts all prisoners referred to it by the courts irrespecti","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149631,"EventID":"S1W-12877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will set out its policy priorities and programme for government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will set out its policy priorities and programme for government.","AnswerText":"The policy priorities and programme for government of the Scottish Executive are encapsulated in <I>Working together for Scotland - a Programme for Government</I>, published today. It sets out what the Executive has done, and what we will do in the future to build a modern, prosperous and socially just Scotland. It also reports on progress and achievements against the commitments we set out in the first programme for government, <I>Making it work together</I>, published in September 1999. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A copy of <I>Working together for Scotland - a Programme for Government</I> is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10911). Additional copies are available in the Document Supply Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149632,"EventID":"S1W-12878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to prepare guidelines for health boards on policies on charging for access to medical records in order to ensure patients' ease of access to their reco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to prepare guidelines for health boards on policies on charging for access to medical records in order to ensure patients' ease of access to their records.","AnswerText":"Management Executive Letter 2000(17), which was issued by the Scottish Executive Health Department on 14 April 2000, draws the attention of boards and Trusts to the coming into force of the Data Protection Act 1998. The letter is available on SHOW. Amongst other things, it announces new arrangements under the Act for enabling patients to see their health records. In particular, it notifies NHSScotland of the new charging regime for subject access requests.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>More detailed guidance is now at an advanced stage of preparation and will be issued shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149633,"EventID":"S1W-12879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6799 by Sarah Boyack on 30 May 2000, whether it has completed reviewing the compliance of Scottish planning law and organisation wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6799 by Sarah Boyack on 30 May 2000, whether it has completed reviewing the compliance of Scottish planning law and organisation with the European Convention on Human Rights and, if so, whether any legislation now requires to be amended, in particular in relation to appeals and investigations, and what the timescale is for any changes to be implemented. ","AnswerText":"The Executive undertook a review of existing planning legislation and concluded that the current planning system, with its inbuilt checks and safeguards, is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights without further amendment.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>However, we keep under review the need to amend existing law and procedures to comply with the Convention and shall continue to do so, particularly in consequence of any relevant developments in ECHR and domestic case law.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149634,"EventID":"S1W-12880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many course places were available to train occupational therapists in each of the last five years and how many will be available in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many course places were available to train occupational therapists in each of the last five years and how many will be available in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The allocation of places to particular courses or institutions is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council taking into account advice on workforce needs identified. The detailed allocation for 2001-02 academic year will be announced by SHEFC in March.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149635,"EventID":"S1W-12881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer questions S1W-12125 and S1W-12126 lodged on 19 December 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer questions S1W-12125 and S1W-12126 lodged on 19 December 2000.","AnswerText":"An answer was given to question S1W-12125 on 31 January and question S1W-12126 was answered today.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149636,"EventID":"S1W-12882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set up a dedicated hepatitis C telephone helpline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set up a dedicated hepatitis C telephone helpline.","AnswerText":"The UK Health Departments fund the National AIDS and Drugs Helplines, which already provide callers with information on hepatitis C where this is sought. The Executive proposes to review, with other UK Health Departments, whether there is a need to put a greater emphasis on hepatitis C in the services provided by these helplines.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Information about hepatitis C is also provided by the NHS Helpline in Scotland and by services provided by voluntary organisations involved in hepatitis C issues, such as Mainliners.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149637,"EventID":"S1W-12883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will publish details of any sales of body parts by hospitals and whether any such sales were part of an agreement relating to the funding of research.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will publish details of any sales of body parts by hospitals and whether any such sales were part of an agreement relating to the funding of research.","AnswerText":"There is no evidence in Scotland of sales of body parts by hospitals. In particular, there is no evidence of children's thymus glands being sold to pharmaceutical companies, as happened at Alder Hey.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149638,"EventID":"S1W-12884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide alternative employment opportunities in Lanarkshire, particularly in the event of any further closures of steelworks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to provide alternative employment opportunities in Lanarkshire, particularly in the event of any further closures of steelworks.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies support job creation and training for new employment through a variety of programmes. In the event of significant redundancies, a team of local agencies is quickly brought together under the Executive's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment framework to support all those affected find new work. I was pleased to note that in the recent restructuring announcement by Corus there were no plans to close or make significant job cuts at the company's steel works in Lanarkshire.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149639,"EventID":"S1W-12885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has received regarding any skill shortages which could damage prospects for inward investment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has received regarding any skill shortages which could damage prospects for inward investment.","AnswerText":"The Executive has received a representation from Electronics Scotland about issues in the electronics sector with regard to recruiting skilled staff. The Executive is working with industry groups and with further and higher education to help stimulate skills growth. Locate in Scotland continues to receive feedback from inward investors who feel that availability of skills is one of Scotland's greatest attributes. We expect this is an issue that Future Skills Scotland will want to address in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149640,"EventID":"S1W-12886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's distribution of funding, broken down by university, is for 2001-02 and was for the previous two financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's distribution of funding, broken down by university, is for 2001-02 and was for the previous two financial years.","AnswerText":"The allocation of funding to individual institutions is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. The council makes its allocation on the basis of academic years. The allocation for 2001-02 academic year has not yet been published. Information for previous years is available on the SHEFC website or from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149641,"EventID":"S1W-12887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average spend per student was last year, broken down by university, using the current Scottish Higher Education Funding Council distribution system and what tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average spend per student was last year, broken down by university, using the current Scottish Higher Education Funding Council distribution system and what that figure would be using the proposed system for distribution.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149642,"EventID":"S1W-12888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all current Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership projects in which it is involved and the annual interest payments associated with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all current Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership projects in which it is involved and the annual interest payments associated with each.","AnswerText":"A full list of PFI/PPP projects including those for which the Scottish Executive is directly responsible, is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre. The annual interest payments for those of the Executive's projects where such payments are currently being made, are matters of commercial confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149643,"EventID":"S1W-12889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has taken with regard to the firing of depleted uranium shells into the Solway Firth near Dundrennan in Kirkcudbri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has taken with regard to the firing of depleted uranium shells into the Solway Firth near Dundrennan in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"In 1999 Scottish Environment Protection Agency staff visited the Dundrennan Range and subsequently held discussions with the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency about the environmental monitoring programme there.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149644,"EventID":"S1W-12890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria it uses to assess whether an independent museum is of national importance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria it uses to assess whether an independent museum is of national importance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-2806 on 18 January.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149645,"EventID":"S1W-12891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many representations it has received, and from whom, with regard to the award of trunk road maintenance contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many representations it has received, and from whom, with regard to the award of trunk road maintenance contracts.","AnswerText":"The Department has received a number of representations from a wide range of respondents including bidding consortia, local councils and CoSLA, trade unions and council workers.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149646,"EventID":"S1W-12892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what amount of Trans-European Network funding it estimates it will receive for its planned improvements to the A75. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what amount of Trans-European Network funding it estimates it will receive for its planned improvements to the A75. ","AnswerText":"The Route Action Plan (RAP) for the A75 identifies a 10-year investment programme. The first two improvement schemes at Cairntop and Chapleton are at an early stage of planning. We will consider whether it might be appropriate to apply for Trans-European Network (TENs) funding for these and other schemes in the RAP.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149647,"EventID":"S1W-12893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will announce its intentions following the review of the air quality strategy objective for particles (PM10).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will announce its intentions following the review of the air quality strategy objective for particles (PM10).","AnswerText":"The work to consider the prospect for strengthening the objective is well in hand, and should be available at the end of March. The most significant area of work will be advice from the Department of Health's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP) on the chronic effects of air pollution. To date the health implications of particle air pollution have tended to focus on the acute short-term effects. Evidence is now beginning to emerge which suggests that the long-term chronic effects of particle air pollution may be considerably more significant. This advice from COMEAP may, if relevant, be used to support a quantification of the benefits to health from reducing concentrations of particles. A comprehensive study of the costs of emission reduction measures is also underway, and is expected to be completed in February or March. The latest modelling work, that will show what impact the recently announced policy measures are likely to have on concentrations of particles over the next few years will also be completed in February.<P>Once the results are available, the Scottish Executive expects to be in a position to consult on proposals for a new objective for particles over the summer.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149648,"EventID":"S1W-12895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a contract with Banner Business Supplies and, if so, how long the contract is for; what services are provided to it by them, and what criteria were used t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a contract with Banner Business Supplies and, if so, how long the contract is for; what services are provided to it by them, and what criteria were used to select Banner Business Supplies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a contract with Banner Business Supplies which commenced on 1 August 1999 for a period of three years plus an option of two one year extensions, subject to performance.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Banner Business Supplies provides office stationery products and desktop accessories to Scottish Executive offices across the country. Following open competition and detailed evaluation of nine tenders, Banner was selected on the basis of value for money and its delivery capability.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149649,"EventID":"S1W-12896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a contract with Security Printing and Systems and, if so, how long the contract is for; what services are provided to it by them, and what criteria were u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a contract with Security Printing and Systems and, if so, how long the contract is for; what services are provided to it by them, and what criteria were used to select Security Printing and Systems.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have a contract with Security Printing and Systems.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149650,"EventID":"S1W-12897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a contract with Stationery Office Holdings and, if so, how long the contract is for; what services are provided to it by them, and what criteria were used","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has a contract with Stationery Office Holdings and, if so, how long the contract is for; what services are provided to it by them, and what criteria were used to select Stationary Office Holdings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have a contract with Stationery Office Holdings.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149651,"EventID":"S1W-12899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it estimates it will have spent on employing Tactica Solutions from July 1999 until May 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it estimates it will have spent on employing Tactica Solutions from July 1999 until May 2003.","AnswerText":"The current contact with Tactica Solutions expires in August 2001 with options to extend for one year plus one further year. At this point, no decision has been made as to whether to exercise the first year option and it is not possible to estimate expenditure with Tactica Solutions until May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149652,"EventID":"S1W-12900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail, for each Executive agency and non-departmental public body, whether or not they have a contract with or employ the services of Tactica Solutions;","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail, for each Executive agency and non-departmental public body, whether or not they have a contract with or employ the services of Tactica Solutions; what the length is of any such contracts, and how much has been paid to Tactica Solutions to date and what services were provided by them, broken down for each body.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149653,"EventID":"S1W-12901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Scotland's population is declining and whether this represents any net \"brain drain\" in the business, commerce, industrial, educational and research sectors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Scotland's population is declining and whether this represents any net \"brain drain\" in the business, commerce, industrial, educational and research sectors.","AnswerText":"The Registrar General's 1999 mid-year estimate of Scotland's population was 5,119,200. This represents a fall of 17,400 since 1995, reflecting estimated net out-migration and other adjustments of 10,895 and a natural decrease (more deaths than births) of 6,505. However, the fall in population between 1998 and 1999 is estimated to have been only 800, reflecting estimated net in-migration and other adjustments of 2,917 offset by a natural decrease of 3,717. Particular caution should be attached to the estimates for a single year's change.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The General Register Office for Scotland estimates that Scotland will experience a net loss of 1,000 people per annum between now and 2020, the majority of which are young highly skilled people. The Executive takes this issue seriously and both the newly formed Scottish Labour Market Intelligence Unit, now called &quot;Future Skills Scotland&quot;, and the Enterprise Networks, plan to look into this matter over the coming year.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Executive does not maintain specific statistical information about the movement of persons working within the fields of business, commerce, industry, academia or research.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149654,"EventID":"S1W-12902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to set up its freedom of information working group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to set up its freedom of information working group.","AnswerText":"I can announce today the establishment of an Interdepartmental Working Group on Freedom of Information. This fulfils a commitment made in the Executive's consultation document on freedom of information, <I>An Open Scotland</I>. The group's first meeting will be held in early February. The group will report to me and has been asked to ensure that all necessary measures are put in place to enable the Scottish freedom of information legislation to be implemented smoothly and consistently across the Scottish public sector.<P>The group is to be chaired by a senior official of the Scottish Executive. It will include representatives of the Scottish Executive Departments, Agencies and NDPBs, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, CoSLA, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the NHS in Scotland and the Higher Education sector.<P>I have made available in the Parliament's Reference Centre details of the working group's terms of reference and membership.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149655,"EventID":"S1W-12903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to expand Gaelic-medium education in the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to expand Gaelic-medium education in the next five years.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to support the expansion of Gaelic-medium education through the Specific and Pre-school Grant Schemes. The Specific Grant will be £2,834,000 for 2001-02. The Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000 requires Education Authorities to set out their plans for Gaelic-medium education in their annual report on improvement objectives. Guidance on the process of improvement planning under the Act is being considered. The Executive is in discussions with the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on possible measures to secure an increase in the number of Gaelic-medium teachers.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149656,"EventID":"S1W-12904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the implementation of the central heating scheme for pensioners who are council tenants in Highland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland will be subject to the re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the implementation of the central heating scheme for pensioners who are council tenants in Highland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland will be subject to the result of tenants' ballots on stock transfer proposals.","AnswerText":"All tenants in the social rented sector who lack central heating will receive it. If they vote for stock transfer under the New Housing Partnership initiative the new landlord will be required to install central heating. If they vote to remain with the local authority they will receive central heating under the Scottish Executive programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149657,"EventID":"S1W-12905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what areas in the Highlands and Islands will be designated as pilot areas when NHS 24, the NHS telephone advice service, is rolled out in 2001 and when the service will ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what areas in the Highlands and Islands will be designated as pilot areas when NHS 24, the NHS telephone advice service, is rolled out in 2001 and when the service will cover the whole of the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Project Director is currently developing a detailed service specification for the roll out of NHS 24. Consideration of the issue of location for the service centres has yet to begin.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149658,"EventID":"S1W-12906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the total costs involved in publishing, distributing and launching Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government and how many copies h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the total costs involved in publishing, distributing and launching Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government and how many copies have been published and distributed.","AnswerText":"We have not yet received final invoices for all the costs involved in publishing, distributing and launching <I>Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government</I>. We estimate the total costs to be about £37,890.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4,000 copies were printed, of which 1,401 have been distributed.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149659,"EventID":"S1W-12907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many mortgage repossession orders were made in each court district in each quarter of 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many mortgage repossession orders were made in each court district in each quarter of 2000.","AnswerText":"The recorded figures for the number of mortgage repossession orders granted in each court district in each quarter of 2000 are shown in the following table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=445><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Court</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1q 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>2q 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>3q 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>4q 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>40</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>205</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Airdrie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>102</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>64</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>51</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>312</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Alloa</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>49</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Arbroath</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>42</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>97</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Ayr</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>46</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>156</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Banff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>43</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Campbeltown</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>20</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" ","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149660,"EventID":"S1W-12908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were killed by lightning in each of the last 10 years and whether any guidance is issued on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were killed by lightning in each of the last 10 years and whether any guidance is issued on this matter.","AnswerText":"Three people were killed by lightning in the last 10 years, one each in 1992, 1995 and 1996. The Scottish Executive has not issued any guidance on this subject.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149661,"EventID":"S1W-12909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been killed by chemicals in each of the last 10 years and what category of chemicals was responsible for each death.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been killed by chemicals in each of the last 10 years and what category of chemicals was responsible for each death.","AnswerText":"It is<FONT FACE=\"Helv\"> not possible to give a precise answer to this question as it is difficult to define which deaths are due to chemicals or, indeed, what should be covered by the term chemicals. The table below summarises some relevant information on deaths from accidental poisoning. It excludes all deaths resulting from poisoning by drugs and medicaments.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=11 HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Selected deaths from accidental poisoning, Scotland, 1990-99</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Substance involved</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1991</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ethyl or methyl alcohol</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cleansing and polishing agents</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Disinfectants, paints and varnishes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149662,"EventID":"S1W-12910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer question S1W-11911.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will answer question S1W-11911.","AnswerText":"As soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149663,"EventID":"S1W-12912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Scottish residents applied to (a) Strathclyde University, (b) Glasgow University and (c) Glasgow Caledonian University in each of the last three academic years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Scottish residents applied to (a) Strathclyde University, (b) Glasgow University and (c) Glasgow Caledonian University in each of the last three academic years.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149664,"EventID":"S1W-12913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have used the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit since it was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have used the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit since it was established.","AnswerText":"Since its inception in November 1998, the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit has had contact with around 160 businesses. Through a series of seminars, correspondence and also its &quot;hotline&quot; and e-mail box, the unit has received over 170 enquiries and complaints to date. Of these, 67 related to reserved matters, 40 to devolved matters and 65 did not refer to specific policy areas but rather to regulatory mechanisms and principles for attention at both Holyrood and Westminster. The comments made to the unit seldom refer to any individual regulation, however the areas which give rise to the greatest number of concerns are; that the development of policy should involve more consideration of the impact on business, difficulties with employment regulations and trading standards and their application. Consequently the IRIS Unit has concentrated its efforts on improving regulations and their enforcement by encouraging greater use of the Regulatory Impact Assessment process by policy makers and promoting adoption and application of the Enforcement Concordat by regulators.<P>The Unit has publicised its activities and service at conferences, seminars and meetings. A publicity &quot;flyer&quot; has been given a wide distribution and the Unit also has a website accessible through the Executive website, (<A HREF=\"http://www.scotland.gov.uk/who/elld/iris.asp\">www.scotland.gov.uk/who/elld/iris.asp</A>). The IRIS Unit was also featured in the publication <I>The Way Forward: A Framework for Economic Development in Scotland</I> published in June 2000. The unit also continues its dialogue with a wide number of business representative organisations, such as the Federation of Small Businesses. The effectiveness of policies and efforts in this area will be felt by business in changes to the regulatory culture and the unit will continue to work to this end.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149665,"EventID":"S1W-12914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individual enquiries have been submitted to the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individual enquiries have been submitted to the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-12913.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149666,"EventID":"S1W-12915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any regulation has been amended or repealed as a result of complaints to the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any regulation has been amended or repealed as a result of complaints to the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-12913.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149667,"EventID":"S1W-12916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 20 regulations are in relation to which the highest number of complaints have been received by the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit and how many complaints ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 20 regulations are in relation to which the highest number of complaints have been received by the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit and how many complaints have been received about each of these regulations.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-12913.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149668,"EventID":"S1W-12917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints to the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit have concerned regulations relating to (a) devolved matters and (b) reserved matters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints to the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit have concerned regulations relating to (a) devolved matters and (b) reserved matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-12913.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149669,"EventID":"S1W-12918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it publicises and raises awareness of the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it publicises and raises awareness of the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-12913.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149670,"EventID":"S1W-12919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to evaluate the effectiveness of its Improving Regulation in Scotland initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to evaluate the effectiveness of its Improving Regulation in Scotland initiative.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-12913.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149671,"EventID":"S1W-12920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of school pupils went to (a) private and (b) state-funded schools in (i) 1979, (ii) 1992 and (iii) each year since 1997, broken down by local authority a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of school pupils went to (a) private and (b) state-funded schools in (i) 1979, (ii) 1992 and (iii) each year since 1997, broken down by local authority and in Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in tables which have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11120).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149672,"EventID":"S1W-12921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all flood prevention schemes that have been funded since 1 July 1999 and those applications currently under consideration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all flood prevention schemes that have been funded since 1 July 1999 and those applications currently under consideration.","AnswerText":"Flood Prevention Schemes which have completed the statutory process, including confirmation by the Scottish Ministers, and which have been funded since 1 July 1999 are:<P>Moredun, Paisley Flood Prevention Scheme;<P>River Kelvin Flood Prevention Scheme, and<P>Bridge of Earn Flood Prevention Scheme.<P>In addition, a request for funding for Collier Street, Johnstone Flood Prevention Scheme is presently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149673,"EventID":"S1W-12922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12430 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 January 2001, what specific arrangements are planned to ensure high quality care and protection for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12430 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 January 2001, what specific arrangements are planned to ensure high quality care and protection for care home residents in the context of the surreptitious administration of drugs.","AnswerText":"The planned Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care will take responsibility for the registration and inspection of all care services, including those provided in care homes. All care services will have to meet new national care standards which will cover issues like the administration of medication.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Care homes will also be required to maintain records and documents setting out the procedures for risk assessment, for issue of medication and all essential care tasks so that staff know what is required of them. This will result in better protection and a higher quality of care for all vulnerable people in care homes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149674,"EventID":"S1W-12923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8788 by Sarah Boyack on 21 August 2000, whether it was aware at that time that the Scottish Borders Tourist Board report which info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8788 by Sarah Boyack on 21 August 2000, whether it was aware at that time that the Scottish Borders Tourist Board report which informed the Borders railway feasibility study's conclusions on tourism pre-dated the feasibility study by three years and looked only at the effect a train line from Edinburgh to Galashiels could have on tourism and, if not, whether it adheres to its position that a supplementary study looking at the potential impact on tourism of the reopening of the line from Edinburgh to Carlisle is not necessary.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Scottish Executive did know that the Scottish Borders Tourist Board report predated the feasibility study, was aware of the report's remit and believes that a supplementary report is unnecessary.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149675,"EventID":"S1W-12924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4363 by Sarah Boyack on 15 February 2000, whether it was aware at that time that the Scottish Borders Tourist Board report which in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4363 by Sarah Boyack on 15 February 2000, whether it was aware at that time that the Scottish Borders Tourist Board report which informed the Borders railway feasibility study's conclusions on tourism pre-dated the feasibility study by three years and looked only at the effect a train line from Edinburgh to Galashiels could have on tourism and, if not, whether it adheres to its statement that the feasibility study was the product of a detailed assessment of the economic, social and environmental impacts of reopening part or all of the railway line from Edinburgh to Carlisle.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Scottish Executive did know that the Scottish Borders Tourist Board report predated the feasibility study and is content that the feasibility study represents a detailed assessment of the economic, social and environmental impacts of reopening part or all of the railway line from Edinburgh to Carlisle.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149676,"EventID":"S1W-12925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10209 by Sarah Boyack on 28 November 2000, whether, in the absence of any publicly available documentary evidence on the impact of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10209 by Sarah Boyack on 28 November 2000, whether, in the absence of any publicly available documentary evidence on the impact of a Borders railway on tourism other than the Scottish Borders Tourist Board report dating from 1996 on the effect of a train line from Edinburgh to Galashiels on tourism in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian, it will now convert the information obtained in the consultants' interviews into a publishable form and publish this information.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149677,"EventID":"S1W-12926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether staff transferring from one health trust to another within the same health board area are entitled to carry with them any accrued statutory maternity rights enti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether staff transferring from one health trust to another within the same health board area are entitled to carry with them any accrued statutory maternity rights entitlement, or time earned towards such entitlement and other employment rights, or whether these are lost as a result of such transfers.","AnswerText":"The legal position depends on the reason for the transfer. Provided transferring staff have continuity of employment (as legally defined), then they will retain any rights (including maternity rights) which they have accrued.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149678,"EventID":"S1W-12927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are minimum standards of staffing levels in place for hospital trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are minimum standards of staffing levels in place for hospital trusts.","AnswerText":"Minimum levels of staffing for NHS Trusts in Scotland are not prescribed centrally. It is a matter for health boards and trusts to assess and provide for local needs and to determine the staffing levels required for effective service delivery. National recommendations on staffing levels would cut across these responsibilities and would undermine boards' and trusts' ability to provide a modern, flexible service matched to local needs. Boards' and trusts' performance is judged on the services they provide and their effect on health, which will be addressed by a new performance management framework as indicated in <I>Our National Health; a plan for action; a plan for change</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149679,"EventID":"S1W-12928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to monitor the effects on staffing levels of a reduction in junior doctors' hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to monitor the effects on staffing levels of a reduction in junior doctors' hours.","AnswerText":"The New Deal Implementation Support Group (ISG) is working with trusts to help them reduce junior doctors' hours and improve working conditions. We have recently expanded the group to increase the practical support which it can offer. The ISG is currently undertaking detailed work in each trust to identify local action to reduce hours. Consideration of staffing levels is integral to this work.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149680,"EventID":"S1W-12929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the recent tendering exercise for the trunk road network, whether any consideration was given to the outcome of the Fatal Accident Inquiry relating to The","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the recent tendering exercise for the trunk road network, whether any consideration was given to the outcome of the Fatal Accident Inquiry relating to The Ord on the A9.","AnswerText":"Officials preparing the contract were aware of the tragic accident on the A9 at The Ord and have taken account of this in conducting the tendering exercise.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149681,"EventID":"S1W-12930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the names are of those on the panel for the recent trunk road network tendering exercise, what connections any panel member currently has, or has had, with any of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the names are of those on the panel for the recent trunk road network tendering exercise, what connections any panel member currently has, or has had, with any of the parties involved in the bidding process, and what relevant expertise each person brought to the panel.","AnswerText":"The trunk road network tendering exercise was overseen by a steering group of officials which reported to me. No member of the steering group has or had an interest in any of the bidders. The steering group brought together skills in administrative, financial, procurement and technical matters related to the contracts.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149682,"EventID":"S1W-12931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any information is contained in the tender document for the trunk road network regarding the use and operation of trunk road lighting and traffic control signals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any information is contained in the tender document for the trunk road network regarding the use and operation of trunk road lighting and traffic control signals.","AnswerText":"Information is provided in the tender documents covering the supply of electrical energy and use and operation of trunk road lighting and traffic control signals.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149683,"EventID":"S1W-12932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it expects the working group on needlestick injuries to report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it expects the working group on needlestick injuries to report.","AnswerText":"I launched the working group's report <I>Needlestick Injuries: Sharpen</I> <I>Your Awareness</I> at the UNISON Scotland Conference on 6 April. The report is currently in the process of being printed and should be available shortly. The report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the </FONT><A HREF=\"http://www.scotland/\">www.scotland</A> and <A HREF=\"http://www.SHOW/\">www.SHOW</A> websites.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149684,"EventID":"S1W-12933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it would cost the NHSiS to introduce the use of retractable needles where appropriate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it would cost the NHSiS to introduce the use of retractable needles where appropriate.","AnswerText":"The NHS Scotland uses around 10 million needles a year at a cost of £1.2 million. The individual cost of needles can vary widely from 2p for a replacement needle to over £50 for specialised needles. On average a normal needle costs about 12p and retractable needles 27 to 30p. I recently launched the <I>Needlestick Injuries: Sharpen Your Awareness</I> report at the UNISON Scotland Conference and announced that the Scottish Executive would issue guidelines to NHS Scotland on the implementation of the report and would provide £270,000 to support the report's recommendations for the introduction of safer needles based on risk assessment.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149685,"EventID":"S1W-12934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs will make his first report to the Parliament on the Scottish Qualifications Authority's progress in deliverin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs will make his first report to the Parliament on the Scottish Qualifications Authority's progress in delivering the Diet of examinations for 2001.","AnswerText":"I have today written to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee enclosing the Executive's first report on progress towards implementing the actions agreed following the publication of the Deloitte Touche report on 3 November 2000. Copies have also been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11055).","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149686,"EventID":"S1W-12935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the farm income figures for 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the farm income figures for 2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is today publishing the Scottish farm income figures. The estimated figures show that Total Income from Farming (TIFF) fell by 13% in 2000 to £228 million. The fall in agricultural incomes reflects the lower prices for many agricultural commodities due to the continued strength of the pound during 2000. Average net farm income is estimated to have fallen marginally, with some variation across sectors. Detailed estimates of the outputs, inputs and income of Scottish agriculture at both the aggregate level and by farm type will be published this morning and will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149687,"EventID":"S1W-12936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached its conclusions on the response to last year's consultation exercise on the extent of problems caused by high hedges in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached its conclusions on the response to last year's consultation exercise on the extent of problems caused by high hedges in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In response to the consultation paper published last year, we received 90 formal responses. At the same time the Executive also received over 120 letters from members of the public, many of whom went to great lengths to describe the difficulties they were experiencing as a result of high boundary hedges.<FONT SIZE=2> We consider that though the experience of such problems is not so widespread in Scotland as south of the border, the suffering in individual cases is just as acute.<P>We have accordingly decided in principle that a statutory remedy of last resort is required, involving complaints to the local authority and enforcement action in appropriate cases, where other avenues have been exhausted. No commitment can be given at this stage as to when legislation can be brought forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149688,"EventID":"S1W-12937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the terms of reference of the Care Development Group will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the terms of reference of the Care Development Group will be published.","AnswerText":"The terms of reference of the group were agreed yesterday by the Scottish Cabinet and are as follows:<P>\"With the objective of ensuring that older people in Scotland have access to high quality and responsive long-term care in the appropriate setting and on a fair and equitable basis:<P>to examine existing service provision and to identify gaps, deficiencies and duplication which may require to be addressed;<P>to bring forward proposals for the implementation of free personal care for all, along with an analysis of the costs and implications of so doing;<P>to provide a clear definition of what is meant by personal care;<P>to examine the current deployment of resources from all funding streams for the care of older people and make any recommendations for change that are thought to be necessary;<P>to work with the Chief Nursing Officer's Group to develop a person-centred, holistic needs assessment process;<P>to consider the interrelationships with UK matters, notably the tax and social security benefits system and cross border movement;<P>to bring forward recommendations, together with costs and possible opportunity costs, of providing sustainable changes which will meet current and projected need and likely demand; and <P>to report to the Minister for Health and Community Care by August 2001 with a view to the first stage of implementation beginning in April 2002.\" <P>The group will be chaired by the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care and full membership of the group will be announced next week.","AnswerDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149689,"EventID":"S1W-12938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any changes to external finance limits set for each water authority this year, and what budgets it proposes to allocate each water authority in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any changes to external finance limits set for each water authority this year, and what budgets it proposes to allocate each water authority in the next financial year.","AnswerText":"1. The External Finance Limits (EFL) have been revised for the current financial year. These are:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Original EFL<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Revised EFL</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East of Scotland Water</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">66</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">74</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West of Scotland Water </TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80.954</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">86.954</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North of Scotland Water</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Notes:<P>1. Figures published in <I>Investing in You.</I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Extra EFL has been given to enable the water authorities to maintain current levels of investment. This investment is essential to ensure progress is made to meet the standards set by public health and environment protection water quality laws.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2. Resources for 2001-02 have yet to be approved by Parliament. The figures given are consistent with those shown in the Budget Bill which was laid on 19 January 2001.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Resource Budget (profit)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Capital Budget<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(capital expenditure)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Net cash requirement<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(borrowing)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East of Scotland Water</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-42.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">126</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">West of Scotland Water</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-85.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">192</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">North of Scotland Water</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-31.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">143.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Cost of Capital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">131</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">TOTAL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD></TR></TABLE><P>For purposes of comparison, the &quot;net cash requirement&quot; of £256.3 million for 2001-02 is equivalent to the total EFLs for 2000-01 of £216 million. This level of borrowing in 2001-02 is not a public expenditure control, but simply the borrowing resulting from the figures set for profit and capital expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149690,"EventID":"S1W-12939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to prevent the closure of local swimming pools and to encourage swimming as a healthy form of exercise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to prevent the closure of local swimming pools and to encourage swimming as a healthy form of exercise.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the provision of local sports facilities including swimming pools are a matter for local authorities. On the Scottish Executive’s behalf, sportscotland spends around £600,000 per year on the development of swimming.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149691,"EventID":"S1W-12940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that all schoolchildren have access to a minimum of two hours of physical education per week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that all schoolchildren have access to a minimum of two hours of physical education per week.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12460.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149692,"EventID":"S1W-12941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review the physical education programme in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review the physical education programme in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer Ms McGugan to the answer I gave to question S1W-12942.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149693,"EventID":"S1W-12942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that sport is given some priority in the school curriculum and that there is a natural role for sport in schools given that it does not feature as one","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that sport is given some priority in the school curriculum and that there is a natural role for sport in schools given that it does not feature as one of the national priorities in education. ","AnswerText":"The guidance to education authorities and schools emphasises that sport and other forms of physical education make an essential contribution to pupils' health and general wellbeing. The context and opportunity for this lies within the national priority &quot;to teach pupils respect for self and one another and their interdependence with other members of their neighbourhood and society and to teach them the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society&quot;.<P>Increasing the amount of time devoted to sport could, however, only be done at the expense of other areas of the school curriculum.<P>There are no plans to review current arrangements for providing physical education programmes in the school curriculum. However, <B>sport</B>scotland is working closely with education authorities in a number of programmes to promote sporting and physical activity in schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149694,"EventID":"S1W-12943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will promote and maintain a sporting culture in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will promote and maintain a sporting culture in schools.","AnswerText":"Programmes such as TOPS, Active Primary Schools and School Sport Co-ordinators which are funded through <B>sport</B>scotland and the Lottery Sports Fund are successfully promoting sport in schools. In addition, we have now just completed consultation on proposals for the next round of New Opportunities Fund initiatives which will include a significant investment in school sport.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149695,"EventID":"S1W-12944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include extra-curricular sport within the continuous professional development programme for teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include extra-curricular sport within the continuous professional development programme for teachers.","AnswerText":"The agreement following the McCrone Report into teachers' terms and conditions of service will, if accepted, introduce a framework for the continuing professional development of teachers. The framework would ensure that continuing professional development reflects individual need and school, local and national priorities. It would incorporate existing CPD provision and widen the range of opportunities available to teachers.<P>The framework would not be prescriptive but sufficiently flexible to meet the specific training needs of individual teachers and schools, including training relating to sport and physical activity where required.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149696,"EventID":"S1W-12945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will conduct a review of sportscotland in the context of the overall review of non-departmental public bodies will be measured and who will be consulted on any review","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will conduct a review of sportscotland in the context of the overall review of non-departmental public bodies will be measured and who will be consulted on any review.","AnswerText":"Notwithstanding and without prejudice to the wider review of NDPBs announced by the Minister of Finance on 18 January, <B>sport</B>scotland are reviewing aspects of their organisation and operations. The appointment of consultants to assist them in that process will be a matter for <B>sport</B>scotland. The Executive will ensure that the views of <B>sport</B>scotland's customers and partner organisations will be sought during this process.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149697,"EventID":"S1W-12946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund a full-time officer for every local sports council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund a full-time officer for every local sports council.","AnswerText":"Local sports councils are part of the local delivery of sport in Scotland and their funding is a matter for individual local authorities. <B>sport</B>scotland provides grant (currently £21,000 per annum) and other support to the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149698,"EventID":"S1W-12947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a national network of sports colleges and, if so, when.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a national network of sports colleges and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149699,"EventID":"S1W-12948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund the refurbishment of community sports facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund the refurbishment of community sports facilities.","AnswerText":"The provision of adequate leisure facilities, including sports facilities, is a matter for individual local authorities in accordance with the Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982.<B><P>sport</B>scotland's strategic plan for the distribution of lottery monies, <I>Levelling the</I> <I>Playing Field</I>, includes a Sports Facilities Programme which seeks to convert, adapt or increase the accessibility of existing sports facilities to their communities. The facilities invested in are in schools or in clubs near schools. <B>sport</B>scotland has made awards totalling £9.6 million under this programme contributing to a total investment in this area of almost £42 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149700,"EventID":"S1W-12949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it will not finance a bid for the 2008 European football championships on a similar basis to its support for the 2009 Ryder Cup bid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it will not finance a bid for the 2008 European football championships on a similar basis to its support for the 2009 Ryder Cup bid.","AnswerText":"The bidding process devised by the Ryder Cup Committee for the 2009 event involves countries or regions of countries making bids to stage the event. That is why the Scottish Executive has led the bid to bring the event to Scotland. The bidding for the European Nations Football Championship, like most other major sporting events, is the responsibility of the national governing body which in the case of football in Scotland is the Scottish Football Association. We are already assisting the SFA with the feasibility studies it is carrying out to inform a decision on whether it should bid for the 2008 Championships.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149701,"EventID":"S1W-12950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if the bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup is successful, it will consider funding a bid for the 2008 European football championships on a similar basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if the bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup is successful, it will consider funding a bid for the 2008 European football championships on a similar basis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I have given to her question S1W-12949. The key factors involved in deciding whether to assist the SFA in a bid for the 2008 Championship are the realistic prospects of a bid by the SFA being successful, Scotland's capacity to stage an event of this magnitude and the prospective economic and other benefits. There is no link with our Ryder Cup 2009 bid.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149702,"EventID":"S1W-12951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the various initiatives included in the bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup will go ahead if the bid is unsuccessful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the various initiatives included in the bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup will go ahead if the bid is unsuccessful.","AnswerText":"Many of the initiatives referred to in our bid are already being implemented. Others are contingent to a greater or lesser extent on our bid being successful but the Scottish Executive and its public sector partners are strongly committed to the development of golf and golf tourism.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149703,"EventID":"S1W-12952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure fair public access to a percentage of the ticket allocation should the bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup be successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure fair public access to a percentage of the ticket allocation should the bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup be successful.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not be responsible for staging the Ryder Cup but we would wish to see the general public have the opportunity to attend all or part of the event.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149704,"EventID":"S1W-12953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the decision to make ex-gratia payments to Scottish Transport Group pension members next year, how the figure of around #100 million that is to be made av","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the decision to make ex-gratia payments to Scottish Transport Group pension members next year, how the figure of around #100 million that is to be made available was determined.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-12980.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149705,"EventID":"S1W-12954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive exactly how much will be made available for ex-gratia payments to the Scottish Transport Group pension scheme members and when these payments will be made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive exactly how much will be made available for ex-gratia payments to the Scottish Transport Group pension scheme members and when these payments will be made.","AnswerText":"The First Minister announced on 18 December that up to £100 million would be available for distribution, subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Executive expects to be in a position to make ex-gratia payments in the second half of this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149706,"EventID":"S1W-12955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to help communities affected by coastal erosion such as those on Seil Island.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to help communities affected by coastal erosion such as those on Seil Island.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no specific funds to help communities affected by coastal erosion.<P>The primary responsibility for the protection of land from erosion by the sea lies with the owners concerned. However, under the Coast Protection Act 1949, local authorities may contribute towards the cost of carrying out any coast protection work which they consider necessary or expedient to protect any land in their areas from erosion and encroachment by the sea.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149707,"EventID":"S1W-12956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Development will respond to my letter of 26 October 2000 on agri-money compensation for the cereal sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Development will respond to my letter of 26 October 2000 on agri-money compensation for the cereal sector.","AnswerText":"I replied to the member on 6 February.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149708,"EventID":"S1W-12957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to the letter dated 15 December 2000 from Mr R. Wilson of Bonnybridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to the letter dated 15 December 2000 from Mr R. Wilson of Bonnybridge.","AnswerText":"Officials replied to Mr Wilson on 29 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149709,"EventID":"S1W-12958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to make information available to disabled people about opportunities to participate in sport and whether there is any central bank of such info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to make information available to disabled people about opportunities to participate in sport and whether there is any central bank of such information.","AnswerText":"In the last two years, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), in partnership with <B>sport</B>scotland, has developed a number of steps to make information on sport and recreation opportunities available to those wishing to participate in sport.<P>These include the new SDS website, www.scottishdisabilitysport.com, which was officially launched during 2000; the SDS newsletter <I>The Changing Times</I>, which is published three times a year; SDS sport specific leaflets covering the sports of athletics, archery, boccia, cycling, swimming, table tennis, football and bowls; an A5 flyer promoting the work of SDS; a comprehensive resource pack, which acts as a one stop shop for disability sport issues, with funding through the Ready Willing and Able for Sport programme; SDS has an information stand and undertakes practical sessions as part of the annual Scottish Mobility Roadshow held at the SECC, Glasgow; and SDS is promoted at a local level throughout Scotland through its local branch structure.<P>The SDS Marketing &amp; Communications Convenor is a voluntary post within the governing body with the responsibility of co-ordinating the above initiatives in conjunction with the Chairman and the <B>sport</B>scotland Co-ordinator.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149710,"EventID":"S1W-12959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Disability Access to Outdoor Recreation Group is accountable to sportscotland or any other Scottish public body; if so, who the members of the group are and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Disability Access to Outdoor Recreation Group is accountable to sportscotland or any other Scottish public body; if so, who the members of the group are and whether the minutes of the group's meetings, in particular those of the meeting on 12 December 2000, will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Mountain Recreation Group is a working group established by Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and is accountable to SDS. Group meetings are chaired by the SDS Mountain Recreation Co-ordinator and attended by individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds with an interest in this area of work, including representatives from <B>sport</B>scotland. The dissemination of the group's minutes of meetings is a matter for SDS.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149711,"EventID":"S1W-12960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Project Assessment Committee which will assess applications for assistance under the Agricultural Business Development Scheme; what particular ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Project Assessment Committee which will assess applications for assistance under the Agricultural Business Development Scheme; what particular qualifications each member holds which led to their selection, and whether any members are on the committee by virtue of their organisation being represented on it ex officio, naming each such organisation.","AnswerText":"The current members of the Project Assessment Committee (PAC) are:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Neil Black</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Tourist Board</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ms Barbara Bremner</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Natural Heritage</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>John Brown</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Principal Agricultural Officer (Highland), Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department (SERAD)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Frank Gaskell</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highlands and Islands Enterprise</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ms Phyllis Harvey</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney Islands Council (representing the Islands' local authorities)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>John Henderson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Assistant Chief Agricultural Officer, SERAD HQ and Chairman Panel&nbsp;1 (agricultural applications)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Peter Johnstone</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Principal Agricultural Officer (Grampian), SERAD</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Iain Matheson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Principal Agricultural Officer (Northern &amp; N Isles), SERAD</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>John Maxwell</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Principal Agricultural Officer (Argyll &amp; W Isles), SERAD</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Roy McLachlan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Principal Agricultural Officer (Arran &amp; Bute), SERAD</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ms Catriona Maclean</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland Council (representing the Highlands' local authorities)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Henry Snedden</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>SERAD HQ policy branch and Chairman Panel&nbsp;2 (non-agricultural applications)</TD></TR></TABLE><B><P>Observers</B>:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rory Dutton</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Crofters Union</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ms Beverley Wilson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>National Farmers' Union of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>(nominee awaited)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Landowners' Federation</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Nominations for PAC membership came from the joint public sector/industry team that designed the scheme. The SERAD members reflect the Executive's overall policy and financial responsibilities for the ABDS, and their knowledge of the agricultural sector in their respective areas. The non-departmental representatives bring expertise and experience on economic and social development, tourism and environmental priorities for the Highlands and Islands - relevant criteria in assessing grant applications. Some of the public organisations concerned may also part-fund some grants. The industry representatives have chosen to be observers rather than full members of the PAC.<P>All members of the PAC are there in an ex-officio capacity.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149712,"EventID":"S1W-12961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Gaelic medium units are currently short of teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Gaelic medium units are currently short of teachers.","AnswerText":"No information is currently collected centrally on teacher vacancies in Gaelic-medium units. As you are aware I have sent a report on the supply of teachers to the Convener of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee detailing the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been made available to committee members and it has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751). A response to your question can be found at paragraphs 28-36 of the report.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149713,"EventID":"S1W-12962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers Gaelic medium units will be short of in (a) August 2001 and (b) August 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers Gaelic medium units will be short of in (a) August 2001 and (b) August 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12961.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149714,"EventID":"S1W-12963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many new teachers capable of teaching in Gaelic medium schools are expected to qualify this year and how many existing Gaelic medium teachers are expected to retire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many new teachers capable of teaching in Gaelic medium schools are expected to qualify this year and how many existing Gaelic medium teachers are expected to retire.","AnswerText":"There are 15 students who may qualify as Gaelic-medium teachers this year. No information is held centrally on existing Gaelic-medium teachers who are expected to retire.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149715,"EventID":"S1W-12964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many students starting a post graduate certificate in education course this year will be qualified Gaelic medium teachers on completion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many students starting a post graduate certificate in education course this year will be qualified Gaelic medium teachers on completion.","AnswerText":"Teacher education institutions are currently in the process of selection of students for entry to initial teacher education courses in academic session 2001-02. It is, therefore, not known at this time how many students starting a postgraduate certificate in education course this year may qualify as Gaelic-medium teachers on completion.<P>There are 11 students who started a postgraduate certificate in education course in academic session 2000-01 who may qualify as Gaelic-medium teachers on completion of the course this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149716,"EventID":"S1W-12965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to remedy any shortage of Gaelic teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to remedy any shortage of Gaelic teachers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recent guidance to the Scottish Higher Education Council (SHEFC) on initial teacher education draws the council's attention to the fact that the supply of Gaelic-medium teachers continues to be a priority for Scottish Ministers. SHEFC have been asked to pursue ways to increase the supply of Gaelic-medium teachers for introduction in academic session 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149717,"EventID":"S1W-12966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12289 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 January 2001, when the additional work on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review will be undertak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12289 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 January 2001, when the additional work on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review will be undertaken and whether the resulting information will be published in a way which facilitates informed public debate.","AnswerText":"The additional work is in hand and, when complete, it will be considered by the Executive before being made readily available in a way which facilitates and informs public debate.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149718,"EventID":"S1W-12968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for the carry-over of Social Inclusion Partnership funds from one financial year to the next as a result of underspending.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for the carry-over of Social Inclusion Partnership funds from one financial year to the next as a result of underspending.","AnswerText":"The amount allocated annually by the Scottish Executive to Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) has to be spent in the year to which it is allocated. However Scottish Executive Departments can apply to carry forward unspent amounts from one financial year to the next, with success depending on the position across the Executive as a whole, and in 1999-2000 this flexibility was passed on to Social Inclusion Partnerships.<P>In 1999-2000, 18 Social Inclusion Partnerships applied to carry forward unspent amounts to the following year. Priority was given to underspends which had arisen because of delays in setting up new partnerships and allocating funds, and to those which had arisen because of slippage in capital projects. The 18 Social Inclusion Partnerships carried forward a total of £1.5 million from 1999-2000 to 2000-01. <P>Arrangements for the carry forward of funds which have not been spent in 2000-01 have not yet been finalised, but we will be writing to SIPs shortly to provide further details.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149719,"EventID":"S1W-12969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it issues on the operation of sun tanning parlours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it issues on the operation of sun tanning parlours.","AnswerText":"None. The Health and Safety Executive has issued guidelines in the past and is currently considering an update.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149720,"EventID":"S1W-12970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the operation of sun tanning parlours is regulated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the operation of sun tanning parlours is regulated.","AnswerText":"They are subject to the requirements of health and safety legislation.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149721,"EventID":"S1W-12971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities have distributed all of the funding allocated to them under the Excellence Fund to their schools; what proportion of funding each of the local au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities have distributed all of the funding allocated to them under the Excellence Fund to their schools; what proportion of funding each of the local authorities which have not distributed all of their funding to schools has retained centrally; whether any such centrally retained funding can be spent for purposes other than those specified under the Excellence Fund and, if not, how it checks that such funding is spent solely for the purposes specified.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not collect information at the detailed level which would be necessary to identify the extent to which Excellence Fund resources are distributed for direct spending by schools. In terms of the grant offer letter and the claim forms which have to be submitted for each programme of the fund, authorities give undertakings that the grant has been used for the purposes for which it has been offered. The detailed distribution of funding will differ from programme to programme and authority to authority.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149722,"EventID":"S1W-12972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) fatal and (b) serious injuries have occurred in the open cast and deep mine coal industry in the latest period for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) fatal and (b) serious injuries have occurred in the open cast and deep mine coal industry in the latest period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter. Responsibility for policy on health and safety in the coal industry lies with the Mines Inspectorate, part of the Health and Safety Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149723,"EventID":"S1W-12973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) fatal and (b) serious injuries have occurred in sand and gravel and hard rock quarries in the latest period for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) fatal and (b) serious injuries have occurred in sand and gravel and hard rock quarries in the latest period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold this information as it has no functions in relation to health and safety matters in quarries. This is a reserved matter for which the Factory Inspectorate within the Health and Safety Executive is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149724,"EventID":"S1W-12974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what importance it attaches to the provision of leisure and sporting activities by local authorities in areas of established rural deprivation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what importance it attaches to the provision of leisure and sporting activities by local authorities in areas of established rural deprivation.","AnswerText":"The provision of such activities is a matter for each local authority to consider but the Executive recognises the significant contribution that sport has to make to various aspects of Scottish life.<P>Detailed targets for taking forward the ambitions of sport in Scotland are set out within <I>Sport 21: Nothing Left to Chance</I>, the national strategy for sport. In particular, <I>Sport 21</I> contains a target to increase the number of people who participate in sport from a number of groups including rural communities.<B><P>sport</B>scotland, through the Lottery Sports Fund, is leading the work in taking forward this target. It has invested some £98 million, over 21%, of Lottery capital grants for new facilities in deprived areas throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149725,"EventID":"S1W-12975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish universities had a financial deficit in 1999-2000; how many are currently in deficit, and how many are expected to have a deficit in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish universities had a financial deficit in 1999-2000; how many are currently in deficit, and how many are expected to have a deficit in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"In 1999-2000, nine higher education institutions recorded an operating deficit, six of which recorded a historical cost deficit. Finalised accounts are not available for 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149726,"EventID":"S1W-12976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address any financial difficulties in the higher education sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address any financial difficulties in the higher education sector.","AnswerText":"At almost £660 million, planned funding for 2001-02 is some 8% (5.6% in real terms) above this year's allocation and our spending plans for higher education. This is a significant investment and demonstrates our commitment to building a learning nation and our belief that a high quality, dynamic and diverse lifelong learning market will help to underpin the developing knowledge economy and secure Scotland's social, cultural and economic prosperity. By the FY2003-04 we will increase the amount available to SHEFC for distribution to the sector to almost £700 million. This results in an extra £108 million being invested in higher education over the next three financial years.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149727,"EventID":"S1W-12977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission a comprehensive land use study of the entire area of the proposed Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission a comprehensive land use study of the entire area of the proposed Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.","AnswerText":"A range of studies have been, and continue to be, conducted on aspects of land use in order to pave the way for a National Park in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Scottish Natural Heritage, for example, have previously commissioned reviews into land use and economic activity in possible National Park areas in Scotland and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Interim Committee are in the process of preparing a forest and woodland framework, through a steering group chaired by Sir Peter Hutchison. Also, once established we will expect the National Parks Authority to consider land use as part of the overall park plan.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149728,"EventID":"S1W-12978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much of the money allocated to Social Inclusion Partnerships in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01 was actually spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much of the money allocated to Social Inclusion Partnerships in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01 was actually spent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive allocated £53.7 million to the 48 Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) and three New Life Urban Partnerships in 1999-2000. The grant claims are paid in arrears and claims for 1999-2000 are still being processed. We expect that expenditure by SIPs and New Life partnerships in 1999-2000 will total £49.4 million. Of the unspent amount, £1.5 million was carried forward to 2000-01.<P>Allocations for 2000-01 totalled £57.9 million, including the amounts carried forward from 1999-2000. Until the financial year is complete, we will not know how much of this allocation has been spent.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149729,"EventID":"S1W-12979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12402 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 January 2001, when the drafting of any regulations under section 115(4) of the Police Act 1997 will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12402 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 January 2001, when the drafting of any regulations under section 115(4) of the Police Act 1997 will begin and what consideration or consultation is under way with regard to the provision of free enhanced criminal record certificates for those working with vulnerable adults which could inform any such regulations.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13308 today.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149730,"EventID":"S1W-12980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it stated on 18 December 2000 that it would pay out up to #100 million in ex-gratia payments to the Scottish Transport Group (STG) pension scheme members when a lette","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it stated on 18 December 2000 that it would pay out up to #100 million in ex-gratia payments to the Scottish Transport Group (STG) pension scheme members when a letter dated 15 May 2000 from the Minister for Transport and the Environment showed the value of the STG pension surplus to be approximately #120 million.","AnswerText":"The most recent annual report of the Scottish Transport Group available at 15 May 2000 showed the value of the surplus at 31 March 1999 to be approximately £120 million (net of tax). While there is no legal entitlement for Scottish Transport Group pension scheme members to share in the pension schemes surplus funds, Scottish Ministers have agreed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer that up to £100 million is to be made available for ex-gratia payments in Scotland, so that these payments are broadly equitable with the final settlement to National Bus Company pension scheme members south of the border.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149731,"EventID":"S1W-12981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to resolve any difficulty experienced with regard to the scheduling of cases in the Sheriff Court, Glasgow, concerning prosecution of parents ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to resolve any difficulty experienced with regard to the scheduling of cases in the Sheriff Court, Glasgow, concerning prosecution of parents whose children are absent from school without authorisation.","AnswerText":"Programming of cases in the Sheriff Court is a matter for the Sheriff Principal. However, the Scottish Executive has not been made aware of any scheduling difficulties in Glasgow Sheriff Court in regard to prosecutions of parents whose children are absent from school without authorisation. Such prosecutions are rare and where they do arise will be scheduled by the Sheriff Court as required.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149732,"EventID":"S1W-12982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions have been brought since May 2000 against parents whose children were absent from school without authorisation, how many such prosecutions were succ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions have been brought since May 2000 against parents whose children were absent from school without authorisation, how many such prosecutions were successful and what sentences have been imposed by the courts after any such convictions.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available from the information held centrally. The statistical data held by Scottish Executive Justice Department (SEJD) on the outcome of court proceedings are based on information provided by police records offices. Prosecutions for Education Act offences are now generally taken by the local authority rather than the Procurator Fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149733,"EventID":"S1W-12983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many school attendance officers or other staff, whose responsibilities include following up cases of truancy and recommending prosecution or any other further action","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many school attendance officers or other staff, whose responsibilities include following up cases of truancy and recommending prosecution or any other further action, were employed by each local authority as of 1 May 1997, 1 May 1999 and 1 May 2000.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.<P>However discipline-related issues are a top priority for me. The Discipline Task Group is looking at the role and remit of staff with responsibility for attendance.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149734,"EventID":"S1W-12984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional resources will be made available to enable local authorities to carry out their responsibilities under the new statutory regime for contaminated land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional resources will be made available to enable local authorities to carry out their responsibilities under the new statutory regime for contaminated land.","AnswerText":"A great deal of polluted land has been inherited from past generations when little or no consideration was given to the impact of our actions on the environment. We now face the prospect of removing this undesirable legacy.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We have allocated £5.2 million capital resources for 2000-01 and 2001-02 to help local authorities implement the new contaminated land regime which provides the best solution to bringing polluted land back into productive use. Its main objective is to provide an improved system for the identification and remediation of contaminated land where the contamination is causing unacceptable risk to human health and the wider environment. A further £9.5 million for 2002-03 and 2003-04 will be allocated in due course.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The funds will help local authorities to investigate sites, take forward enforcement action and, if they are unable to identify those responsible for the contamination, carry out remediation work.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In addition £9.7 million is being made available over the five years 1999-2000 to 2003-04 as part of the Annual External Finance settlement for local authority current expenditure.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The distribution of capital allocations to local authorities is shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Allocations for<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Allocations for<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">62</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">79</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">37</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">112</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">102</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><F","AnswerDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149735,"EventID":"S1W-12985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many civil service jobs have been moved to Dumfries and Galloway since July 1999 and how many will be moved to the area in the next 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many civil service jobs have been moved to Dumfries and Galloway since July 1999 and how many will be moved to the area in the next 12 months.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies currently have around 230 posts in Dumfries and Galloway. There has been no transfer of Scottish Executive posts to this area since July 1999. Two new posts have been created in the region.<P>Last December I announced to Parliament that detailed reviews of the Edinburgh operations of six public bodies would be undertaken to individual timetables based on lease breaks and other operational factors. In accordance with this timetable we aim to be in a position to make decisions on the location of the Scottish Public Pensions Agency by the end of March and the Health Education Board for Scotland in mid-2001.<P>I also announced at that time that the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council would not be located in Edinburgh. Mr Chisholm announced on 6 March that the national offices of these two new bodies will - if the Parliament passes the necessary legislation to enable them to be established - be located in Dundee. Decisions on regional offices for the Commission will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149736,"EventID":"S1W-12986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2815 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 25 January 2001, where the mobile telephone masts and aerials from which it receives income are located","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2815 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 25 January 2001, where the mobile telephone masts and aerials from which it receives income are located.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><OL></B><LI>Edinburgh Castle</LI><LI>Scottish Fire Services Training School, Gullane </LI></OL>3. South Duntulm Common Grazing, Kilmuir Estate, Skye (2 mobile phone masts)<P>4. Cnoc Heilla, Bracadale Estate, Skye<P>5. Strathy Point Common Grazing, Armadale Estate, Sutherland<P>6. Luskentyre Common Grazing, Luskentyre Estate, Harris<P>7. Hill of Foudland, Huntly <P>8. Gogarbank Farm, five miles west of Edinburgh</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149739,"EventID":"S1W-12989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nominations it has submitted in relation to each Honours list issued since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nominations it has submitted in relation to each Honours list issued since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Honours are awarded by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. Details of the process by which Honours nominations are processed and considered are not disclosed.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149740,"EventID":"S1W-12990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards the elimination of child poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards the elimination of child poverty.","AnswerText":"As reported in our Social Justice Annual Report, the proportion of children in relative income poverty has dropped from around 34% in 1996-97 to around 30% in 1998-99, after housing costs have been taken into account. <P>We are also transforming pre-school education, funding nursery places for around 100,000 children a year and supporting childcare. The percentage of children living in workless households fell from 19% in 1997 to 16% in 2000.<P>Our progress is backed up by programmes such as Sure Start Scotland and the new £70 million Children's Change Fund, which help to improve children's start in life.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149741,"EventID":"S1W-12991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its priorities are in relation to the 2002 review of the Common Fisheries Policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its priorities are in relation to the 2002 review of the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"The Executive wishes to see the maintenance of key features of the present arrangements, such as national quotas, based on Relative Stability, conservation boxes and access restrictions within national 6/12 mile limits. At the same time, we want to secure improvements to make the CFP a more effective instrument for conserving fish stocks; developing the regional dimension, integrating environmental considerations and reducing discards.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149742,"EventID":"S1W-12992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to farm business diversification projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to farm business diversification projects.","AnswerText":"I will announce shortly the launch of the Farm Business Development Scheme, applicable to all rural areas outwith the Highlands and Islands. This grant scheme is aimed at farmers and their immediate family members who wish to create new income-generating enterprises, or to expand existing diversified activities, either on-farm or off-farm.<P>Similar grant assistance for farmers and crofters in the Highlands and Islands is already available under the Agricultural Business Development Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149743,"EventID":"S1W-12993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has had from employers' organisations regarding the New Deal for Disabled People.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has had from employers' organisations regarding the New Deal for Disabled People.","AnswerText":"Employment Policy is reserved to the UK Government. The New Deal for Disabled People is delivered in Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Executive and other Scottish organisations.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Executive has had no representations made from employers' organisations about the New Deal for Disabled People.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149744,"EventID":"S1W-12994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of children live in the bottom (a) decile, (b) quarter and (c) half of households in terms of household income and what the equivalent figures were in 19","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of children live in the bottom (a) decile, (b) quarter and (c) half of households in terms of household income and what the equivalent figures were in 1997.","AnswerText":"The information is detailed in the table.<P>Percentage of Children in Specified Areas of the Income Distribution, Scotland 1996-97 and 1998-99<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Bottom Decile</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Bottom Quartile</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Below Median</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Before Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">16%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">38%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">62%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>After Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">11%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">34%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">62%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Before Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">14%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">33%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">59%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>After Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">12%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">59%</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: DSS Households Below Average Income.<P>Notes:<P>1 Income is net equivalised household income; equivalisation takes account of the number of individuals living in the household.<P>2 Deciles, quartiles and medians are based on the GB distribution of income.<P>3 Estimates are based on sample counts, and are therefore subject to sampling variability.<P>4 Caution should be exercised in drawing conclusions about changes over time due to the small sample sizes in Scotland.<P>5 Figures for the bottom decile should be treated with caution as the bottom decile of reported incomes cannot safely be construed as the bottom decile of living standards.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149745,"EventID":"S1W-12995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what specific guidance it received from its road network managers in connection with the recent tendering exercise for trunk road maintenance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what specific guidance it received from its road network managers in connection with the recent tendering exercise for trunk road maintenance.","AnswerText":"Road engineers employed in the Network Management and Maintenance Division of the Transport Group advised on the drafting and were responsible for the review of the specification which sets the service standards for the new contract. They were also responsible for the review of tenderers proposals to demonstrate that their inputs would be capable of meeting the specification.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149746,"EventID":"S1W-12996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12726 by Sarah Boyack on 23 January 2001, whether it will provide further details of how the comparative costs were calculated, in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12726 by Sarah Boyack on 23 January 2001, whether it will provide further details of how the comparative costs were calculated, in particular whether weightings were attached to any or all of the bids, what any such weightings were and whether it will publish the values of the bids before any adjustments were made.","AnswerText":"The tenderer's quoted rates were multiplied by the base quantities for the relevant items derived by the Scottish Executive. The sum of these products was then totalled with the tenderer's lump sums to give each tenderer's &quot;comparative cost of tender&quot;. A series of pre-determined sensitivity tests were undertaken within a prescribed range. Weightings were applied to the total emerging from each sensitivity test - the &quot;adjusted comparative cost of tender&quot; - and the &quot;comparative cost of tender&quot; and these weighted values added to give the &quot;overall comparative cost of tender&quot;.<P>The assessment procedure was described in the Instructions for Tendering for each competition. A specimen copy of the Instructions for Tendering is available in the Parliaments Reference Centre. The \"overall comparative cost of tenders\" for each bid in each competition was published in my response to question S1W-12726. Further information is commercially sensitive and the Scottish Executive has no plans for publication.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149747,"EventID":"S1W-12997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what advice it has received about the possible transmission of variant Creut'feldt Jakob Disease through contaminated surgical instruments and when it first received suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what advice it has received about the possible transmission of variant Creut'feldt Jakob Disease through contaminated surgical instruments and when it first received such advice.","AnswerText":"The Executive is advised on this matter by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC), which has stressed the importance of rigorous washing and decontamination in reducing risk. In November 2000, the committee endorsed the concept of a pilot scheme involving tonsillectomy to assess the practicability of using disposable instruments. The move to single use instruments is a precautionary one, and there is no evidence of any cases of vCJD having been caused by surgery. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Deputy Chief Medical Officer has advised health boards and NHS Trusts, that, until<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2 COLOR=\"#0000ff\"> <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>single use instruments come fully<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2 COLOR=\"#0000ff\"> <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>on stream, it will be for clinical judgement to be exercised in each case, balancing the unquantifiable risk there might be from vCJD against any more immediate health concerns that the surgery would be designed to address. The British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons advised their members that, where there are \"definite indications for surgery\" (e.g. malignancy, significant airway obstruction), the benefit of surgery outweighs the theoretical risk there may be from vCJD.<P>If tonsillectomy procedures are postponed, there will be an impact on waiting lists and waiting times for this procedure. But there may be scope for hospitals to bring forward other ear, nose and throat operations to fill the gaps caused by any tonsillectomy postponements.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149748,"EventID":"S1W-12998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether health trusts have been advised to suspend routine surgery for the removal of adenoids and tonsils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether health trusts have been advised to suspend routine surgery for the removal of adenoids and tonsils.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12997.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149749,"EventID":"S1W-12999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to introduce single-use instruments for surgery involving the removal of tonsils and adenoids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to introduce single-use instruments for surgery involving the removal of tonsils and adenoids.","AnswerText":"Work is ongoing with surgeons and manufacturers with a view to introducing single-use instruments as quickly as possible so that doctors and patients/parents no longer have to face the dilemma of whether or not to undertake/undergo this type of surgery.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The present best advice is that supplies of the new instruments will start to come into use from late spring, but it may be the autumn before sufficient quantities are available to guarantee a continuous supply.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149750,"EventID":"S1W-13000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when all health trusts will be fully equipped with single-use instruments for the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when all health trusts will be fully equipped with single-use instruments for the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12999.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149751,"EventID":"S1W-13001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact any delays in health trusts' acquisition of single-use surgical instruments will have on waiting lists for the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact any delays in health trusts' acquisition of single-use surgical instruments will have on waiting lists for the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12997.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149752,"EventID":"S1W-13002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it calculated the figure of 70,000 in its statement regarding the reduction in the number of children living in income poverty contained in news release SE2919/2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it calculated the figure of 70,000 in its statement regarding the reduction in the number of children living in income poverty contained in news release SE2919/2000.","AnswerText":"The figure referred to was calculated using the headline measure recommended by the Statistical Programme Committee of the European Union - the number of children in households where net income (after housing costs) is below 60% of the GB median.<P>Estimates of the number of children living in low income households were calculated for the years 1996-97 (380,000) and 1998-99 (310,000) and the 70,000 quoted represents the difference between these two estimates. The source of the data is the Scottish sample of DSS Households Below Average Income survey.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149753,"EventID":"S1W-13003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what stipulations have been made in the tendering process and contracts for trunk road maintenance to ensure that the provision of high quality traffic information conti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what stipulations have been made in the tendering process and contracts for trunk road maintenance to ensure that the provision of high quality traffic information continues.","AnswerText":"Traffic information will continue to be collected and analysed through the Scottish Executive's independent contracts for this work. The support required from the Operating Company for the National Driver Information and Control Systems and traffic counting duties are set out in the specification for the new Operating Company contracts.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149754,"EventID":"S1W-13004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is planning to take in light of the statement in the December 2000 Scottish Tourist Forum publication, Report into the Impact of Petrol Prices on Touris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is planning to take in light of the statement in the December 2000 Scottish Tourist Forum publication, Report into the Impact of Petrol Prices on Tourism, regarding the impact of high fuel prices on the tourism industry.","AnswerText":"The issue of fuel taxation is a reserved matter. Scottish Ministers will continue to promote the interests of Scotland on the issue of fuel taxation directly with Treasury Ministers, and through the Scotland Office.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149755,"EventID":"S1W-13005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what savings have been made in administrative costs due to the abolition of fundholding practices, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what savings have been made in administrative costs due to the abolition of fundholding practices, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"The £13.5 million which was formally paid as a management allowance to GP fundholding practices has been allocated to health boards on a capitation basis to support the development of Local Healthcare Co-operatives. LHCCs play a vital role in the planning and delivery of health improvement and healthcare services at a local level.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149756,"EventID":"S1W-13006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the administrative costs of local health care co-operatives are, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the administrative costs of local health care co-operatives are, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"A total of £13.5 million, formerly paid as GP Fundholding Management Allowance was redistributed on a weighted capitation basis to support the work of LHCCs in 1999/00. These resources, uplifted for inflation, now form part of health boards' unified budgets and are not separately identified.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149757,"EventID":"S1W-13007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to investigate the cause of any health inequalities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to investigate the cause of any health inequalities.","AnswerText":"The Executive believes that identifying and tackling the causes of health inequalities is the key to improving the health of the people of Scotland and an important part of our work for social justice. The policy framework is set out in the White Paper <I>Towards a Healthier Scotland</I>, the first Social Justice Annual Report and <I>Our National Health a plan for action, a plan for change.</I> These all recognise that poverty affects life circumstances, lifestyles and experience of health and disease.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive supports research on health inequalities through project grants and by providing core funding for a programme of work at the Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at Glasgow University. The aims of the programme are to investigate variations in health and the determinants of health within Scotland, and to identify effective non-health sector interventions for tackling inequalities in health. The Executive has also commissioned independent evaluations of the Starting Well, Healthy Respect and Have a Heart Paisley national health demonstration projects which will help to identify their contribution to tackling inequalities in health.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The recently established Public Health Institute of Scotland will provide a focus for work to develop the evidence base to support efforts to improve Scotland's health.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149758,"EventID":"S1W-13008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria it currently takes into account in the measurement of health inequalities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria it currently takes into account in the measurement of health inequalities.","AnswerText":"Inequalities in health are reflected in many different aspects of people's health. For example, the proportion of babies born with low birth weight is higher among people living in relatively deprived areas. The incidence of many diseases including lung cancer, coronary heart disease and respiratory diseases is also much higher in deprived areas. Mortality rates are higher and as a result the average life expectancy of people living in deprived areas is less than that of people living in more affluent areas. There is, therefore, no single measure of health inequalities but rather a wide range of measures that must be taken into account to reflect the influence of socio-economic circumstances on health.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Tackling inequalities is a key priority for the Scottish Executive and our long-term aims for tackling poverty and injustice were set out in <I>Social justice... a Scotland</I> <I>where everyone matters</I>. Several of the milestones in the Social Justice document are important measures of health. <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> reinforces our commitment to tackling health inequalities within Scotland, and states that \"we will develop the health indicators within our Social Justice framework of targets and milestones to track progress in tackling health inequalities\".","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149759,"EventID":"S1W-13009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail its current targeted health programmes and the money allocated to each, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail its current targeted health programmes and the money allocated to each, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\">Our National Plan: a plan for action, a plan for change</I> published on 14 December, provides a clear statement of the Executive's national priorities for health and NHS Scotland. The Scottish Executive distributes the bulk of the resources to health boards on the basis of a Scotland-wide formula which reflects the health care needs of their local population. It is for NHS bodies locally to decide how best to apply these allocations to meet national and local priorities. The total planned provision for health in 2000-01 is £5.4 billion, of which £4.5 billion has been allocated to health boards for Hospital and Community Health Services revenue purposes. Details of individual revenue allocations made to health boards in the current year are as follows: </FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=283><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Health Board</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">375.367</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">321.810</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">93.816</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway </FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">138.811</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">277.702</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">229.916</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">425.825</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Greater Glasgow</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">858.824</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">183.491</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lanarkshire</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">453.952</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lothian</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">641.185</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Orkney</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">19.318</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Shetland</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">23.366</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Tayside</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">375.246</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Western Isles</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">35.941</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>TOTAL</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4454.570</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The remainder of the health ","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149760,"EventID":"S1W-13010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Miller Civil Engineering Ltd, as a discrete personality in law, has the authority to charge tolls on the A87 in its own right.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Miller Civil Engineering Ltd, as a discrete personality in law, has the authority to charge tolls on the A87 in its own right.","AnswerText":"Miller&nbsp;Civil Engineering&nbsp;Ltd does not charge tolls on the A87 in its own right nor does it have the authority to do so.  As I made clear in my answer to question S1W-10325 on 5&nbsp;December, the right to collect tolls has been assigned to Skye&nbsp;Bridge Limited while&nbsp;the operation of the bridge is carried out on SBL's behalf by the joint venture Miller Dywidag.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149761,"EventID":"S1W-13011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what conditions will apply to the release of #1 million for Scottish Opera from the additional resources allocated to the Scottish Arts Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what conditions will apply to the release of #1 million for Scottish Opera from the additional resources allocated to the Scottish Arts Council.","AnswerText":"Any additional funding for Scottish Opera will be to enable the company to continue to undertake a programme of high quality work throughout Scotland and build on its successful outreach and educational work. Detailed conditions of grant will be a matter for the Scottish Arts Council who will monitor the company's financial and artistic performance closely.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149762,"EventID":"S1W-13012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  under what powers the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture directed the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) to reserve #1 million as a special grant to Scottish Opera fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  under what powers the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture directed the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) to reserve #1 million as a special grant to Scottish Opera from the additional resources given to the SAC.","AnswerText":"I made no direction. Following discussions with the Scottish Arts Council, they agreed to earmark an additional £1 million per year for Scottish Opera, subject to consideration of a revised business plan from the company.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149763,"EventID":"S1W-13013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will reconsider its decision not to replace the external adjudicators of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with ombudsmen and whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will reconsider its decision not to replace the external adjudicators of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with ombudsmen and whether the use of an external adjudicator is contrary to Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights in terms of whether such use constitutes hearings before an independent and impartial tribunal.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not yet made a decision on whether to replace the external adjudicators of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with an ombudsman. The question was discussed in the Executive's consultation paper <I>Modernising the Complaints System</I>. The closing date for comments was 10 January 2001 and we are currently analysing the responses. The Executive aims to publish a second consultation paper in the spring, setting out detailed proposals based on these responses.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In terms of Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), whatever complaints system is put in place after the consultation, whether a continuation of the current system or otherwise, will be compliant with ECHR.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149764,"EventID":"S1W-13014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many complaints have been made to the external adjudicators of (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise since the inception of each organisat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many complaints have been made to the external adjudicators of (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise since the inception of each organisation and how many such complaints have been upheld.","AnswerText":"The External Adjudicators for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise took up post on 1 April 1997. Prior to that date there were no external adjudication procedures in place. The number of complaints they have received each year since then is detailed in the tables.<P>Scottish Enterprise<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Complaints rec'd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Complaints upheld</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2000-01*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Highlands and Islands Enterprise<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Complaints rec'd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Complaints upheld</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2000-01*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>*Covers the period 01/04/2000 to 05/02/2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149765,"EventID":"S1W-13015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will take any measures to increase the available means of scrutiny of the Enterprise Network and, if so, what these measures will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will take any measures to increase the available means of scrutiny of the Enterprise Network and, if so, what these measures will be.","AnswerText":"The Enterprise Networks are subject to regular and full Policy and Financial Management Review by my department. Management Statements provide the financial, managerial and operational framework for the networks and annual Operating Plans provide the main focus for operational scrutiny. Both are published and are publicly available. The annual accounts of both Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are published, laid before Parliament and are publicly available. The networks have also been subject to scrutiny by the Scottish Affairs Committee, the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the National Audit Office and now by Audit Scotland.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Strategy for Enterprise, <I>A Smart Successful Scotland,</I> published on 30 January 2001 will result in a more strategic relationship between the Executive and the networks. The Executive will set the broad direction, work with the networks on policy development, monitoring and evaluation and the networks themselves will take responsibility for implementation. A new Joint Performance Team (comprising of the Executive and the Enterprise Networks with other external support) will review performance and set challenging targets<B> </B>for the networks. This will enable performance to be judged against the key challenges identified by the Executive of raising productivity, encouraging entrepreneurship, raising skill levels and connecting Scotland globally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149766,"EventID":"S1W-13016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many circulars and guidance notes it or the Scottish Office have sent to local authority education departments this year and in each of the past four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many circulars and guidance notes it or the Scottish Office have sent to local authority education departments this year and in each of the past four years.","AnswerText":"Since 1997, the number of circulars issued to education authorities by the Scottish Office and Scottish Executive has been as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=207><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR></TABLE><P>In addition, a range of advice has been provided by the Scottish Office and Scottish Executive, including by HM Inspectors of Schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149767,"EventID":"S1W-13017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, in light of the recent Hard Evidence report by Edinburgh Streetworkers and Shelter Scotland, it will review the working of the Rough Sleepers Initiative in Edin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, in light of the recent Hard Evidence report by Edinburgh Streetworkers and Shelter Scotland, it will review the working of the Rough Sleepers Initiative in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Projects in Edinburgh funded under the RSI include the provision of integrated housing, social work and health services at the Single Access Point;<FONT SIZE=4> a wet hostel providing accommodation and support for rough sleepers with alcohol problems; the Cowgate day and night centre; direct access provision; supported move-on accommodation, some with intense support for drug users, and resettlement and outreach services provided through the council, the Edinburgh Streetwork Project and the Homeless Outreach Project. The council is working with its partners to tackle difficulties in developing direct access provision. The Executive is keeping in close touch with the situation and shares the desire of local partners to ensure that these difficulties are overcome as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149768,"EventID":"S1W-13019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received any advice concerning the suspension of routine surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids until such a time as all such surgery can be carried out u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received any advice concerning the suspension of routine surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids until such a time as all such surgery can be carried out using single-use instruments.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-12997.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149769,"EventID":"S1W-13020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what regulations are in place to govern the release of sewage effluent into the River Clyde by West of Scotland Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what regulations are in place to govern the release of sewage effluent into the River Clyde by West of Scotland Water.","AnswerText":"Legislation governing the discharge of sewage effluent to controlled waters (including the River Clyde) includes the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (as amended) and the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Scotland) Regulations 1994.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149770,"EventID":"S1W-13021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the residents of Biggar were refused access to the research conducted in the area by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency last year in connection with the appl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the residents of Biggar were refused access to the research conducted in the area by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency last year in connection with the application by West of Scotland Water to release effluent into the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency advises that at no time did it refuse access to any environmental information in connection with the proposed discharge.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149771,"EventID":"S1W-13022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide the names of the special advisers to the First Minister and the Scottish Executive and set out the costs of their individual and collective emplo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide the names of the special advisers to the First Minister and the Scottish Executive and set out the costs of their individual and collective employment.","AnswerText":"There are currently 11 Special Advisers employed in the Scottish Executive. They are:<P>Dr Colin Currie<P>Sam Ghibaldan<P>Fiona Hamilton<P>Bill Heaney<P>Tom Little<P>Prof. Duncan Maclennan<P>John McLaren<P>Peter MacMahon<P>Polly McPherson<P>John McTernan<P>Andy Rowe<P>As explained by my predecessor Donald Dewar in response to a previous question on 22 November 1999 (S1W-2650), individual salaries are not revealed in order to protect the privacy of the individual. However, the estimated annual salary cost for the current advisers is:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"LEFT\">Salary</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"LEFT\">ERNIC</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"LEFT\">Pension Contribution</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"LEFT\">£602,528</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"LEFT\">£64,169</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"LEFT\">£91,313</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P>Notes:<P>1. ERNIC = Employer's Related National Insurance Contributions.<P>2. A 16% contribution towards personal pension, which is part of the Special Advisers' contract.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149772,"EventID":"S1W-13023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12247 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 24 January 2001, who made the representations referred to; whether it will provide more details of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12247 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 24 January 2001, who made the representations referred to; whether it will provide more details of the nature of the representations, and why the Scottish Ministers did not to give the directions requested in the representations.","AnswerText":"The representations were made by the manufacturers of emamectin benzoate, who asked the Scottish Ministers to direct the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to determine applications for consents to discharge under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 within four months. The manufacturers also wished the Scottish Ministers to direct the agency to allocate further resources to the consenting regime and to establish and implement an effective regime for determining applications for consents to the discharge of emamectin benzoate. <P>The Scottish Ministers declined to give such Directions. Under the 1974 Act the determination of applications for consents to discharge emamectin benzoate is the responsibility of the agency, which is established by statute as a body separate from Government. Bearing in mind their own powers to call in applications, or to consider appeals, the Scottish Ministers did not consider it necessary or appropriate to intervene in the way proposed, in relation to SEPA's discharge of its functions, for the benefit of a particular commercial interest.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149773,"EventID":"S1W-13024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many households had incomes below half of the average household income (a) in 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many households had incomes below half of the average household income (a) in 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Table 1 details the number of households with incomes below 50% mean GB income. Table 2 details similar information for households with income below 60% median GB income - the agreed standard definition used in poverty analysis.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Table 1 Households with Income below 50% Mean Income, Scotland 1996-97 and 1998-99<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=408><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Before Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">450,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>After Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">580,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Before Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">440,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>After Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">26</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">560,000</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Table 2 Households with Income below 60% Median Income, Scotland 1996-97 and 1998-99<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=413><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Before Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">450,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>After Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">570,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Before Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">390,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>After Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">530,000</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: DSS Households Below Average Income.<P>Notes: <P>1 Income is net equivalised household income; equivalisation takes account of the number of individuals living in the household.<P>2 Thresholds are based on GB mean and median income.<P>3 Estimates are based on sample counts, and are therefore subject to sampling variability.<P>4 Caution should be exercised in drawing co","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149774,"EventID":"S1W-13025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12531 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 January 2001, what the timetable is for consultation on revisions in the private water supply regul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12531 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 January 2001, what the timetable is for consultation on revisions in the private water supply regulations.","AnswerText":"An initial consultation document on the revisions to private water supplies is planned for the spring.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149775,"EventID":"S1W-13026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12531 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 January 2001, which organisations will be consulted on the proposed revisions to the private water ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12531 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 January 2001, which organisations will be consulted on the proposed revisions to the private water supply regulations.","AnswerText":"A definitive list of consultees has not yet been finalised but it is anticipated that a wide range of organisations representing all aspects of Scottish society and business will be directly consulted in relation to the revision of the private water supply regulations. In addition, the consultation paper will be made available through the Stationary Office Bookshop, appropriate libraries and the Executive's website, thereby allowing the widest possible consultation to be undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149776,"EventID":"S1W-13027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6385 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 11 May 2000, whether the working group on the administration of medicines in schools has completed its ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6385 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 11 May 2000, whether the working group on the administration of medicines in schools has completed its work; if so, what its findings were and, if not, when its report is expected.","AnswerText":"The purpose of the working group was to prepare good practice guidance on the administration of medicines in schools. Draft guidance was issued to interested parties including education authorities, health boards, Trusts and voluntary organisations. I have placed copies of the draft Guidance in SPICe. The closing date for responses was 29 December and the comments received are now being considered. Final guidance will be published in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149777,"EventID":"S1W-13028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Highland and Islands Fire Board's decision to upgrade auxiliary fire-fighters to retained status will be reflected in its grant aided expenditure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Highland and Islands Fire Board's decision to upgrade auxiliary fire-fighters to retained status will be reflected in its grant aided expenditure.","AnswerText":"Grant aided expenditure allocations for 2001-02 to 2003-04 were announced before the board took this decision.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149778,"EventID":"S1W-13029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether emissions from factories producing medium density fibreboard pose any health risks; whether it is aware of the concern of the local community in Cowie, Stirlingsh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether emissions from factories producing medium density fibreboard pose any health risks; whether it is aware of the concern of the local community in Cowie, Stirlingshire, about such emissions from Nexfor on 26 January 2001, and whether it will take any steps to investigate these concerns.","AnswerText":"Factories producing medium density fibreboard in Scotland are authorised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency under Part I of the Environment Protection Act 1990. When issuing an authorisation SEPA must have regard to the emission limits set down in Government Guidance for the Process for the Manufacture of Particleboard and Fibreboard, as well as the health-based air quality objectives in the Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000.<P>SEPA monitors the Nexfor plant on a routine basis for emissions of potentially hazardous chemicals and wood dust. It is aware of the concerns of the residents of Cowie regarding a wood fibre emission from the plant on the 26 January 2001. Shortly after the incident was reported to SEPA an investigation was initiated; this is ongoing.<P>In response to concerns raised in the past about the Nexfor plant, Forth Valley Health Board has checked the incidence of health problems in the surrounding area. Health statistics indicate that the incidence of asthma in the Cowie area is in keeping with expectations based on the national average figure.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149779,"EventID":"S1W-13030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement made during the Alcohol Misuse Debate on 7 December 2000, when it will launch the consultation process leading to the development of a nation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement made during the Alcohol Misuse Debate on 7 December 2000, when it will launch the consultation process leading to the development of a national plan for action.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is today launching an inclusive consultation process which will last until 30 June and lead to the production by the end of this year of a comprehensive plan for action on alcohol misuse. This will emphasise the partnership nature of policy development on alcohol misuse and help us to shape a shared action plan to provide a framework for action at national and local level. A copy of the consultation document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11112).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149780,"EventID":"S1W-13031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the rules governing the central heating initiative will be published, what the results were of home energy efficiency schemes in 1999-2000, and whether it will desc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the rules governing the central heating initiative will be published, what the results were of home energy efficiency schemes in 1999-2000, and whether it will describe the benefits from both schemes.","AnswerText":"The rules governing the central heating programme will be published tomorrow.<P>In 1999/2000 47,000 low-income households benefited from government-funded home energy efficiency schemes. Their homes were insulated, and the householders given energy advice, resulting in a range of savings. The Warm Deal for owner occupiers resulted in average annual savings of around £90 and reductions in CO<SUP>2 </SUP>emissions of 1.1 tonnes per dwelling. A full report for 1999/2000 will be published shortly and made widely available.<P>Home insulation leads to substantially lower fuel bills which can either be taken as savings or used to provide more warmth at the same cost. It helps combat condensation damp and so threats to health, and to the condition of the housing stock, are reduced. Reductions in CO<SUP>2 </SUP>emissions help combat the threat of global warming.<P>The new programme combines home insulation and central heating and so the benefits described will be increased. The central heating programme will be central to our plans to tackle fuel poverty and help Scotland's most vulnerable households.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149781,"EventID":"S1W-13032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the incidence of cancer among residents of Cowdenbeath and Lochore is any greater than the average incidence in equivalent population groups in other parts of Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the incidence of cancer among residents of Cowdenbeath and Lochore is any greater than the average incidence in equivalent population groups in other parts of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Available data do not suggest that the overall incidence of cancer amongst residents of the Cowdenbeath and Lochore area of Fife is unusual when compared with that for Fife Health Board or Scotland as a whole. The table below sets out the observed and expected number of cases in postcode sectors best representing Cowdenbeath and Lochore areas based on rates for (a) Scotland and (b) Fife Health Board area; all ages, by sex: 1988-97.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In all comparisons the ratios of the observed to expected numbers of cases are close to one, and the associated 95% confidence intervals all include the value of one, indicating that any departure from the expectation is not statistically significant.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Incidence of all malignant neoplasms excluding non melanoma skin (ICD-9 173 / ICD-10 C44)<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=389><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>(a) Compared with Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Observed<P>registrations</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Expected<P>registrations</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>O / E</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Males</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>510</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>513</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Females</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>518</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>505</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.03</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>(b) Compared with Fife HB</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Observed<P>registrations</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Expected<P>registrations</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=36><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>O / E</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Males</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>510</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>494</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.03</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Females</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>518</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>493</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.05</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Source: SOCRATES (Scottish cancer registration database); these figures prepared on 6 February 2001.<P>Population data supplied to ISD Scotland by GRO(S)","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149782,"EventID":"S1W-13033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will undertake an investigation into a possible link between the chemical plant sited near Cowdenbeath and the incidence of cancer amongst local residents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will undertake an investigation into a possible link between the chemical plant sited near Cowdenbeath and the incidence of cancer amongst local residents.","AnswerText":"Available data show that cancer incidence in areas around the Mossmorran petro-chemical plant is no higher than might normally be expected when compared with other health board areas and with Scotland as a whole.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife Council and Fife Health Board are working together with the companies involved and with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to address any concerns raised by local residents living in the surrounding areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149783,"EventID":"S1W-13034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list, for each local authority area, how much money was collected by each District Court in each year since 1995-96 and how much of this was (a) remitted","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list, for each local authority area, how much money was collected by each District Court in each year since 1995-96 and how much of this was (a) remitted to the Queen's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer and (b) retained by each local authority.","AnswerText":"The available information, from the annual statistical returns made by the district courts, is shown in the table. Only incomplete data are available in respect of 1995-96 and 1996-97. No money collected by the district courts is remitted to the Queen's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer. Monies collected by the court that are not retained by the local authority are remitted to the Exchequer.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Financial penalties collected by district courts in Scotland<SUP>1, 2, 3 </SUP>(£000)<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commission Area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value received</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value sent to Exchequer</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value received</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value sent to Exchequer</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value received</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value sent to Exchequer</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">790</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">598</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 730 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 550 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 789 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 597 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">589</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">452</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 725 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 570 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 728 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 423 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">169</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">188</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 346 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 261 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 481 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 385 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">177</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">116</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 166 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGH","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149784,"EventID":"S1W-13035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the members of the Parole Board for Scotland, giving their age and length of service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the members of the Parole Board for Scotland, giving their age and length of service.","AnswerText":"The names and length of service of those currently serving on the Parole Board for Scotland are listed in the table. Data protection legislation does not permit disclosure of the ages of those concerned without their consent having first been obtained. <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=489><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Name</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Length of service</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dr Jim McManus (Chairman)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1 Year*</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dr John Baird</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3 Years**</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mrs Megan Casserly</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2 Years***</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dr John Donnelly</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1 Year</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mrs Johan Findlay</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1 Year </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dr Judy Greenwood OBE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3 Years </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mrs Irene Guild</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4 Years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mr Hamish Hyslop</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3Years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sheriff Brian Lockhart</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3 1/2 Years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sheriff Principal John Maguire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I Year</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mr James Milne</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4 Years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Mrs Eleanor McLaughlin</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1 Year</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ms Morag Owens</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2 Years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Rt Hon Lord Ross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3 1/2 Years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Hon Lord Wheatley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1 year</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">*Dr McManus previously served as a member of the board from 1987-94<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">**Dr Baird previously served on the board from 1992-94<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">***Mrs Casserly previously served on the board from 1990-98 and was appointed for a fresh term on 14 January 1999. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Those concerned were appointed for further periods of appointment on the board following advertisement and competition.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149785,"EventID":"S1W-13036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many of the 26 transferred life prisoners in Scotland are categorised as (a) unrestricted in terms of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, (b) unrestricted and transferre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many of the 26 transferred life prisoners in Scotland are categorised as (a) unrestricted in terms of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, (b) unrestricted and transferred from jurisdictions where the government is not a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights, (c) restricted in terms of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, (d) restricted and transferred from jurisdictions where the government is not a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"Five life prisoners were transferred on an unrestricted basis and seven on a restricted basis under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. 13 life prisoners were transferred on a permanent basis under section 26(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1961, which preceded the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 and one life prisoner was transferred following a court-martial in Berlin, Germany. The Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 and its predecessor only provides for the transfer of prisoners within the UK, therefore the answer to parts (b) and (d) is none.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In addition there are three transferred life prisoners who are at present detained as restricted patients in the State Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149786,"EventID":"S1W-13037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to remove the power of Scottish Ministers to alter the security categorisation of prisoners and invest such power in another place; if so, in what place","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to remove the power of Scottish Ministers to alter the security categorisation of prisoners and invest such power in another place; if so, in what place and whether it will introduce amendments to the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149787,"EventID":"S1W-13038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any action on the information concerning e-commerce in Scotland in chapter 9 of the report Business in the Information Age: International Benchmarkin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any action on the information concerning e-commerce in Scotland in chapter 9 of the report Business in the Information Age: International Benchmarking Study 2000 by the Department of Trade and Industry.","AnswerText":"Chapter 9 of <I>Business in the Information Age </I>demonstrates that Scotland has made significant progress in the adoption of technologies for business purposes since the previous year, both relative to other regions of the UK and in actual terms. Scotland is above average or average on most significant measures, including the connectivity indicator. This shows that 76 per cent of Scottish businesses either have a website, make frequent use of e-mail, or use electronic data interchange, and is exceeded by only 4 of the UK's 12 regions.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Executive and the enterprise networks are committed to ensuring that Scotland improves this position. The UK Government has announced that ICT local support centres will receive an additional £30 million over the next three years to help businesses move beyond having a website or trading online to transform themselves through the effective use of information and communication technology. Scotland will receive a share of this money.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Both Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have set targets for e-commerce adoption in line with those for the UK as a whole. The e-commerce strategy for Scotland detailed in the <I>Connecting Scotland</I> document ensures a co-ordinated approach to these activities. The strategy was drawn up by a steering group led by Scottish Enterprise and assisted by around 300 other individuals and organisations, and it focuses on creating the right environment, accelerating business uptake, accelerating supply-side development and developing skills and knowledge for the future. They aim to achieve the targets by implementing a recently enhanced range of initiatives aimed at SMEs including workshops, seminars, a consultancy package, awareness raising events, best practice awards and e-business advisors.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149788,"EventID":"S1W-13039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has issued or plans to issue guidance to valuation boards on whether the siting of an automated teller machine within retail premises would have any effect on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has issued or plans to issue guidance to valuation boards on whether the siting of an automated teller machine within retail premises would have any effect on that premise's business rates.","AnswerText":"The interpretation of the non-domestic rating regulations is a matter for the Scottish Assessors who act independently of local and central government.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149789,"EventID":"S1W-13040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimate it has made of the amount of recycled aggregates that will be substituted for virgin aggregates as a result of the proposed aggregates tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimate it has made of the amount of recycled aggregates that will be substituted for virgin aggregates as a result of the proposed aggregates tax.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no functions in relation to the proposed aggregates tax. It is expected that the tax will lead to an increased use of recycled aggregate. No figures are available predicting the increase in use of recycled aggregates or the reduction in use of virgin aggregates in Scotland as a direct result of the proposed tax. The Executive has, however, commissioned research to provide information on the extent to which recycled minerals are being used as an alternative to primary aggregate. This will provide a basis for any future setting of recycling targets or regular surveys to enable monitoring of activity. The research report has been published this week and a copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149790,"EventID":"S1W-13041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what arrangements it is making with the Roman Catholic Church to ensure that continuing professional development for teachers includes optional elements of specific rele","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what arrangements it is making with the Roman Catholic Church to ensure that continuing professional development for teachers includes optional elements of specific relevance to teachers in Catholic schools. ","AnswerText":"Consultation on a framework for teachers' continuing professional development will be as wide as possible and will take in all stakeholders, including the Catholic Education Commission.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Catholic Education Commission will also be given a specific opportunity to highlight issues of particular relevance to Catholic teachers to the Ministerial Strategy Committee for Continuing Professional Development.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149791,"EventID":"S1W-13042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what arrangements it is making with the Roman Catholic Church to ensure that the Scottish Qualification for Headship includes optional elements that reflect the particul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what arrangements it is making with the Roman Catholic Church to ensure that the Scottish Qualification for Headship includes optional elements that reflect the particular duties that relate to headship of Catholic Schools.","AnswerText":"We recognise the Catholic Education Commission's wish for an additional Catholic dimension to the Scottish Qualification for Headship and are discussing this with the Catholic Education Commission and the Higher Education Institutes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149792,"EventID":"S1W-13043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are being made for the distribution of the new resources for tackling drug misuse announced in September 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are being made for the distribution of the new resources for tackling drug misuse announced in September 2000.","AnswerText":"The Executive announced in September 2000 a £100 million package of new expenditure on drug misuse spread over three years from 2001-02 to supplement the significant amounts already being spent tackling the problem. Since then we have consulted extensively on how the extra resources should be deployed. We have also taken account of the Social Inclusion, Housing and Voluntary Sector Committee's recent report on its <I>Inquiry into Drug Misuse and Deprived Communities. </I>In particular we have noted the committee's views on the significant links between deprivation and drug misuse. The Executive will respond fully to the report shortly.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Parliament endorsed Scotland's drugs strategy, <I>Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership, </I>in January 2000. Since then the Executive and our partners have taken a number of significant steps. These include publication in May last year of the Executive's <I>Drugs Action Plan</I>, and in December the launch of the first national targets for drug misuse. We published in October 2000 a review showing that current expenditure on drugs related programmes was over £140 million, with additional identifiable expenditure taking the cost of dealing with drug misuse to over £330 million.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Drug Action Teams (DATs) have a vital role in bringing together all the agencies within a locality to deliver joined-up services addressing drug misuse in line with national objectives and targets and locally identified need. DATs will therefore require to &quot;sign off&quot; jointly agreed plans for the new resources, in combination with existing resources, whether they are directed to health boards, local authorities, Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) or other agencies. The three-year drugs budget will allow sensible long-term planning without the uncertainties of the past. DATs and the spending agencies will be expected to ensure that the extra resources are deployed for new and expanding drug services, and not used to fund existing drugs work.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive requires DATs to be accountable for plans to use both new and existing resources. Plans must focus on the outcomes to be achieved. There will be further work on the feasibility of identifying in detail all the resources being devoted locally to addressing drug misuse.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">These arrangements are set out in a package of information and guidance being issued to the DATs and agencies today. This includes new guidance on priorities and joint planning and commissioning. The complete package issued to the DATs is available in SPICe and on the <I>Drug Misuse in Scotland</I> website. It includes a table showing the sums involved, distribution arrangements, accountability mechanisms and what we have done to reflect the problems of deprived communities. The key points about what we want to achieve, for individual elements of the package in this distribution for the three-year period, are set out below.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Treatment and rehabilitation<B> </B>are<B> </B>at the core of our efforts because without these services we will be unable to break the cycle of misuse which leads to the many other problems associated with drugs. That is why we have committed an extra £10 million for treatment services, and £21 million for rehabilitation over the next three years. We expect expenditure by health boards on treatment to increase those in contact with services for the first time by 50% to 16,500 by 2004. We are today notifying revised distribution arrangements, providing links with deprivation and need, for both new and existing treatment resources.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Most of the £21 million additional funding for rehabilitation is being distributed to councils as new money within the local government financial settlement. Each council must ensure that the additional provision it receives under the package is spent on drug rehabilitation over and above its existing spend on substance","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149793,"EventID":"S1W-13044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will announce the final outcome of the tendering exercise for the maintenance of trunk roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will announce the final outcome of the tendering exercise for the maintenance of trunk roads.","AnswerText":"I confirm the award today of contracts for the maintenance of trunk roads in Scotland from 1 April 2001.<P>As provisionally indicated in my response to Des McNulty on 23 January 2001 (question S1W-12726), the successful bidders in the competitions held for the four Operating Company areas were BEAR Scotland Limited for the North East and North West Units and AMEY Highways Ltd for the South East and South West Units.<P>The competition for these contracts, worth over £350 million over five years, and part of a record level of increased funding for transport in Scotland, was run in accordance with UK and EC law. The contracts have now been awarded, following the report of an independent review, by Halcrow in association with Price Waterhouse Coopers, of the use of quantities in the tender assessment process. This report, published today, has demonstrated that the use of substitute quantities from the local authority consortia which submitted bids does not alter the identification of the winning bidder. This means that the bids from AMEY and BEAR Scotland Ltd represented the best value for money and the contracts have been awarded to these companies accordingly.<P>The Scottish Executive's objective is to ensure high standards in maintaining our trunk roads while securing best value for money for the taxpayer. The award of these contracts achieves that and offers a saving on existing costs of £75 million over five years.<P>Savings have not been at the expense of quality. Those selected to tender all had a proven record in trunk road management and maintenance. In careful scrutiny all tenders met quality standards and only then were cash bids assessed. Stringent quality requirements in the contracts should lead to standards being above those in existing contracts.<P>We consulted widely before inviting tenders and explained fully in advance how the tender process would work. It was conducted equitably, transparently and fairly. This has been confirmed by three Court of Session judgements and the independent audit.<P>In the case of all four contracts, the winning bid, as previously announced (question S1W-12726),<B> </B>was substantially below the comparable cost of the current contract for the equivalent work even though qualifying standards had been set higher in the new contracts.<P>I fully understand that this outcome will be disappointing to local authorities, but for all four contracts, the local authority contractor bid was above the comparable cost of the current arrangements for the equivalent work.<P>In view of the wide public concern expressed on this point, I invited each of the bidders for the four contracts to allow the figures for their bids to be published. Each of the bidders for the North West contract has agreed to the making public of this information for their competition. For the other areas, not all bidders authorised publication. <P>The following table, giving the information which the Executive is able to release, demonstrates very starkly the scale of the differences in the bids received.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=49><P>£ million<P>Bid Values</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=49><P>Comparable <P>cost at historic <P>rates and prices</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=49><P>Comparable <P>costs from<P>best bids</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=49><P>Comparable<P>costs from<P>LA Consortium Bid</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>South East</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">See Note 1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>South West</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">119.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149794,"EventID":"S1W-13045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many special advisors with responsibility for contact with the press, or with permission to brief the press on behalf of the First Minister, were employed as of (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many special advisors with responsibility for contact with the press, or with permission to brief the press on behalf of the First Minister, were employed as of (a) 1 February 2001, (b) 1 October 2000 and (c) 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13046.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149795,"EventID":"S1W-13046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total salary, office and associated costs were for special advisors who act as press and information officers, or who are permitted to contact the press on beha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total salary, office and associated costs were for special advisors who act as press and information officers, or who are permitted to contact the press on behalf of the First Minister, as of (a) 1 February 2001, (b) 1 October 2000 and (c) 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"The total estimated annual salary, office and associated costs for the media team of Special Advisers in the Scottish Executive for the dates in question is:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Date</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No of Advisers</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Salary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">ERNIC</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Pension Contribution</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Office &amp; Associated Costs</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 February 2001**</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£305,008</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£34,539</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£48,801</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£14,403</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 October 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£203,300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£22,665</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£35,528</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£13,263</TD></TR></TABLE><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">On 1 July 1999 there was one media adviser who was paid in special adviser salary range 3 (currently £42,755 - £85,047). A specific figure is not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individual.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149796,"EventID":"S1W-13047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many copies of Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government were printed and what the costs were of printing and publishing the document.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many copies of Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government were printed and what the costs were of printing and publishing the document.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12906 on 13 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149797,"EventID":"S1W-13048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what means of distribution were employed and what the target market was for Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what means of distribution were employed and what the target market was for Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","AnswerText":"Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government was sent on publication free of charge to 663 organisations. It has been distributed on the same basis to MSPs, members of the UK Cabinet, members of the press, and internally within the Scottish Executive. It is available to members of the public through the Stationery Office bookshop, priced £4.95. It is also available on the internet, at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/government/pfg-00.asp.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Working together for Scotland reports on how the Executive is achieving the targets in the original Programme for Government and sets out new commitments for the future. The organisations who received Working together for Scotland free of charge cover a wide spectrum of Scottish life. They included local authorities, health boards and NHS Trusts, many charities, large corporations, and further and higher education institutions.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149798,"EventID":"S1W-13049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its responsibilities are in relation to constitutional policy and whether any of its staff are involved in planning for possible future constitutional changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its responsibilities are in relation to constitutional policy and whether any of its staff are involved in planning for possible future constitutional changes.","AnswerText":"Certain aspects of the constitution are reserved matters, in particular the Crown, the Union of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England, the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the continued existence of the Court of Session as a civil court of first instance and of appeal. The Executive has no responsibility for these matters. The Executive maintains regular contacts with the other devolved administrations and the UK Government on the operation of the devolution settlement. Six staff work in the Constitutional Policy Unit on a range of issues relating to the operation of the Scotland Act and the devolution settlement, including training, advice and guidance; relations with the UK Government and the other devolved administrations; and the preparation of subordinate legislation under the Scotland Act.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149799,"EventID":"S1W-13050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will encourage local authorities and all other public bodies to put Remploy and Blind Workshops on their list if suppliers to compete for contracts under the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will encourage local authorities and all other public bodies to put Remploy and Blind Workshops on their list if suppliers to compete for contracts under the Best Value regime.","AnswerText":"In pursuing Best Value local authorities should consider all routes to service improvement. They are expected not to discriminate between potential means of service delivery on any grounds other than those prescribed by statute or directive.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Executive's approach to Best Value in local government is not prescriptive about tender exercises to any great degree, but where sheltered employers such as Remploy and Blind Workshops are eligible to compete for contracts and meet the basic criteria set by the invitation to tender, we would certainly encourage local authorities and other public bodies to allow them to do so.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Executive's own procurement guidance encourages buyers to include sheltered employers on tender lists wherever possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149800,"EventID":"S1W-13051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research projects are in receipt of funding from the Chief Scientist Office during 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research projects are in receipt of funding from the Chief Scientist Office during 2000-01.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13052.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149801,"EventID":"S1W-13052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research projects received funding from the Chief Scientist Office in each year from 1997-98 to 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research projects received funding from the Chief Scientist Office in each year from 1997-98 to 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"A list of research projects being funded before the 1997-98 financial year, but continuing to be funded in that year, has been provided to the Parliament's Reference Centre. Details of new research awards made in each of the financial years 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 are available in the CSO annual reports for those years, copies of which are in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Similar information for April to December of the current financial year is now available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149802,"EventID":"S1W-13053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria research projects must meet in order to receive funding from the Chief Scientist Office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria research projects must meet in order to receive funding from the Chief Scientist Office.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office is largely a response mode funder of research and this role is well known and advertised throughout the healthcare and academic community. Research proposals are assessed on the basis of their scientific quality and potential relevance to the health of the people of Scotland. Projects must be able to demonstrate 'health gain' and potential to improve health care. Such assessments are made by expert peer group and committee review. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their research idea with CSO at an early stage, so that they can develop their proposals in a way that most directly addresses Scotland's public health and health services research needs. Comprehensive information and guidance on how to apply for a CSO research grant is available on the CSO website at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso/.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A strategic statement of CSO's role in supporting NHS related research is set out in its 1998 Research Strategy document, a copy of which is also on the CSO website.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149803,"EventID":"S1W-13054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to take any action in relation to any general practitioners who are administering single measles vaccinations and, if so, what action will be taken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to take any action in relation to any general practitioners who are administering single measles vaccinations and, if so, what action will be taken.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is a reserved matter. The importation and supply of unlicensed single measles vaccine is controlled and restricted under the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulations 1994 and the Medicines (Standard Provisions for Licences and Certificates) Amendment Regulations 1999. Proceedings may be brought against anyone in breach of these regulations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149804,"EventID":"S1W-13055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it proposes to take to improve road safety on the A90 north of Ellon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it proposes to take to improve road safety on the A90 north of Ellon.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a number of proposed improvement schemes within the current three-year programme for the A90 trunk road north of Ellon at an estimated cost of £1,615,000.<P>The estimated scheme costs are as follows: </FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=595><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scheme Specific Details</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Hatton Bends Improvement scheme</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£500,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£515,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,015,000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cortes Junction</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£300,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£300,000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Cruden Bay Junction</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£100,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£100,000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North of Ellon Roundabout to Fraserburgh Route Accident Reduction Plan </FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£200,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£200,000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Total</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£700,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£515,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£400,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,615,000</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P>In addition, any accident cluster sites that are identified on the trunk road network by the Scottish Executive Accident Investigation Unit will be investigated and any agreed remedial measures will be progressed subject to funding and competing priorities on the trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149805,"EventID":"S1W-13056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the ballot on the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer is scheduled to take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the ballot on the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer is scheduled to take place.","AnswerText":"The date of the ballot is a matter for Glasgow City Council in discussion with tenants and other interested parties. Current plans are that it will take place in November 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149806,"EventID":"S1W-13057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all development areas as defined under the regional selective assistance scheme; what proportion of the Scottish population lives in each, and how m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all development areas as defined under the regional selective assistance scheme; what proportion of the Scottish population lives in each, and how much grant assistance has been made available to each in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The GB Assisted Areas map (defining the areas in which Regional Selective Assistance can be given) was approved by the European Commission on 26 July 2000. This map comprised of amalgamations of 1991 local authority wards rather than development areas. A list of the 656 Scottish wards included in the map was published when the map was approved and is accessible on the Scottish Executive website (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/who/elld/_Forms/aawards.prn).<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">These 656 wards are of varying size and population coverage, but overall the Assisted Areas map covers 48% of the Scottish population.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Data in respect of grant assistance offered in each individual 1991 ward is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, details (including Travel to Work Area locations) of individual offers of Regional Selective Assistance over £75,000 are, after the first instalment of grant has been paid, published quarterly in <I>Labour Market Statistics</I> which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149807,"EventID":"S1W-13058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many civil service jobs have been relocated to (a) Stirling, (b) Perth and Kinross, (c) Angus, (d) Fife and (e) Clackmannanshire local authority areas since July 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many civil service jobs have been relocated to (a) Stirling, (b) Perth and Kinross, (c) Angus, (d) Fife and (e) Clackmannanshire local authority areas since July 1999 and how many are expected to be moved to each area in the next 12 months.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies currently have around 1,490 posts in these local authority areas. One Scottish Executive post has been transferred to these areas since July 1999.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Last December I announced to Parliament that detailed reviews of the Edinburgh operations of six public bodies would be undertaken to individual timetables based on lease breaks and other operational factors. In accordance with this timetable we aim to be in a position to make decisions on the location of the Scottish Public Pensions Agency by the end of March and the Health Education Board for Scotland in mid-2001.<P>I also announced at that time that the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council would not be located in Edinburgh. Mr Chisholm announced on 6 March that the national offices of these two new bodies will - if the Parliament passes the necessary legislation to enable them to be established - be located in Dundee. Decisions on regional offices for the Commission will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149808,"EventID":"S1W-13059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail all capital funding given to local authorities and public bodies in the Highlands and Islands Parliamentary region in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000 for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail all capital funding given to local authorities and public bodies in the Highlands and Islands Parliamentary region in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000 for the provision or improvement of island infrastructure including marine works, roads and coastal defences, broken down by project and by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149809,"EventID":"S1W-13060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail all funding given to local authorities and public bodies in the Highlands and Islands Parliamentary region for the provision or improvement of fer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail all funding given to local authorities and public bodies in the Highlands and Islands Parliamentary region for the provision or improvement of ferry services to islands or on mainland to mainland routes in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000, broken down by project and local authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds ferry services and associated infrastructure provided by local authorities and other public bodies in a number of ways, including the support given to Caledonian MacBrayne, resources from the Public Transport Fund and Rural Transport Fund and funding under the Local Authority and Caledonian MacBrayne Piers and Harbours Grant Schemes. Information relating to such funding is set out in the following table. This is available on a financial, rather than calendar, year basis and the 2000-01 information relates to estimated outturn and is incomplete. A block deficit grant is awarded to Caledonian MacBrayne and it is not possible to disaggregate this by local authority area or by parliamentary boundaries. The table does not include support for ferry services offered by local authorities from their own resources.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-2001</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P>CALEDONIAN MACBRAYNE:</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Deficit Grant</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,975</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20,300</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Capital Grant for vessels:</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>MV Hebrides</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,590</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,036</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>MV Lochnevis</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,638</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P>PUBLIC TRANSPORT FUND</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Highland Council</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Corran Ferry: Replacement Vessel</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">265</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P>RURAL TRANSPORT FUND</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Argyll and Bute Council:</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Contribution to Kilchoan/Tobermory Winter Ferry</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Not yet available</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Easdale Ferry -3 additional sailings</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Not yet available</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Highland Council</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Sconser to Raasay-additional sailings</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Not yet available</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Contribution to Kilchoan/Tobermory Winter Ferry</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Not yet available</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Shetland Islands Council</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Additional Community Ferry Runs Covering 9 Routes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Not yet available</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P>PIERS AND HARBOURS GRANT - CALEDONIAN MACBRAYNE</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Kilchoan Slipway</TD><TD WIDTH=","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149810,"EventID":"S1W-13062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there will be any additional costs to local authorities as a result of the McCrone settlement and, if so, whether it will publish these costs, broken down by eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there will be any additional costs to local authorities as a result of the McCrone settlement and, if so, whether it will publish these costs, broken down by each authority.","AnswerText":"As I made clear in my statement to Parliament on 14 February and previously in correspondence with CoSLA, local authorities will not, as a result of the McCrone settlement, be expected to make any contribution from their budgets beyond that which they would normally be expected to make.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149811,"EventID":"S1W-13063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the document Fair Shares for All from July 1999, when it will publish the technical report for the second Arbuthnott formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the document Fair Shares for All from July 1999, when it will publish the technical report for the second Arbuthnott formula.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to publish a further technical report on the Arbuthnott formula. The first report, published in 1999, was accompanied by a very detailed technical report which explained fully the sources of data, methods of analysis and results. The data sources and methods of analysis used in the further work were largely similar to those used in the first report. Any technical changes are explained in the final report which contains a number of technical appendices.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149812,"EventID":"S1W-13064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the factors to be taken into account in assessing needs for the first and second Arbuthnott formulae.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the factors to be taken into account in assessing needs for the first and second Arbuthnott formulae.","AnswerText":"The key influences on the relative healthcare needs of each health board's population are population, the age and sex structure, morbidity and life circumstances, and remoteness. The specific factors that were taken into account by the Steering Group in assessing the influence of these factors are described fully in the first report (and accompanying technical report) and in the final report.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The most significant change in the final report is the use of a single index (the Arbuthnott index) to reflect the influence of the factors that influence healthcare needs. This is based on four indicators: mortality rates among people under 65, unemployment, elderly people on income support, and households with multiple indicators of deprivation. The development of this index is set out in the final report.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149813,"EventID":"S1W-13065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether unemployment rates are double-counted in the second Arbuthnott formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether unemployment rates are double-counted in the second Arbuthnott formula.","AnswerText":"The unemployment rate is one of the factors that are taken into account in calculating the Arbuthnott index, and this index is used to assess the influence of morbidity and life circumstances on the need for healthcare. It is not used in any other part of the formula and therefore unemployment rates are not double counted.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149814,"EventID":"S1W-13066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the reasons were for the change in the measure of rurality between the first and second Arbuthnott formulae.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the reasons were for the change in the measure of rurality between the first and second Arbuthnott formulae.","AnswerText":"The first report considered a number of indicators of the influence of remote and rural areas on the costs of delivering healthcare. During consultation, several suggestions were made for further analysis of this issue, and the additional evidence considered by the Steering Group showed that the number of road kilometres per 1,000 population is a slightly better indicator of remoteness than the indicators that were considered in the first report. This change and the reasons for it are described in the final report.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149815,"EventID":"S1W-13067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will release details of the Action Programme measures which must be followed by farmers in the Ythan Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will release details of the Action Programme measures which must be followed by farmers in the Ythan Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.","AnswerText":"A consultation paper on proposals for the Ythan Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) action programme will be released today. Arrangements have been made for copies to go directly to farmers in the Ythan NVZ.<P>We must tackle the problem of excess nitrate lost from agriculture. It can affect the quality of our drinking water supplies and presents a risk to the ecological balance in rivers and the sea. Many farmers recognise the need to adopt sustainable practices which do not lead to environmental problems, but under European law all farmers in areas vulnerable to nitrate pollution are required to take action to deal with this type of diffuse pollution.<P>The Action Programme measures we propose for the Ythan NVZ would require farmers to control the timing and rate of applications of nitrogen fertiliser and manures. These measures take into account environmental conditions within the catchment and the latest scientific and technical information.<P>It is important that farmers understand the rules and what they need to do to comply with them and we will provide help in the form of guidance booklets in order to assist farmers in this process.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149816,"EventID":"S1W-13068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were in prisons and young offenders institutions in each year since 1992, broken down by classification of crime; what percentage of these prisoners ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were in prisons and young offenders institutions in each year since 1992, broken down by classification of crime; what percentage of these prisoners had previous convictions, broken down by the number of previous convictions; what the average sentence was for each crime, and what average time was actually served, all broken down into (a) women, (b) men, (c) young women and (d) young men.","AnswerText":"Information on prisoners in penal establishments by crime classification is not available for years before 1997.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The available information on prisoners in penal establishments by crime classification is given for 1997 to 1999 in Tables 1-3 &quot;Main crime/offence of remand and sentenced prisoners in custody on 30 June&quot;, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib numbers 11181, 11182 and 11183 respectively). These tables distinguish adult prisoners from young offenders and are broken down by gender.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Information on previous convictions of prisoners in penal establishments is not held centrally.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The available information on average sentence imposed on prisoners received into custody for selected crimes and offences is given in Tables 22 and 26 of the statistical bulletins &quot;Prison Statistics Scotland, 1997&quot;, &quot;Prison Statistics Scotland, 1998&quot; and &quot;Prison Statistics Scotland, 1999&quot; published by the Scottish Executive, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib numbers 11178, 11179 and 11180 respectively). Equivalent information on the average time served is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149817,"EventID":"S1W-13069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10021 by Susan Deacon on 5 October 2000, how many (a) analogue hearing aids, (b) digitally controlled analogue hearing aids and (c)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10021 by Susan Deacon on 5 October 2000, how many (a) analogue hearing aids, (b) digitally controlled analogue hearing aids and (c) hearing aids with both digital audio processing and digital control systems were provided by NHS Trusts in each of the last three years and what proportion of the total number of hearing aids provided by NHS Trusts in each of these years each of these figures represents.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally but can be obtained directly from Trusts who are responsible for keeping records of the equipment they issue to patients to meet their clinical needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149818,"EventID":"S1W-13070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the (a) analogue hearing aids, (b) digitally controlled analogue hearing aids and (c) hearing aids with both digital audio processing and digital contr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the (a) analogue hearing aids, (b) digitally controlled analogue hearing aids and (c) hearing aids with both digital audio processing and digital control systems provided by NHS Trusts in each of the last three years were provided to patients aged (i) 11 or under, (ii) 12 to 18, (iii) 19 to 65 and (iv) over 65. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13069.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149819,"EventID":"S1W-13071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what volume of traffic passes through the town of Dalry, Ayrshire on the A737 at peak times of day and whether this represents a ha'ard to pedestrians or the environment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what volume of traffic passes through the town of Dalry, Ayrshire on the A737 at peak times of day and whether this represents a ha'ard to pedestrians or the environment.","AnswerText":"At weekday morning peak times between 7am and 8am a total average of 838 vehicles flow through Dalry. A total average of 964 vehicles pass through at weekday evening peak times between 4pm and 5pm hours.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149820,"EventID":"S1W-13072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will amend relevant legislation so as to place restrictions, similar to those which apply to bicycles, on the use of micro-scooters in public places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will amend relevant legislation so as to place restrictions, similar to those which apply to bicycles, on the use of micro-scooters in public places.","AnswerText":"No. The use of a micro-scooter in a footway, footpath or cycle track is an offence under section 129(5) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. The level and manner of enforcement is an operational matter for Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149821,"EventID":"S1W-13073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school chemistry teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school chemistry teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three months in each case.","AnswerText":"I have recently sent a report on the supply of teachers to the Convener of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee detailing the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib number 10751). A response to your specific question can be found at paragraphs 28-36 of the report.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149822,"EventID":"S1W-13074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school English teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school English teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three months in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13073.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149823,"EventID":"S1W-13075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled secondary school maths teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three mont","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled secondary school maths teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three months in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13073.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149824,"EventID":"S1W-13076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school technical studies teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school technical studies teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three months in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13073.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149825,"EventID":"S1W-13077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school biology teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many have been unfilled for more than three months in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school biology teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many have been unfilled for more than three months in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13073.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149826,"EventID":"S1W-13078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school physics teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled secondary school physics teaching posts there currently are in each local authority area and how many of these have been unfilled for more than three months in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13073.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149827,"EventID":"S1W-13079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many allegations of sexual assault in hospitals have been recorded in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many allegations of sexual assault in hospitals have been recorded in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149828,"EventID":"S1W-13080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards achieving the target of ending mixed sex hospital wards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards achieving the target of ending mixed sex hospital wards.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149829,"EventID":"S1W-13081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) staff were employed in its press office, (b) staff left its press office and (c) vacancies occurred in its press office in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) staff were employed in its press office, (b) staff left its press office and (c) vacancies occurred in its press office in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table outlines the number of staff employed in the Scottish Executive's Media and Communications Group (of which the press office is one part) in each of the last three years. The numbers shown relate to all staff in the group, including those in support grades. A breakdown between Press Officers and other staff is shown for the latest year; this split is not available for the historical data.<P>Staff numbers are shown as a snapshot figure at the start of each year.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Year</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1 Jan 1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1 Jan 2000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1 Jan 2001</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Total Number of Staff</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Of which:</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Press Officers</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Support for Press Office</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Publicity Officers</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Internal Communications</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Support for Internal Communications</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Forward Planning</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Support for Forward Planning</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P>The total number of staff who left the Media and Communications Group during the last three years is illustrated in the table below.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Year</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Number who left the Scottish Executive</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">3</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">6</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">5</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149830,"EventID":"S1W-13082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nursing vacancies have remained unfilled for more than one month in each health board area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nursing vacancies have remained unfilled for more than one month in each health board area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally in the detail requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149831,"EventID":"S1W-13083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any assessment has been made of the potential administrative costs of making use of the Scottish Parliament's powers to increase or decrease the standard rate of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any assessment has been made of the potential administrative costs of making use of the Scottish Parliament's powers to increase or decrease the standard rate of income tax and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"An assessment of ongoing costs has not been made because the Executive has made it clear it will not use the power in this Parliament","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149832,"EventID":"S1W-13084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed update on the preparations by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for the 2001 exam diet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed update on the preparations by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for the 2001 exam diet.","AnswerText":"I announced in response to S1W-12934 that a copy of my first report to Parliament on SQA's progress towards Diet 2001 was sent to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee on 31 January. A copy has also been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (bib number 11055).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149833,"EventID":"S1W-13085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to ex-gratia payments to the Scottish Transport Group Pension scheme members, what the anticipated allocation will be between the Transport Operatives Pensio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to ex-gratia payments to the Scottish Transport Group Pension scheme members, what the anticipated allocation will be between the Transport Operatives Pension Scheme and the Staff Pension Fund.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are considering the basis for distribution and following the wind-up of the Scottish Transport Group we will be bringing forward proposals on distribution for the approval of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149834,"EventID":"S1W-13086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to relocate any of its departmental headquarters from Edinburgh to other parts of Scotland and whether it will provide details of any such plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to relocate any of its departmental headquarters from Edinburgh to other parts of Scotland and whether it will provide details of any such plans.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has set up the headquarters of the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department in Glasgow. This involved the transfer of 140 posts from Edinburgh to Glasgow. We have also set up the headquarters of the Food Standards Agency (Scotland) in Aberdeen and announced that the Public Guardian's Office will be set up in Falkirk.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">I announced on 1 December in the answer to question S1W-11704 that detailed studies of the location of six bodies would be undertaken and that, if the Parliament passes the necessary legislation to enable them to be established, the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council will not be located in Edinburgh.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>In setting out the relocation policy, the then First Minister indicated in the answer to question S1W-1558 that most of the headquarters functions of the Scottish Executive Departments are located in Edinburgh (or, in the case of the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, in Glasgow) and that the Executive expected this to remain the case since they typically involve frequent meetings with Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. This remains the view of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149835,"EventID":"S1W-13087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of the administration costs of each non-departmental public body for which it is responsible and what percentage of the tota","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of the administration costs of each non-departmental public body for which it is responsible and what percentage of the total expenditure of each such body administration costs represent.","AnswerText":"Detailed financial information relating to non-departmental public bodies is contained within the Annual Report and Accounts for individual bodies. Under current guidance NDPBs are required to publish annual reports and accounts in order to inform Parliament and the public of their expenditure and activities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149836,"EventID":"S1W-13088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any reduction in the Department of Trade and Industry's budget would, as a result of the Barnett formula, result in a reduction in the equivalent budget within th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any reduction in the Department of Trade and Industry's budget would, as a result of the Barnett formula, result in a reduction in the equivalent budget within the Scottish Consolidated Fund.","AnswerText":"Any changes in the Scottish Budget are for the Executive to propose and Parliament to agree.<P>The operation of the Barnett formula is set out in the Statement of Funding Policy. This is available on HM Treasury's website, <A HREF=\"http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/news.html\">www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/news.html</A>.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149837,"EventID":"S1W-13089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many civil servants in total it employed in (a) May 1999 and (b) May 2000 and how many it employs now.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many civil servants in total it employed in (a) May 1999 and (b) May 2000 and how many it employs now.","AnswerText":"The full time equivalent number of permanent staff employed in the Core Departments, Agencies and Associated Departments of the Scottish Executive are shown in the table below. The figures include the Scottish Prison Service, which accounts for around one third of all staff.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The definition of the Executive has changed over the last 3 years, following movements of responsibilities - most notably the creation of the Scottish Parliament and the Scotland Office. The figures shown below have been backdated as far as possible for comparison purposes.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">May 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">May 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">February 2001</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Number of Staff (FTE)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13290.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13649.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13708.3</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149838,"EventID":"S1W-13090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Modern Apprenticeships there were in May 1997 and how many there are on the latest available figures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Modern Apprenticeships there were in May 1997 and how many there are on the latest available figures.","AnswerText":"In May 1997 there were 5,236 Modern Apprentices in training: at January 2001 there were 16,924. In May 1997, 398 young people had completed their Modern Apprenticeship: at January 2001, 6,125 had completed their Modern Apprenticeship.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149839,"EventID":"S1W-13091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of inward investment there has been into Scotland from (a) May 1999 to May 2000 and (b) May 2000 to January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of inward investment there has been into Scotland from (a) May 1999 to May 2000 and (b) May 2000 to January 2001.","AnswerText":"In the year April 1999 to March 2000, Locate in Scotland and its partners helped to attract to Scotland a total of 91 projects involving planned investment of £650 million and the expected creation or safeguarding of over 19,000 jobs. This represented Scotland's strongest ever performance in this highly competitive market.<P>Locate in Scotland does not publish aggregate results for inward investment until after the end of the year to which the figures relate. With the expectation that the current year would be very tough, the key targets for the period April 2000 to March 2001 were set as 60 projects, involving planned investment of £500 million, and the expected creation or safeguarding of 7,000 jobs. The final verified results will be published, as usual, in June.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149840,"EventID":"S1W-13092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of expenditure, by health board area, on electronic service delivery in the health service for the current financial year and of proje","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of expenditure, by health board area, on electronic service delivery in the health service for the current financial year and of projected expenditure for each of the next two years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149841,"EventID":"S1W-13093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be committed to National Training Organisations over the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be committed to National Training Organisations over the next three years.","AnswerText":"National Training Organisations attract funding from employers, government departments and other public sector and commercial sources. £1.5 million has been allocated by the Scottish Executive over the financial years 2001-2002 to 2003-2004 to assist the further development of the NTO network in Scotland, with a particular focus on promoting skills, employability and work-based learning at sectoral level.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149842,"EventID":"S1W-13094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total budget for National Training Organisations is for the financial year 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total budget for National Training Organisations is for the financial year 2001-02.","AnswerText":"National Training (NTOs) are employer-led sectoral bodies which operate across the UK as the bridge between employers and those involved in the policy and provision of education and training. They attract funding from employers, government departments and other public sector and commercial sources. £0.5 million will be allocated to NTOs by the Scottish Executive in the financial year 2001-2002 to assist the further development of the network in Scotland, with a focus on promoting skills, employability and work-based learning at sectoral level.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149843,"EventID":"S1W-13095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the buy-out price for renewable energy is set at the same figure as for England and Wales and at the same level for each of the alternative energy sources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the buy-out price for renewable energy is set at the same figure as for England and Wales and at the same level for each of the alternative energy sources.","AnswerText":"Our proposal to set the same buy-out price under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) (ROS) as for England and Wales will ensure that the UK market for renewable energy is not distorted. A lower Scottish buy-out price would make it difficult for Scottish electricity suppliers to meet our ROS targets, since renewables generators would tend to sell their Renewables Obligation Certificates to suppliers in the English market where prices would be higher. A higher Scottish buy-out price would place higher costs on all Scottish electricity consumers. The proposal to set the same buy-out price in Scotland as in England and Wales has been widely supported by respondents to our consultation on the ROS.<P>The policy of setting the same buy-out price for all renewable technologies will allow the market to choose which technologies it wishes to use to meet the targets, but we are aware of the need to promote the development of longer-term technologies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149844,"EventID":"S1W-13096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to support or promote a trading exchange for green certificates in energy and how such a scheme would operate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to support or promote a trading exchange for green certificates in energy and how such a scheme would operate.","AnswerText":"It is expected that the new Renewables Obligation (Scotland), and equivalent obligations elsewhere, will eventually result in a market for renewables obligation certificates, which will be traded separately from the renewable electricity they will represent. But it will be for renewable energy generators, electricity suppliers and others involved in the energy markets to decide what form this certificate market will take and whether there should be a trading exchange.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149845,"EventID":"S1W-13097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for biomass as a renewable energy source in each year since 1997 and what funding is planned in the future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for biomass as a renewable energy source in each year since 1997 and what funding is planned in the future.","AnswerText":"Support for research and development in biomass, as for all renewable technologies, is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry.<P>Of the three biomass projects awarded contracts as a result of the three Orders comprising the Scottish Renewables Obligation, only one has been commissioned so far. The level of financial support for that project from the Fossil Fuel Levy in Scotland is subject to commercial confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149846,"EventID":"S1W-13098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12675 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 5 February 2001, which local expert bodies confirmed the opinion of North Ayrshire Council that the no","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12675 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 5 February 2001, which local expert bodies confirmed the opinion of North Ayrshire Council that the noise around Largs does not constitute a statutory nuisance; what methods were employed by these bodies to reach this conclusion; what specific enquiries were carried out by the Executive regarding the issue, including details of any bodies or people it consulted and any methodology, equipment and techniques used by the Executive or those it consulted, and what the conclusions of all those involved in its enquiries were.","AnswerText":"As well as consulting North Ayrshire Council, the Executive contacted Scottish Power, the Royal Navy, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Mr Leslie Mair of Glasgow Caledonian University. Technical questions about the specific methods used to investigate the alleged noise nuisance around Largs would be best addressed to the organisations and individuals concerned.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149847,"EventID":"S1W-13099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the rail sleeper service to Fort William will be restored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the rail sleeper service to Fort William will be restored.","AnswerText":"I understand that ScotRail will make a decision on the reinstatement of sleeper services north of Edinburgh after consideration of a report recently submitted by Railtrack Midland Zone concerning a programme of necessary repairs to track between Crewe and London.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149848,"EventID":"S1W-13100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report of the Review Group on the Retention of Organs at Post Mortem.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report of the Review Group on the Retention of Organs at Post Mortem.","AnswerText":"The report of the review group was published today at 10.30am. It will be available on the group's website at <A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scotorgrev\">http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scotorgrev</A>.<P>Arrangements have been made for copies of the report to be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149849,"EventID":"S1W-13101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its press release of 5 February 2001, what programmes the #250 million committed to digital initiatives will be allocated to and what the timescale is for ach","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its press release of 5 February 2001, what programmes the #250 million committed to digital initiatives will be allocated to and what the timescale is for achieving this expenditure.","AnswerText":"The press release on 5 February 2001 noted that the Executive has already committed £250 million for digital initiatives including schools, hospitals and across the public sector.<P>The table below details the programmes that funds have been allocated to and the timescale for this expenditure.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=633><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P>Initiative</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Modernising Government Fund </TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Digital Champions </TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Community Cybercafes </TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>National Grid <P>for Learning (NGfL) </TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">93.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>NGfL for FE colleges</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>New Opportunity Funds<SUP><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25.3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Electronic Health Services</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Knowledge Economy - ICT Pervasiveness</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149850,"EventID":"S1W-13102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to release any non-recurring capital and revenue funding to assist in the redesign of NHSiS services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to release any non-recurring capital and revenue funding to assist in the redesign of NHSiS services.","AnswerText":"Improving the patient's journey by extending access, reducing waiting times and improving the way it responds to the needs of patients is a key priority for every part of the NHS. <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> requires each local NHS Board to demonstrate to the Executive and to the local communities it serves, how it is using its resources to transform the patient's experience from first contact through primary care, outpatients clinics, inpatient's stay if necessary and back to their home.<P>Central funding of £3 million has already been allocated to support the redesign of local services and a further £6 million will be made available over the next three years. This is in addition to £7 million of non-recurring funding provided in August 2000 to facilitate service redesign, the development of managed clinical networks and give a further impetus to modernisation and the reduction of waiting times.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149851,"EventID":"S1W-13103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the procedure for the selection of jurors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the procedure for the selection of jurors.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149852,"EventID":"S1W-13104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the rules governing those selected for jury service, in particular regarding their ability to make alternative domestic arrangements on their d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the rules governing those selected for jury service, in particular regarding their ability to make alternative domestic arrangements on their days of service.","AnswerText":"No. Anyone cited for jury service who can show good reason may be excused by the clerk of the court. The trial judge also has a similar discretion. A sympathetic view would generally be taken, if attendance would cause genuine problems of a domestic nature.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149853,"EventID":"S1W-13105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights the Crown Estates have with regard to (a) salmon fisheries, (b) trout fisheries and (c) any other fisheries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights the Crown Estates have with regard to (a) salmon fisheries, (b) trout fisheries and (c) any other fisheries.","AnswerText":"I am advised that the Crown Estate has around 170 let river fishings, and owns 50 coastal netting stations, six of which are let but only one of which is currently operated. It also owns, through acquisition, other salmon fishing rights within the boundaries of its five agricultural estates, of which the main ones are in Morayshire and Dumfriesshire.<P>As is the case with all owners of salmon fishing rights, the Crown Estate's ownership of salmon fishing rights carry with them the lesser rights of fishing for freshwater fish, which include the rights to fish for trout. On the agricultural estates, the Crown Estate also has riparian rights to trout fishing, which are a pertinent of the land.<P>Similarly, by virtue of riparian ownership, the Crown Estate has rights to other freshwater (i.e. coarse) fishing on its estates. It has no interest in freshwater fish farms. In relation to marine fish farms, the Crown Estate's rights stem from ownership of the relevant foreshore and/or seabed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149854,"EventID":"S1W-13106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from anglers, angling associations and others regarding the powers and stewardship of the Crown Estate Commissioners in relation to f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from anglers, angling associations and others regarding the powers and stewardship of the Crown Estate Commissioners in relation to fisheries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received no such representations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149855,"EventID":"S1W-13107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what crown rights are held and operated by the Crown Estates with regard to fishing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what crown rights are held and operated by the Crown Estates with regard to fishing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13105.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149856,"EventID":"S1W-13108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Perth and Kinross Council with regard to the council's proposals to cut Gaelic-medium education as part of its planned financial s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Perth and Kinross Council with regard to the council's proposals to cut Gaelic-medium education as part of its planned financial savings.","AnswerText":"No. This is a matter for the local authority concerned.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149857,"EventID":"S1W-13109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Gaelic-medium primary units or schools exist and what special funding it makes available for these.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Gaelic-medium primary units or schools exist and what special funding it makes available for these.","AnswerText":"There are 60 Gaelic-medium primary schools. Funding from the Specific Grant Scheme for Gaelic education is £2,634,000, increasing to £2,834,000 for the financial year 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149858,"EventID":"S1W-13110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its definition of \"successful balanced communities\" is as referred to in paragraph 2 of the Policy Memorandum to the Housing (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its definition of \"successful balanced communities\" is as referred to in paragraph 2 of the Policy Memorandum to the Housing (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"In that particular context, neighbourhoods with a mix of good-quality affordable housing options, in which local people want to live, work and spend their leisure time.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149859,"EventID":"S1W-13111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which consultants or other external agencies have been employed by it, under contract to it, or have otherwise worked for it in the field of education during this schola","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which consultants or other external agencies have been employed by it, under contract to it, or have otherwise worked for it in the field of education during this scholastic year.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. All those listed have either been employed by, under contract to, or have otherwise worked for, the Scottish Executive in the field of education during all or part of the period 1 August 2000, which has been taken as the beginning of the scholastic year, to 31 January 2001, the date which has been used as a point in time for collation of the information.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Syntegra</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>McAlpine Associates</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Plain English</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Pat Reid</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Mirage TV Productions</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Scottish Council for Research in Education</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>University of Strathclyde</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>University of Stirling</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Arthur Andersen</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Barkers Advertising</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Stewart Jardine Educational Consultancy</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Harry Faulkner Educational Consultancy</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Ron Taylor Educational Consultancy</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Sandra Johnson Educational Consultancy</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>System 3</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>National Centre for Social Research</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>University of Edinburgh</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>University of Glasgow</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Glasgow Caledonian University</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Segal Quince Wicksteed Ltd</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>National Foundation for Educational Research</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Social Research TNS</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>John Lord</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>MORI</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>BRMB</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Office of National Statistics</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Adolos</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Canterbury Christ Church University College</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Community Learning Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Duncan of Jordanstone</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Fyfe Information Technology</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Glasgow City Council</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Highland Council</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Learning and Teaching Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Napier University</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>North Ayrshire Council</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>North Lanarkshire Council</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Northern College</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Science and Plants for Schools</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Scottish Community Development Centre</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>SJ Educational Services</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149860,"EventID":"S1W-13112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which consultants or other external agencies have been employed by it, under contract to it, or have otherwise worked for it in the field of education in the last three ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which consultants or other external agencies have been employed by it, under contract to it, or have otherwise worked for it in the field of education in the last three months.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13111.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149861,"EventID":"S1W-13113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which consultants or other external agencies are currently employed by it, under contract to it, or are otherwise working for it in the field of education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which consultants or other external agencies are currently employed by it, under contract to it, or are otherwise working for it in the field of education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13111.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149862,"EventID":"S1W-13114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many properties in Scotland have been purchased for social renting under the Empty Homes Initiative, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many properties in Scotland have been purchased for social renting under the Empty Homes Initiative, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The table shows the number of properties the Empty Homes Initiative has helped bring back into use for social rent to date since its inception in 1997, broken down by local authority area. The table excludes 86 properties the initiative has brought back into use for Low Cost Home Ownership.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=446><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Properties Provided for social rent</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">101</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Ayrshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">176</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Moray</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Orkney Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Perth &amp; Kinross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Scottish Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Shetland Islands</TD","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149863,"EventID":"S1W-13115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much money it has allocated to the Empty Homes Initiative to date and how much of this has been spent, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much money it has allocated to the Empty Homes Initiative to date and how much of this has been spent, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The table shows how much money has been allocated to local authorities for projects under the Empty Homes Initiative to 31 March 2002 and how much of this had been drawn down as at 31 January 2001, broken down by local authority area.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=570><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Award<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=21><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Grant Draw Down <P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">561,610 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30,093 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">815,066 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">702,107 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">374,000 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">164,497 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">354,702 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41,301 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,107,030 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,698,864 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">179,702 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">273,151 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">253,195 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">285,000 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                 170,105 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">376,527 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                   30,027 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Ayrshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">856,120 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                 224,640 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36,302 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                   36,302 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">102,000 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                   22,759 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">77,092 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                   77,092 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                  841,250 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                 532,149 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                  916,842 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">                 346,341 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P>Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=20><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">               5,000,796 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIG","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149864,"EventID":"S1W-13116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations have been made by it to the Ministry of Defence regarding any noise pollution caused by low flying aircraft exercises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations have been made by it to the Ministry of Defence regarding any noise pollution caused by low flying aircraft exercises.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with the Ministry of Defence on a range of issues, including noise pollution from aircraft.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149865,"EventID":"S1W-13117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the former Lochside Distillery building in Montrose is a listed building and, if so, whether it will take action to preserve it. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the former Lochside Distillery building in Montrose is a listed building and, if so, whether it will take action to preserve it. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<P>The former Lochside Distillery building in Montrose is not a statutorily listed building. I understand that Angus Council have given consent for the building's demolition as part of a redevelopment scheme for the site.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149866,"EventID":"S1W-13118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has been informed of the planning decision by Angus Council which will allow the demolition of the Lochside Distillery building in Montrose.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has been informed of the planning decision by Angus Council which will allow the demolition of the Lochside Distillery building in Montrose.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149867,"EventID":"S1W-13119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that all computers within schools with access to the Internet are fully equipped with filtering or blocking software and what funding it has ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that all computers within schools with access to the Internet are fully equipped with filtering or blocking software and what funding it has made available for this purpose.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued an information pack &quot;ClickThinking - Personal Safety on the Internet\" to all Scottish education authorities and schools. The pack includes policy guidelines and background information for local authorities to help them to develop strategies for safe Internet access in schools. Technical solutions are an important element of such strategies. The NGfL programme of the Excellence Fund can be used to pay for filtering and blocking software or services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149868,"EventID":"S1W-13120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into any correlation between the funding of police forces and their success in controlling levels of crime and disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into any correlation between the funding of police forces and their success in controlling levels of crime and disorder.","AnswerText":"Although it has undertaken no research on this specific aspect, the Scottish Executive believes that adequately funded police forces are an essential ingredient in any broad-based strategy which seeks to tackle crime and disorder.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149869,"EventID":"S1W-13121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to reduce and remove any unnecessary administrative burdens on the police service and ensure that police officers spend more time on operationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to reduce and remove any unnecessary administrative burdens on the police service and ensure that police officers spend more time on operational duties.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are committed to ensuring that Scotland has an effective as well as a strong police service and a range of measures have been taken to free up the time of the police officers for front line duties. These include promoting the use of new technology, for example through initiatives such as the Integration of the Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems and the Scottish Police Information Strategy. We are also encouraging the use of support staff to take on duties that do not require the skills and powers of a police officer, and we are examining other ways. For example, we funded a pilot into delivering citations by post rather than by police officers, and are considering ways of extending this process throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149870,"EventID":"S1W-13122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding the penalties available in cases where death is caused by dangerous driving.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding the penalties available in cases where death is caused by dangerous driving.","AnswerText":"We receive occasional correspondence on road traffic law. This law is mostly reserved. Its implementation falls to the Lord Advocate and the courts. The Lord Advocate determines the appropriate charge and the courts the appropriate penalty. At present the maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149871,"EventID":"S1W-13123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the methodology for compiling hospital waiting lists has been amended since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the methodology for compiling hospital waiting lists has been amended since May 1999.","AnswerText":"There have been no amendments to the methodology for compiling inpatient/day case hospital waiting lists since 31 March 1988.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149872,"EventID":"S1W-13124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11597 by Jackie Baillie on 12 December 2000, who are the four MSPs who currently serve on the City of Glasgow Social Inclusion Part","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11597 by Jackie Baillie on 12 December 2000, who are the four MSPs who currently serve on the City of Glasgow Social Inclusion Partnership and on what boards they serve.","AnswerText":"The four MSPs who currently serve on Social Inclusion Partnership Boards in Glasgow are:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>MSP </TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Social Inclusion Partnership Board</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Patricia Ferguson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Glasgow</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Johann Lamont </TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Pollok</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Gordon Jackson QC </TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Govan</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Patricia McNeill</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Routes Out</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149873,"EventID":"S1W-13125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people in the current academic year applied for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education course to teach in Gaelic medium schools and how many of these have b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people in the current academic year applied for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education course to teach in Gaelic medium schools and how many of these have been accepted. ","AnswerText":"In session 2000-01, 17 Gaelic speakers applied to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course (14 primary and three secondary). 12 applicants were accepted (nine primary and three secondary). One of those accepted for entry to the PGCE primary course subsequently declined the offer of a place. There are 11 students currently on a PGCE course (eight primary and three secondary) who may qualify as Gaelic-medium teachers.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149874,"EventID":"S1W-13126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its role is in relation to the promotion of renewable energy and how the #12.9 million allocated to the Scottish Renewables Obligation in 1999-2000 was spent on (a)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its role is in relation to the promotion of renewable energy and how the #12.9 million allocated to the Scottish Renewables Obligation in 1999-2000 was spent on (a) wind power, (b) wave power, (c) solar power, (d) biomass and (e) energy from waste projects, listing each project funded.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has executively devolved powers to promote renewable energy in Scotland under the Electricity Act 1989, as amended by the Utilities Act 2000.<P>The Scottish Renewables Obligation (SRO) has run since 1994, and the £12.9 million allocated to it in the Scottish Executive budget for the current year is a notional sum to cover the additional costs of renewable energy produced from SRO contracted projects. It represents the best estimate of the industry regulator, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), of the amount required to be raised in the current year under the Fossil Fuel Levy to recompense the two Scottish public electricity suppliers for the contracts they were statutorily obliged to enter into under the SRO. The information on how the Fossil Fuel Levy was disbursed to pay for individual contracts is not held by the Scottish Executive, but can be obtained from Ofgem Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149875,"EventID":"S1W-13127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of private rented households live in fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of private rented households live in fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"We estimate from the 1996 Scottish House Condition Survey that 47% of households in the private rented sector are in fuel poverty. Further information will be available when the results of the 2002 survey are published.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149876,"EventID":"S1W-13128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of low-income households in the private rented sector applied for Warm Deal grants in the last year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of low-income households in the private rented sector applied for Warm Deal grants in the last year","AnswerText":"There is no estimate of the number of households in the private rented sector who are eligible for the Warm Deal. In the 12 months to 30 June 2000, the first full year of the scheme, 697 grants went to households in the private sector. This represents 2.9% of all Warm Deal grants awarded during the period.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149877,"EventID":"S1W-13129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10048 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 5 October 2000, how many pensioners live in private accommodation; how many private rented sector ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10048 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 5 October 2000, how many pensioners live in private accommodation; how many private rented sector houses will benefit from the central heating initiative, and what percentage of households living in private rented accommodation will still be living in fuel poverty after the initiative has been implemented.","AnswerText":"There is insufficient data to estimate how many pensioners live in private accommodation. We estimate from the results of the 1996 Scottish House Condition Survey that about 8,000 pensioner households in the private rented sector will benefit from the central heating initiative. There is insufficient data to estimate the percentage of households in private rented accommodation who will continue to be in fuel poverty after the central heating initiative is implemented. Further information will be available following publication of the results of 2002 survey.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149878,"EventID":"S1W-13130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its position is in relation to the practice of \"couping\" Clydesdale horses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its position is in relation to the practice of \"couping\" Clydesdale horses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware that a working group consisting of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, veterinary expertise, Clydesdale Horse Society and the Farriers Registration Council is actively considering the issue. We are content that these agencies are best placed to address any concerns about the process.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149879,"EventID":"S1W-13131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Shiels Report on district courts was due to be published in November 2000; if so, what the reason was for the delay and when it will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Shiels Report on district courts was due to be published in November 2000; if so, what the reason was for the delay and when it will be published.","AnswerText":"As promised by the then Deputy Minister for Justice when introducing the Bail, Judicial Appointments etc (Scotland) Bill in May 2000, officials have been consulting informally on what issues to identify for review in a consultation paper. As part of this process, the Secretary of Commissions has held meetings with the District Courts Association and various groups of Justices of the Peace. Ministers will now be considering how to take the review forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149880,"EventID":"S1W-13132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which district courts Mr Sheils visited in the course of compiling his report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which district courts Mr Sheils visited in the course of compiling his report.","AnswerText":"As explained in the answer to question S1W-13131, the Secretary of Commissions met various groups of Justices of the Peace. These meetings were held, at their request, in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cumbernauld, Dumbarton and Giffnock.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149881,"EventID":"S1W-13133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what provision is made for school education of asylum seekers' children aged 17 and 18.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what provision is made for school education of asylum seekers' children aged 17 and 18.","AnswerText":"The school education needs of children of asylum seekers is a matter for consideration by the education authority for the area concerned.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149882,"EventID":"S1W-13134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown, by local authority area, of the expenditure on the National Grid for Learning (NGfL) and what progress is being made towards the NGf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown, by local authority area, of the expenditure on the National Grid for Learning (NGfL) and what progress is being made towards the NGfL's targets.","AnswerText":"Support provided by the Scottish Executive to each local authority for development of the National Grid for Learning is shown in the following table:</FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=502><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Education Authority</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Financial Allocations</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>All Scotland</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£24,600,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£31,400,000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£23,600,000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£874,672</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,112,213</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£843,545</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,203,124</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,533,415</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,157,935</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£552,901</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£702,540</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£523,297</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£439,557</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£562,434</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£422,802</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£239,267</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£310,544</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£234,088</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£740,820</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£943,427</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£704,668</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£687,732</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£868,824</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIG","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149883,"EventID":"S1W-13135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how payments to each member of the Scottish Transport Group pension scheme will be calculated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how payments to each member of the Scottish Transport Group pension scheme will be calculated.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are considering the basis for distribution and following the wind-up of the Scottish Transport Group we will be bringing forward proposals on distribution for the approval of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149884,"EventID":"S1W-13136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many single people aged under 18 were homeless in each year from 1991-92 to 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many single people aged under 18 were homeless in each year from 1991-92 to 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The available information relates to applications to Scottish local authorities under the homeless persons legislation. The following table gives the number of such applications where an under-18 applicant was assessed by the local authority as being homeless. It should be noted that some of the applications recorded in each year will be from single persons who have applied more than once during the year. Information for 1999-00 is not yet available. <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=370><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><P>Applications Assessed as Homeless:</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><P>Scotland, 1991-92 to 1998-99</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=56><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year of application</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=56><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Single<SUP>1</SUP> person households<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">under 18</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1991-92</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,700 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992-93</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,600 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993-94</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,700 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994-95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,900 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,000 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,200 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,100 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=5><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,300 </TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>1. Figures are estimates based on around 92% of case returns received from local authorities. Estimates are made by grossing to the reported total number of applications and rounding to the nearest hundred. See the Scottish Executive publication HSG/2000/5 for more details.</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149885,"EventID":"S1W-13137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to assist homeless people aged 16-24 to find employment, training or further education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to assist homeless people aged 16-24 to find employment, training or further education.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>The New Deal for Young People provides help to all those aged 18-24 who have been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for six months or more to find work and improve their prospects of remaining in sustained employment. Young homeless jobseekers may be given early entry to the New Deal. <P>The Executive is also assisting young homeless people through the New Futures Fund which has provided funding for 29 different homeless projects across the country. Through intensive intervention and support these projects help people overcome barriers of confidence and motivation and assist them to develop employability and work skills.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149886,"EventID":"S1W-13138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of children lived in homes with incomes in the lowest quintile in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of children lived in homes with incomes in the lowest quintile in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The following table details the percentage of children living in households with net equivalised income in the lowest quintile for the years 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 both before and after housing costs.<P>Percentage of Children in the lowest Income Quintile<SUP>1</SUP>, Scotland 1996-97 - 1998-99</FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=444><TR><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1996-97</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Before Housing Costs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">28%</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>After Housing Costs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">27%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">26%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">27%</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: DSS Households Below Average Income.<P>Notes:<P>1 Income is net equivalised household income; equivalisation takes account of the number of individuals living in the household.<P>2 Quintiles are based on the GB distribution of income.<P>3 Estimates are based on sample counts, and are therefore subject to sampling variability.<P>4 Caution should be exercised in drawing conclusions about changes over time due to the small sample sizes in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149887,"EventID":"S1W-13140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects Scottish economic growth rates to reach UK levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects Scottish economic growth rates to reach UK levels.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not forecast GDP growth rates. However, Scottish GDP growth strengthened in the most recent quarter and latest independent forecasts indicate growth in line with or above trend this year, with BSL and Cambridge Econometrics projecting that growth in Scotland will strengthen in 2001. <P>The Scottish Executive is firmly focused on raising the long run sustainable growth rate of the Scottish economy by meeting the new international conditions for economic success - growing business, ensuring Scotland is globally connected, lifelong learning and skills development - through the framework provided by the Enterprise Strategy, <I>A Smart, Successful Scotland</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149888,"EventID":"S1W-13142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to review the number of council tax bands and council tax thresholds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to review the number of council tax bands and council tax thresholds.","AnswerText":"These matters fall within the remit of the current inquiry by the Local Government Committee into local government finance. We will give careful consideration to any recommendation the committee makes about them.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149889,"EventID":"S1W-13143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Health Technology Board for Scotland consults with health boards, trusts, the medical profession and patient groups regarding its decisions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Health Technology Board for Scotland consults with health boards, trusts, the medical profession and patient groups regarding its decisions.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) recognises effective communication processes are essential to its work and is developing a communication strategy to ensure it has ongoing dialogue with interested groups. It is also forming a Communications Reference Group to advise its Board.<P>HTBS will hold consultative seminars with health boards, Trusts and other groups in NHSScotland in spring 2001. Discussion at these seminars will identify preferred methods of disseminating HTBS advice.<P>HTBS is actively building a communication network with interested groups, particularly patient groups, and individuals to support its consultation processes. In addition to an open and consultative process designed to ensure there is ongoing dialogue with interested groups, HTBS is also using its website to capture suggestions and encourage feedback, and conducting question and answer sessions with the public at the end of each of its Board meetings.<P>All documents issued by HTBS are placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre and advice that flows from the assessments carried out by HTBS will also be available there.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149890,"EventID":"S1W-13144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, in particular section 87, to oblige rather than just empower local authorities to carry out necessary repa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, in particular section 87, to oblige rather than just empower local authorities to carry out necessary repair works on properties where the owners have failed to do so.","AnswerText":"No. It is for homeowners to maintain their dwellings and any common parts. However if by neglect, or for some other reason, the condition of a building threatens health or safety the 1982 Act enables authorities to carry out necessary works and recover the cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149891,"EventID":"S1W-13145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding to Glasgow City Council to enable it to meet its commitments under section 87 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 relating to 312 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding to Glasgow City Council to enable it to meet its commitments under section 87 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 relating to 312 outstanding statutory notices served on property throughout Glasgow for which it had only allocated a default budget of #55,000.","AnswerText":"Local authorities receive funding under the general services account. It is for them to allocate resources from that account to meet commitments to pay repairs grant following service of a notice under section 87 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149892,"EventID":"S1W-13146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities will be represented on the new NHS Boards referred to in Our National Health; a plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities will be represented on the new NHS Boards referred to in Our National Health; a plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> makes clear our view that &quot;in their local areas Local Authorities should have a strong voice on the new NHS Boards&quot; (section 3, page 29). <P>Some health boards already have non-executive members who are also elected local authority members. We believe that the presence of local authority members on the NHS Board will be important for the future development of local services.<P>Further details of the role and proposed composition of NHS Boards will be set out in a detailed change programme, <I>Rebuilding our National Health Service</I>, which will be issued in the spring. In the meantime, we will be discussing this issue with CoSLA and other key stakeholders.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149893,"EventID":"S1W-13147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that local authorities have a strong voice on the new NHS Boards referred to in Our National Health; a plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that local authorities have a strong voice on the new NHS Boards referred to in Our National Health; a plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13146 on 20 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149894,"EventID":"S1W-13148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the study by Deloitte and Touche examining the case for establishing a Highlands and Islands Transport Authority and when the study is like","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the study by Deloitte and Touche examining the case for establishing a Highlands and Islands Transport Authority and when the study is likely to be published.","AnswerText":"We expect the Deloitte and Touche study to be published during March. They have consulted 63 groups and individual stakeholders in the course of their detailed study. The Executive looks forward to discussing the way forward with interested parties.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149895,"EventID":"S1W-13149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made on the development of a national telephone money advice service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made on the development of a national telephone money advice service.","AnswerText":"A project team, led by the Executive and including Money Advice Scotland, Citizens Advice, other money advice providers, local authorities and the credit industry was set up in August 2000 to take forward work on developing a debtline service. A pilot debtline will be launched in Scotland later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149896,"EventID":"S1W-13151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to develop the effectiveness of money advice services delivered into poorer communities as recommended by the Scottish Affairs Committee in its 1st Special ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to develop the effectiveness of money advice services delivered into poorer communities as recommended by the Scottish Affairs Committee in its 1st Special Report, Response by the Government to the 1st Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee, session 1999-2000, on Poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to improving the effectiveness of money advice services in Scotland’s deprived communities. We are continuing to work with the money advice sector to develop a national telephone debtline which will improve access to free quality money and debt advice throughout Scotland; and we are developing other policy options for strengthening the infrastructure of money advice provision in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149897,"EventID":"S1W-13152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council regarding the criteria to be used for the third research assessment exercise in Scottish universi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council regarding the criteria to be used for the third research assessment exercise in Scottish universities.","AnswerText":"The Research Assessment process is conducted jointly by the four UK Research Councils as part of their statutory responsibilities. Government Departments and Devolved Administrations have a responsibility for higher education and the funding councils. Neither we nor DfEE, however, become involved in the detail of the exercise. The assessment criteria have been established within a common framework agreed jointly by the UK higher education funding councils after consultation with higher education institutions, subject associations and other interested bodies.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149898,"EventID":"S1W-13153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken or proposes to take regarding any intention by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to fund only departments graded four or five in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken or proposes to take regarding any intention by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to fund only departments graded four or five in the research assessment exercise.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is currently undertaking a review of its policies and methods for funding research. A consultation paper was issued on 18 December, which forms the second stage of the Council's review. The paper describes the funding methods that the Council proposes to introduce from 2002-03 and invites views (by 31 March). The Executive issued a guidance letter to SHEFC last November which asked \"the Council to provide appropriate policy advice when the consultation process is complete\". I look forward to receiving that advice in light of responses to the consultation.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149899,"EventID":"S1W-13154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether research in universities is best stimulated and promoted by targeting funding at the best departments or by encouraging improvement in other departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether research in universities is best stimulated and promoted by targeting funding at the best departments or by encouraging improvement in other departments.","AnswerText":"We look to our research base to provide a range of short, medium and long-term economic and social benefits, through research undertaken here, or through the dissemination of knowledge and technology developed elsewhere. As such it is important that we both support existing research excellence and encourage improvements in other areas which may underpin longer-term economic or social objectives.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149900,"EventID":"S1W-13155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households do not have access to natural gas, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households do not have access to natural gas, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"No information is held centrally on the number of households without access to natural gas. The results of the last Scottish House Condition Survey show that, in 1996, 1.45 million dwellings or 68.5% of the stock had mains gas. Figures are not available by local authority area or parliamentary constituency.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149901,"EventID":"S1W-13156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what input it has made to Her Majesty's Government's discussions on the provision of adequate supplies of BCG vaccinations and when these discussions will conclude.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what input it has made to Her Majesty's Government's discussions on the provision of adequate supplies of BCG vaccinations and when these discussions will conclude.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made clear its concern that the schools BCG programme be restarted as soon as possible and that a reliable supply of vaccine is secured towards achieving a stable position in the longer term.<P>I am pleased to say that we expect to be able shortly to announce the resumption of the BCG programme in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149902,"EventID":"S1W-13157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional funding it will make available to deal with any increase in instances of tuberculosis as a result of a shortfall in the supply of the BCG vaccination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional funding it will make available to deal with any increase in instances of tuberculosis as a result of a shortfall in the supply of the BCG vaccination.","AnswerText":"The trends in the incidence of tuberculosis in Scotland in recent years - as set out in my answer to question S1W-13298 - do not suggest that a large increase in infections is likely.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149903,"EventID":"S1W-13158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1796 by Jackie Baillie on 25 May 2000, which Social Inclusion Partnerships returned information disaggregated by gender in their an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1796 by Jackie Baillie on 25 May 2000, which Social Inclusion Partnerships returned information disaggregated by gender in their annual submissions and, for each such partnership, in relation to which areas of policy and services gender disaggregated information is available. ","AnswerText":"The monitoring framework for Social Inclusion Partnerships includes 40 core outcome indicators. All area-based Social Inclusion Partnerships are required to monitor their progress against these indicators either annually, or at the baseline, interim and final stage of their designation period, depending on the indicator.<P>Data can be disaggregated by gender for 29 of these 40 core outcome indicators. A detailed breakdown of the indicators showing which can be disaggregated by gender is given in Part 1 of <I>Monitoring Social Inclusion Partnerships</I>: <I>summary of</I> <I>compulsory indicators</I>, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11,439).<P>Over 80% of the 34 area-based Social Inclusion Partnerships have been able to submit some data disaggregated by gender, although baselines are not yet complete. In particular, the majority of the indicators where data can be disaggregated by gender depend on household surveys, and we recently funded a programme of People's Panels in Social Inclusion Partnership areas to facilitate those surveys. We expect data from the partnerships' baseline surveys to be available later this year. Further details of the Social Inclusion Partnerships that have been able to submit gender disaggregated data for the indicators that are not based on surveys is given in Part 2 of the above document.<P>We are currently reviewing the core outcome indicators in the light of the difficulties that Social Inclusion Partnerships have had in obtaining data in some instances. This review includes looking at whether more can be done to monitor progress on equality issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149904,"EventID":"S1W-13159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available and to whom to promote golf tourism in the South of Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available and to whom to promote golf tourism in the South of Scotland","AnswerText":"Ayrshire &amp; Arran and Dumfries &amp; Galloway Tourist Boards have been awarded £50,000 by visitscotland to develop golf marketing in their areas in partnership with the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149905,"EventID":"S1W-13160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to measure the impact of any funding provided to promote golf tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to measure the impact of any funding provided to promote golf tourism.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise, Highlands &amp; Islands Enterprise and visitscotland have jointly commissioned a National Golf Tourism Survey. This will assess customers demands and satisfaction levels. The results are due in January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149906,"EventID":"S1W-13161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support and advice is being made available to golf clubs to help them make their facilities more attractive to tourists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support and advice is being made available to golf clubs to help them make their facilities more attractive to tourists.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Enterprise Fife have developed a business planning package. This will be piloted in Fife initially, with the intention of extending nationwide. By the end of the year it will have reached over 100 clubs in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149907,"EventID":"S1W-13162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions have taken place between the Scottish Tourist Board, the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and Minister for Transport on the signage from tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions have taken place between the Scottish Tourist Board, the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and Minister for Transport on the signage from trunk roads for golf facilities available to tourists.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials are in regular contact with the Scottish Tourist Board on a number of issues. In addition, they attend meetings of the Tourism Signposting National Working Group, a forum of representatives of the Scottish Tourist Board and Local Authorities, which meets on a regular basis to discuss signposting matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149908,"EventID":"S1W-13163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any legal impediment preventing local authorities from using videoconferencing facilities during the course of statutory meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any legal impediment preventing local authorities from using videoconferencing facilities during the course of statutory meetings.","AnswerText":"The question of whether or not it would be legitimate for local authorities to hold meetings at which some members would be present in person and others would participate by video conference if of course ultimately for the courts. However, in the Executive's view the relevant statutory provisions, in Schedule 7 to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, are drafted in terms which indicate that a meeting will be held in one place. That would appear to preclude the holding of a meeting in two places, albeit linked by video conference.<P>The Renewing Local Democracy Group recommended a review of legislation in this area. The recommendations of the Renewing Local Democracy Group are currently being considered by a Ministerial Working Group. Ministers are always looking for ways to improve current practices and will consider acting as and when suitable opportunities arise.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149909,"EventID":"S1W-13164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on how many occasions committees have used the Parliament's videoconferencing facilities in the course of meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on how many occasions committees have used the Parliament's videoconferencing facilities in the course of meetings.","AnswerText":"The Enterprise and Lifelong Learning committee used the Scottish Parliament videoconferencing facilities for the purposes of taking evidence on 14 June 2000. This was a link from Committee Chambers to Inverness where the Convenor of Highland Council and the Director of Inverness Chamber of Commerce gave evidence on the economic situation in the Highlands. <P>The European Committee plans to take evidence by videoconference from representatives of Fishing Industries in other member states as part of its enquiry into the Common Fisheries Policy.<P>Members of the former Rural Affairs (now Rural Development) Committee conducted a videoconference across 7 sites in Argyll and Bute in the course of gathering evidence for the recently published Enquiry into changing employment patterns in Rural Scotland. This was not a formal meeting of the Committee and did not use the Parliament's own facilities.<P>The Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee also used other video conferencing facilities between Greenock and West Virginia on 31 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149910,"EventID":"S1W-13165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise of managing Future Skills Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise of managing Future Skills Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Enterprise budget for developing the Scottish Labour Market Intelligence Unit in the current financial year is £275,000, of which £25,000 will be contributed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. In future the Unit will be known as <I>Future Skills Scotland</I>. The financial implications of its operational role are still being quantified by Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149911,"EventID":"S1W-13166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will, as a matter of urgency, take all steps within its power to have the definition of the mesh si'e of a towed net changed from the mesh si'e of the cod end ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will, as a matter of urgency, take all steps within its power to have the definition of the mesh si'e of a towed net changed from the mesh si'e of the cod end or extension piece of net to the smallest mesh si'e found in any part of the net and, if the definition is not changed, what effect this definition will have on nephrop stocks, in particular in relation to the protection of immature stocks of nephrops.","AnswerText":"The definition suggested, which was in use prior to new regulations introduced on 1 January 2000, was found to be unenforceable because it required every single mesh in the net to be measured - an impossible task in practice.<P>Nephrops have previously been observed escaping through the meshes in the belly of the net. The potential effect of the current regulations on the extent of escapes has not been quantified.<P>The Executive is prepared to consider an approach to the Commission with a view to reviewing the European Regulations covering mesh size if evidence emerges that nephrops stocks may be at risk.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149912,"EventID":"S1W-13167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Registrar General for Scotland will publish a policy statement about marriages at Gretna.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Registrar General for Scotland will publish a policy statement about marriages at Gretna.","AnswerText":"I understand that the Registrar General is today issuing a policy statement on marriages at Gretna in the light of recent concerns. His statement outlines the legal background to the solemnisation of marriages in Scotland, summarises recent marriage trends at Gretna and sets out the main considerations taken into account by the Registrar General in carrying out his responsibilities under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977. The Registrar General hopes that his statement will be a useful source of guidance to religious bodies, who also have responsibilities under the Act. Copies of the statement have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149913,"EventID":"S1W-13168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many police officers were employed in each police station within each police force in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99 and (d) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many police officers were employed in each police station within each police force in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99 and (d) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149914,"EventID":"S1W-13169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals were employed in residential nursing homes in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals were employed in residential nursing homes in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally.<P>A census of private nursing homes is carried out as part of an annual return for each private nursing home. This census collects information on nursing staff only. The table shows the number of homes and the number of full or part time nursing staff in post at 31 March in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, split by local council. Information for the new local council areas is not available prior to re-organisation.<P>Information by parliamentary constituency is not available.<P>Number of Nursing staff<SUP>1</SUP> in Private Nursing Homes<SUP>2</SUP> in Scotland<SUP>3,4</SUP> as at 31 March 1997 - 2000.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=614><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=13 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>by Local Council Area</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 March 1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 March 1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 March 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 March 2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of homes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Full time Nursing staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Part time Nursing staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of homes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Full time Nursing staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Part time Nursing staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of homes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Full time Nursing staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Part time Nursing staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of homes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Full time Nursing staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Part time Nursing staff</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">506</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 8,642</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 10,216</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">518</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 8,984</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 9,973</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">508</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 9,481</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 10,119</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 505</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 9,809</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=31><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 9,073</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=44><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen City </TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" ","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149915,"EventID":"S1W-13170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison chaplains appointed under the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 there currently are, which prisons any such chaplains serve and which church each represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison chaplains appointed under the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 there currently are, which prisons any such chaplains serve and which church each represents.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>There are currently 72 chaplains appointed under the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 serving in SPS Establishments. The breakdown is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><CENTER><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=340><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Scottish Episcopal</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Barlinnie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Castle Huntly</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Cornton Vale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Dumfries</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Scottish Episcopal</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Glenochil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Scottish Episcopal</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Inverness</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Scottish Episcopal</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Low Moss</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Roman Catholic</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HMP Noranside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Church of Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"T","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149916,"EventID":"S1W-13171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with the establishment of a film commission in the north east.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made with the establishment of a film commission in the north east.","AnswerText":"Following a meeting with representatives of the North East of Scotland Economic Partnership together with the Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board, Scottish Screen has been working with the Tourist Board to help attract potential incoming productions.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149917,"EventID":"S1W-13172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the economic value of the film and television industry has been in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the economic value of the film and television industry has been in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information is not compiled in the form requested. The evidence from the annual reports of the broadcasters and information supplied by Scottish Screen is that the expenditure of the film and television industry (not including film exhibition) was in the range £250 million to £300 million in 1999-2000 and that there had been substantial increases over the five-year period.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149918,"EventID":"S1W-13173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what powers are available to it to ensure that awards made to football clubs by sportscotland are used effectively, efficiently and for the purposes for which they were ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what powers are available to it to ensure that awards made to football clubs by sportscotland are used effectively, efficiently and for the purposes for which they were intended.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149919,"EventID":"S1W-13174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds there were in residential nursing homes in each of the last five years, what the annual occupancy rate of such beds has been in each of the last five years ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds there were in residential nursing homes in each of the last five years, what the annual occupancy rate of such beds has been in each of the last five years and how many unoccupied beds there are currently are in such homes, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency in each case.","AnswerText":"A census of private nursing homes is carried out as part of an annual return for each private nursing home. The table shows the number of homes, the number of beds, the number of residents and the occupancy rate at 31 March in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, split by local council. Information for the new local council areas is not available prior to re-organisation.<P>Information by parliamentary constituency is not available.<P>Number of beds and residents in Private Nursing Homes in Scotland as at 31 March 1997 - 2000.<P>by Local Council Area<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=588><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 March 1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31 March 1998</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of homes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of beds</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of residents</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">% Occupancy</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of homes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of beds</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. of residents</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">% Occupancy</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">506</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 22,741</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 18,365</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">518</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 23,838</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 20,111</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P>Aberdeen City </TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 495</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 487</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">98.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 777</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 700</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=29><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">90.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P>Aberdeenshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 916</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 733</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1 126</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 965</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P>Angus </TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 491</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 416</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 542</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 480</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P>Argyll &amp; Bute </TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" HEIGHT=11><P AL","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149920,"EventID":"S1W-13175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8790 by Susan Deacon on 20 November 2000, what response it has had from the Child Health Sub-Group of the National Screening Commit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8790 by Susan Deacon on 20 November 2000, what response it has had from the Child Health Sub-Group of the National Screening Committee regarding  the letter from W J McKenna, Professor of Cardiac Medicine at St George's Hospital Medical School, London regarding the likely incidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.","AnswerText":"The points made by Professor McKenna regarding the likely incidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy will be amongst the information considered by the Child Health Sub-Group of the National Screening Committee in their regular review of their advice on this topic. We have not been made aware of any decision to change current advice.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149921,"EventID":"S1W-13176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to intervene in cases where local authorities have sold houses to individuals which later turn out to be structurally flawed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to intervene in cases where local authorities have sold houses to individuals which later turn out to be structurally flawed.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no power to intervene. However our guidance to tenants considering purchasing their homes under Right to Buy recommends that they have a structural survey of the dwelling before proceeding. Local authorities have a duty to advise any prospective purchaser if a dwelling is of a type designated as defective under Part XIV of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149922,"EventID":"S1W-13177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost will be of employing the staff currently working for Adult Guidance Networks, Lifelong Learning Partnerships and Education Business Partnerships who ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost will be of employing the staff currently working for Adult Guidance Networks, Lifelong Learning Partnerships and Education Business Partnerships who will become employed by Careers Scotland.","AnswerText":"It will be expected under the new organisation that all appropriate and relevant staff will transfer under their existing terms and conditions, and therefore we anticipate no substantial increase in staffing costs. As yet we are unable to determine the percentage of staff who will opt to transfer to Careers Scotland and it is therefore impossible to give an accurate figure to reflect these future staffing costs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149923,"EventID":"S1W-13178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much non-statutory revenue income each of the 17 careers service companies generate annually, expressed in (a) cash terms and (b) as a percentage of each company's t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much non-statutory revenue income each of the 17 careers service companies generate annually, expressed in (a) cash terms and (b) as a percentage of each company's total income.","AnswerText":"The information provided shows the data for 1999-2000. Information on 2000-01 funding arrangements is not yet available.<P>While the Scottish Executive is the primary funder to all the Careers Service Companies, many of the companies have endeavoured to find additional project/service specific funding from other sources such as the Enterprise Networks and some European funding.<DIR><DIR><DIR><DIR><P>Column 1 - &#9;Shows the total company income as reported in the companies' annual accounts for 1999-2000.<P>Column 2 - &#9;Shows funding identified being received from statutory organisations.<P>Column 3-&#9;Shows other income generated. This figure may still contain some funding from statutory organisations, because where the income generated by the company is very small we have not requested that the company provide a breakdown at this time.<P>Column 4 -&#9;Shows non-statutory organisation funding as a percentage of Total Company Income.</DIR></DIR></DIR></DIR><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=679><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Careers Service Company</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Company Income from Annual Accounts 1999-2000<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£000)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Company Income received from Statutory Organisations <P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£000)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Other Income Generated<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£000)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Non Statutory Organisation Funding as % of Total Income</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">572</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">544</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,682</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,627</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">499</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">462</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">37</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Careers Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,077</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,795</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">282</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Edinburgh and Lothians</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,960</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,542</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">418</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">774</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">744</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dunbartonshire and Lomond</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,224</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,199</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,800</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,732</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,238</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,087</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALI","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149924,"EventID":"S1W-13183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities it will make available to enable members of the public in rural areas to contact route managers about matters relating to trunk roads, including complaint","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities it will make available to enable members of the public in rural areas to contact route managers about matters relating to trunk roads, including complaints, from 1 April 2001.","AnswerText":"The new contracts will have a national free phone customer contact number from 1 April to allow members of the public to raise issues related to the operation and safety of the trunk road network. The number will be advertised on signs positioned at strategic locations within each maintenance Unit. Calls will be relayed to the customer contact point within each Operating Company's central office. In addition to this leaflets will be distributed by the new Operating Companies providing details of who they are and how they can be contacted. For face to face contact members of the public will be able to raise matters with the Operating Companies either at their central office or at sub-offices and depots located throughout the units.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149925,"EventID":"S1W-13184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2801 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 18 January 2001, whether it will list all of the official correspondence it has received on plans t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2801 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 18 January 2001, whether it will list all of the official correspondence it has received on plans to invest in town centre development in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.","AnswerText":"No correspondence has been directed to the Scottish Executive on plans to invest in town centre development in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149926,"EventID":"S1W-13185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hospital beds in each health board area are currently designated for mentally disordered offenders referred under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hospital beds in each health board area are currently designated for mentally disordered offenders referred under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 or the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and what the equivalent figures were for each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the form requested.  However, information on the number of general psychiatry beds by Health Board area of treatment for each of the last five years is set out in the following table.  A small proportion of these beds will be used for forensic psychiatric patients.  The increasing provision of community-based care has lead to a corresponding reduction in the number of hospital beds.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Table 1<P>NHSiS - General Psychiatry<SUP>1</SUP> average available staffed beds<SUP>2, 3</SUP>; by Health Board area of treatment<SUP>4</SUP>; years ending 31&nbsp;March 1996-2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"64%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year Ending</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>All Health Board Areas</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;4,678</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;4,367</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;4,301</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;4,143</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;3,888</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;561</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;560</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;570</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;521</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;496</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;273</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;273</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;264</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;248</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;238</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;85</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;82</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;67</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;181</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;158</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;158</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;154</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;122</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&#9;","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149927,"EventID":"S1W-13186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients currently held in the State Hospital, Carstairs are on the transferral list for local services and how long each has been waiting for transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients currently held in the State Hospital, Carstairs are on the transferral list for local services and how long each has been waiting for transfer.","AnswerText":"There are at present 18 patients receiving care and treatment within the State Hospital who have waited more than three months since clinical agreement was reached that they no longer needed to be in the hospital.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149928,"EventID":"S1W-13187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hospital chaplains are presently employed by the health service; which hospitals they serve and which church each represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hospital chaplains are presently employed by the health service; which hospitals they serve and which church each represents.","AnswerText":"There are currently 519 chaplains employed in the Health Service.  The breakdown by denomination is as follows:<P>Church of Scotland&#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;287<P>Roman Catholic&#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;160<P>Scottish Episcopal&#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;  71<P>Chaplains directly employed by Trust                          1  <P>(There are 2 vacant posts at present)<P>A breakdown of denomination by each hospital is not held centrally. More detailed information may be obtained from individual Trusts. The names and addresses of all Trusts are available on the Scottish Health on the Web website at <U>www.show.scot.nhs.uk</U>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149929,"EventID":"S1W-13188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12741 by Susan Deacon on 5 February 2001, when information on the number of newly diagnosed cases of mesothelioma in each health bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12741 by Susan Deacon on 5 February 2001, when information on the number of newly diagnosed cases of mesothelioma in each health board area in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000 and (c) 2000-01 will be available.","AnswerText":"Collection and analysis of cancer registration data is an iterative process that ensures high quality data are being used in making comparisons within Scotland and across Europe and the rest of the world.<P>It is anticipated that 1998 cancer registration data will be complete by the summer of this year with each successive year's data following annually thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149930,"EventID":"S1W-13189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has considered the five recommendations in the Report of the Deferrals Working Group, presented to the Deputy Minister for Education, Europe and External Affa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has considered the five recommendations in the Report of the Deferrals Working Group, presented to the Deputy Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 10 November 2000.","AnswerText":"I am currently consulting CoSLA on the recommendations of the Working Group (including the resource implications and the implementation timetable). This process should be completed by the end of March and I will make a full response as soon as possible after this.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149931,"EventID":"S1W-13190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to act upon the recommendations in the Report of the Deferrals Working Group and, if so, whether new arrangements will come into force at the beginnin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to act upon the recommendations in the Report of the Deferrals Working Group and, if so, whether new arrangements will come into force at the beginning of the 2001-02 school year as proposed in the report.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13189.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149932,"EventID":"S1W-13191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2873 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2001, whether any new measures are required to effectively protect those who are subject to th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2873 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2001, whether any new measures are required to effectively protect those who are subject to threats, harassment or intimidation by animal rights protestors; if so, what plans it has to introduce such measures and what discussions it has had with the Home Office regarding Her Majesty's Government's plans in this area. ","AnswerText":"We believe that the law in Scotland can deal adequately with intimidating and threatening behaviour. We do not therefore see an urgent need in Scotland for the type of measures proposed by the Home Secretary.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149933,"EventID":"S1W-13192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1908,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":4,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to implement the new EC Water Framework Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to implement the new EC Water Framework Directive.","AnswerText":"The EC Water Framework Directive (2000/060/EC) came into force on the 22 December 2000. The Directive has a wide scope and requires fundamental changes in the way we manage our natural water resources in Scotland. For that reason we propose to transpose its provisions into law by means of primary legislation in this Parliament. As with all legislative commitments this will be subject to finding space in the legislative timetable. We hope to introduce the Bill in 2002.<P>We intend to take an open approach to the implementation of the Directive with thorough consultation at every stage. As a first step, I have published a leaflet today that outlines the main provisions of the Directive and invites comments from anyone with an interest. The next stage will be a comprehensive consultation paper that will issue later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149934,"EventID":"S1W-13193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential nursing homes (a) opened and (b) closed in each (i) local authority area and (ii) parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential nursing homes (a) opened and (b) closed in each (i) local authority area and (ii) parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years","AnswerText":"Information on the number of private nursing homes which opened or closed in each year are not available centrally.<P>However, a census of private nursing homes is carried out as part of an annual return for each private nursing home. The table shows the number of homes at 31 March in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, split by local council area. Information for the new local council areas is not available prior to re-organisation.<P>Information by parliamentary constituency is not available.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=3 WIDTH=608><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Number of Private Nursing Homes<SUP>1</SUP> in Scotland<SUP>2,3</SUP> at 31 March 1997 - 2000.<P>by Local Council Area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31-Mar 1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31-Mar 1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31-Mar 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31-Mar 2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">506</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">518</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">508</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 505</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen City </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 18</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 33</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Bute </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Clackmannanshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dundee City </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Ayrshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Dunbartonshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Lothian </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Eas","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149935,"EventID":"S1W-13195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was allocated and spent on the roll out of broadband communications in each year since 1997 and what the allocation is for each year until 2003, showing the bud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was allocated and spent on the roll out of broadband communications in each year since 1997 and what the allocation is for each year until 2003, showing the budget heading each amount was and is being allocated to.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on broadband has formed a part of a number of major public sector programmes in the digital field, but this expenditure generally cannot currently be disaggregated from other aspects of those programmes.<P>The Scottish Executive is currently reviewing future expenditure priorities for broadband across a broad range of initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149936,"EventID":"S1W-13196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many environmental health officers were employed in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many environmental health officers were employed in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149937,"EventID":"S1W-13197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions for environmental health offences there were in each year since 1997 and, of these, how many related to food poisoning, broken down by local author","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many prosecutions for environmental health offences there were in each year since 1997 and, of these, how many related to food poisoning, broken down by local authority area in each case.","AnswerText":"Since April 2000, the role of collating food enforcement activities from local authorities passed from the Scottish Executive to the Food Standards Agency. The tables provide prosecution and conviction figures broken down by local authority.<P>There is no subdivision to identify offences relating food poisoning.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Figures for Prosecutions and Convictions for 1997, Broken Down by Local Authority<P>1997<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=602><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Prosecutions</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Convictions</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife </TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" ","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149938,"EventID":"S1W-13198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce how it intends to implement the parts of the Landfill Directive that deal with the engineering, operation and regulation of landfill sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce how it intends to implement the parts of the Landfill Directive that deal with the engineering, operation and regulation of landfill sites.","AnswerText":"I am launching today a consultation paper that deals with the technical and operational aspects of the Landfill Directive and I am placing a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Large Landfill sites (sites receiving more than 10 tonnes in any day or having a total capacity exceeding 25,000 tonnes) already come within the scope of the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations, and legislation is now required to implement the Landfill Directive at all landfill sites. The Executive therefore proposes that all landfills be regulated by the PPC regime. The Landfill Directive requires the ending of co-disposal of different classes of waste at the same landfill site and bans the disposal of tyres, corrosive and liquid wastes at landfill sites. These requirements will have a major impact on both the waste management industry and waste producers. It is therefore important to consult on the proposed implementation strategy as widely as possible and I am particularly keen to hear from those who believe they will be effected by these changes. The responses of the consultation will help to inform the drafting of amendments to the PPC Regulations. A further consultation on a draft of the proposed amendments will be held later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149939,"EventID":"S1W-13199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income each water authority raised from (a) domestic water and sewerage charges, (b) non-domestic water and sewerage charges, (c) borrowing, (d) government grant","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income each water authority raised from (a) domestic water and sewerage charges, (b) non-domestic water and sewerage charges, (c) borrowing, (d) government grants and (e) other sources in each year since 1996; what each of these figures represents as a percentage of each water authority's total income in each of these years, and how much income, in cash terms and as a percentage of total income, each authority expects to raise from each of these sources in 2001-02 and any future years for which projections are available.","AnswerText":"Actual and projected figures for the years 1996-97 to 2001-02 are given in the table below. Figures beyond 2001-02 will not be available until after completion of the next Strategic Review of Charges. <P>Historical financial figures for the water authorities can be found in their published annual accounts. Copies of their accounts as laid before the Scottish Parliament, and pre-devolution, the Westminster Parliament, back to 1996-97 are held in the Parliament's Information Reference Centre.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">West of Scotland Water Authority<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£ millions<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Domestic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">111</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">117.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">132.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">148.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">173</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">206.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Non-domestic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">123.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">120.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">121.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">125.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Other income</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grants</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>TOTAL income</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borrowing</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">62.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">71.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">94.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">87</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">North of Scotland Water Authority<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£ millions<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"2","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149940,"EventID":"S1W-13200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the judgement in the case of the City of Edinburgh versus the Secretary of State for Scotland 1998 SLT 120 applies equally to Scottish Ministers in cases where t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the judgement in the case of the City of Edinburgh versus the Secretary of State for Scotland 1998 SLT 120 applies equally to Scottish Ministers in cases where they decide not to exercise their powers to call in for determination notifiable applications and notices of intention to develop submitted to them by planning authorities.","AnswerText":"Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (formerly section 18A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972) requires that where, in making any determination under the planning Acts, regard is to be had to the development plan, the determination shall be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The House of Lords decision in the case of the <I>City of Edinburgh Council</I> v <I>Secretary of</I> <I>State for Scotland</I> 1998 SLT 120 decided inter alia<U> </U>the effect of section 18A and how it should be applied.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The question appears to ask whether that particular part of the judgement applies in circumstances where the Scottish Ministers decide not to call in for their own determination notifiable applications or notices of intention to develop. There is no statutory provision requiring the Scottish Ministers, in making such a decision, to have regard to the development plan. Section 25 does not, therefore, apply in these circumstances, accordingly the House of Lords judgement referred to would similarly not apply.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149941,"EventID":"S1W-13201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will delay the start of the planning inquiry into the application for a landfill facility at Dry Rig, Ae Forest, Dumfriesshire until the concerns of the object","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will delay the start of the planning inquiry into the application for a landfill facility at Dry Rig, Ae Forest, Dumfriesshire until the concerns of the objectors regarding the participation of Forest Enterprise have been resolved.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive determined that it was not necessary to postpone the commencement of the public inquiry over the issue of Forest Enterprise's participation in the proceedings and the inquiry opened on 13 February as scheduled.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149942,"EventID":"S1W-13202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12411 by Susan Deacon on 25 January 2001, how many times the protocols agreed between the Scottish Ambulance Service and health boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12411 by Susan Deacon on 25 January 2001, how many times the protocols agreed between the Scottish Ambulance Service and health boards and NHS Trusts have been amended in each of the last five years, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. This is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service and you may wish to write to Mr Adrian Lucas, Chief Executive, Scottish Ambulance Service, National Headquarters, Tipperlinn Road, Edinburgh EH10 5UU with your request.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149943,"EventID":"S1W-13203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed Gaelic-medium teachers course at Lews Castle College will commence and what input Jordanhill College of Education is expected to make to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed Gaelic-medium teachers course at Lews Castle College will commence and what input Jordanhill College of Education is expected to make to it.","AnswerText":"Discussions are on going about the development of new arrangements in initial teacher education to enable more Gaelic-speaking students to train for teaching.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149944,"EventID":"S1W-13204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is being given to people enquiring about the Gaelic-medium teachers course at Lews Castle College and what consultation it undertook with Jordanhill Coll","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is being given to people enquiring about the Gaelic-medium teachers course at Lews Castle College and what consultation it undertook with Jordanhill College of Education and Lews Castle College regarding the course.","AnswerText":"The arrangements are a matter for Lews Castle College and the Jordanhill College of Strathclyde University in consultation with the General Teaching Council in the first instance. We are keeping closely in touch with developments.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149945,"EventID":"S1W-13205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in domestic settings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in domestic settings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all dwellings. However, such detectors are being considered for possible inclusion in the package of measures to be available under the Executive's central heating programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149946,"EventID":"S1W-13207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it plans to promote European Car Free Day 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it plans to promote European Car Free Day 2001.","AnswerText":"I will be launching a Scottish Travel Awareness Campaign in May, which will aim to increase the number of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport and to encourage more sensible use of the car. We are currently in discussion with transport operators and local authorities with an aim to developing specific initiatives, including establishing links to sustainable travel events.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149947,"EventID":"S1W-13208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale it envisages for bringing forward legislation following the end of the consultation period on its paper Consultation on proposed changes to permitted devel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale it envisages for bringing forward legislation following the end of the consultation period on its paper Consultation on proposed changes to permitted development arrangements for telecommunications development on 16 February 2001.","AnswerText":"As indicated in 'Working Together for Scotland: A Programme for Government', we will revise planning controls for mobile phone masts by mid 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149948,"EventID":"S1W-13209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to undertake any research into the impact of farmers' markets and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to undertake any research into the impact of farmers' markets and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Interest in farmers' markets is growing and the Rural Affairs Department, together with Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society, has worked closely with the industry in supporting the formation of the Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets. We will continue to work with the Association to monitor the growth of these markets, but do not consider that there is a need for specific research into their impact at the present time.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149949,"EventID":"S1W-13210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty properties in (a) Highland Council area, (b) the Western Isles, (c) the Orkney Islands, (d) the Shetland Islands and (e) Scotland are targeted to be brough","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty properties in (a) Highland Council area, (b) the Western Isles, (c) the Orkney Islands, (d) the Shetland Islands and (e) Scotland are targeted to be brought back into use under the empty homes initiative; how many such homes had been brought back into use in each area by the end of 2000, and what target has been set for each of these areas under this initiative for the end of 2002.","AnswerText":"The table below provides the information requested. It lists the number of empty properties expected to be returned to use by 2002 under the Empty Homes Initiative from its inception in 1997 and shows the number of properties returned by the end of 2000. While Orkney Islands Council did not receive funding to return any empty properties it was allocated £36,000 to fund an Empty Homes Officer who is assisting the Council in its assessment of the extent of empty properties on the island and the development of an empty homes strategy.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=612><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Empty properties expected to be returned by end 2002 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Empty properties returned as at end 2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Shetland Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1522</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">721</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149950,"EventID":"S1W-13211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many public authority homes were constructed in (a) Highland Council area, (b) the Western Isles, (c) the Orkney islands, (d) Shetland Islands and (e) Scotland in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many public authority homes were constructed in (a) Highland Council area, (b) the Western Isles, (c) the Orkney islands, (d) Shetland Islands and (e) Scotland in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"The table presents the number of new public authority dwellings completed annually since 1990-99 (latest available information), for each of the requested local authority areas and in the whole of Scotland, as reported to the Scottish Executive.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=502><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=17><P>Public Authority <SUP>1</SUP> New Dwellings Completed:</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=17><P>1990 to 1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"62%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Local Authority Area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Year/Quarter</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scotland<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">224 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">42 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,938 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1991</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">177 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,732 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">82 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,010 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">134 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">958</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">170 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">661 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,161 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-   </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">292 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">42 </TD>","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149951,"EventID":"S1W-13212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) individuals and (b) families were homeless in (i) Highland Council area, (ii) the Western Isles, (iii) the Orkney islands, (iv) the Shetland Islands and (v)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) individuals and (b) families were homeless in (i) Highland Council area, (ii) the Western Isles, (iii) the Orkney islands, (iv) the Shetland Islands and (v) Scotland in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"The available information relates to applications to Scottish local authorities under the homeless persons legislation. The following two tables give the numbers of such applications where a single person (Table 1) or a household with dependent children (Table 2), was assessed by the local authority as being homeless. It should be noted that some of the applications recorded in each year will be from single persons or households who have applied more than once during the year, although the full extent of repeat applications is not known. Information for 1999-2000 is not yet available.<P>Applications Assessed as Homeless:<P>Single Person households: 1990-91 to 1998-99<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=559><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=17><P>Table 1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P>Year of application</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Highland Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Eilean Siar (Western Isles)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Orkney Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Shetland Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1990-91</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">     6,800 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1991-92</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">     9,500 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1992-93</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">108</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">    11,100 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1993-94</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">126</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">    13,700 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1994-95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">110</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">    15,900 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">105</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">    15,100 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">136</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">105</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">    15,600 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIG","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149952,"EventID":"S1W-13213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council employs and how much money it spent on staffing in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council employs and how much money it spent on staffing in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's staffing numbers and associated costs over the last three (financial) years are as follows:<P>In 1998 there were 57 staff at an associated cost of £1,660,000<P>In 1999 there were 55 staff at an associated cost of £1,678,000<P>In 2000 there were 45.5 staff at an associated cost of £1,314,000","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149953,"EventID":"S1W-13214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council has spent on consultancy fees in connection with the formulation of its proposed funding plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council has spent on consultancy fees in connection with the formulation of its proposed funding plans.","AnswerText":"As part of its Review of Teaching Funding, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council employed a consultant to perform a study into the efficient cost of teaching in higher education between February and September 2000 at a cost of £57,550.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149954,"EventID":"S1W-13215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all information regarding the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's proposed funding plans, in particular the amount of money each institution will receive,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all information regarding the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's proposed funding plans, in particular the amount of money each institution will receive, will be published.","AnswerText":"The allocation to individual institutions of formula-based grants for 2001-02 academic year, which cover the majority of the funding to be allocated, will be published by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council in March. There will be some further allocations for particular grants throughout the year.<P>In-principle decisions on the total SHEFC budget for 2001-02 were made at the Council's November 2000 meeting and announced in \"Highlight\" on its website in December. Detailed decisions on the overall allocation of funding made by the Council at its February meeting will be published through the same medium later this month. <P>SHEFC is also currently undertaking a Review of Teaching Funding to inform future years' allocations. Any recommendations for change would not be implemented before 2002/3. A consultation paper was published on 19 December and a further paper was published on 9<P> February providing the rationale for the Council's proposals and technical descriptions of how illustrative figures were derived to inform discussion and response to the consultation.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149955,"EventID":"S1W-13216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail, for each month since the scheme's inception, (a) the total number of car parking spaces provided and (b) the average daily number of car parking s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail, for each month since the scheme's inception, (a) the total number of car parking spaces provided and (b) the average daily number of car parking spaces occupied at the Ferrytoll park and ride facility in Fife.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally as the Ferrytoll park and ride facility is the responsibility of Fife Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149956,"EventID":"S1W-13217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the increase in water and sewerage charges was for each council tax band in each water authority area in 1997 and each subsequent year and what the cumulative incre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the increase in water and sewerage charges was for each council tax band in each water authority area in 1997 and each subsequent year and what the cumulative increase in charges in each band in each area was in each of these years, using 1997 as the base year.","AnswerText":"The figures requested are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=624><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year on year percentage change in domestic water &amp; sewerage charges, by council tax band</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=9 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Percentage change from 1997-98 in domestic water &amp; sewerage charges, by council tax band</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=17 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">NoSWA</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">82%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">112%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>B</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">82%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">112%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>C</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HE","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149957,"EventID":"S1W-13218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the increase in council tax was for each council tax band in each local authority area in 1997 and each subsequent year and what the cumulative increase was for eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the increase in council tax was for each council tax band in each local authority area in 1997 and each subsequent year and what the cumulative increase was for each band in each area in each of these years, using 1997 as the base year.","AnswerText":"The council tax increases for each local authority, for each year from 1997 and the cumulative increases from 1997 are shown in table 1. Table 2 provides the base council tax levels for each band in each local authority area for 1997-98.<P>Table 1<P>Change in Council Tax<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=614><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=14><P>Percent</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=4 HEIGHT=14><P>AUTHORITY</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Increase from 1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Increase from 1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Increase from 1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Cumulative increase from 1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Increase from 1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Cumulative increase from 1997-98</TD></TR><TR></TR><TR></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P>Aberdeen City </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149958,"EventID":"S1W-13219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details, including the timescale, of any proposed recovery plan for west coast sea fisheries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details, including the timescale, of any proposed recovery plan for west coast sea fisheries.","AnswerText":"An initial recovery plan to protect the west coast cod stocks was agreed at a meeting held on 13 February. This plan comprises two closed areas, one off the north west coast of Scotland, and one in the Firth of Clyde. The closures will be brought in under a Commission emergency regulation which will come into force as soon as possible in March, and will run until the end of April. <P>An indicative map showing the two areas has been lodged with the Parliaments Reference Centre. However, confirmation of the detailed co-ordinates for the closed areas has to await the publication of the Commission Regulation. <P>A longer term plan for the area, including technical measures, will be developed over the coming months, in tandem with longer-term plans for the North Sea.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149959,"EventID":"S1W-13220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in responding to the BSE Inquiry Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in responding to the BSE Inquiry Report.","AnswerText":"A Command Paper was laid at the Westminster Parliament today setting out the Government's interim response to the BSE Inquiry Report. The interim response considers the Inquiry's findings and conclusions along with the major themes which emerge from these such as openness, the handling of risk and uncertainty, the use of scientific advice in policymaking, the structure of Government and the legislative framework. It details the action which Government has already taken to address these issues as well as the challenges which must continue to be addressed.<P>Many of these issues are of common interest across the UK. The Scottish Executive has been fully consulted as this response has been developed. I welcome its publication and the consultation process which will now commence. I encourage all consultees in Scotland to contribute their views on both the position UK-wide and the particular Scottish aspects which arise, to ensure that the final report is comprehensive in UK terms while also providing input on how further progress may be achieved in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149960,"EventID":"S1W-13221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is with regard to the supplementary report of the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is with regard to the supplementary report of the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body.","AnswerText":"I announced on 18 December that the pay recommendations of the DDRB were being accepted in full and without staging. The DDRB recommended an overall pay increase of 3.9% for salaried doctors and dentists and general medical and dental practitioners.<P>To encourage the retention of general medical practitioners the DDRB has also recommended a 7% increase in seniority allowances, worth in the region of £500 for a GMP with 25 years service. This is in addition to the 3.9% increase in intended average net remuneration.<P>The supplementary report from the DDRB which is being published today covers areas of GPs income aimed at meeting the expense of running their practices and any balancing recovery from debts owed by the profession. In its considerations of what provision to make for indirectly reimbursed practice expenses and the operation of the balancing correction the Review Body have recommended:<UL><LI>provision for indirect expenses of £23,790 for each GP; </LI><LI>a recovery of £248 per GP in accordance with normal rules, and</LI></UL><UL><LI>a joint review by the BMA and Health Departments of the operation of the pay system This should look at handling the cumulative overpayment that has occurred in the system (£2,684 per GP), the operation of the balancing mechanism and forecasting of expenses in time for next year's round.</LI></UL><P>We have accepted DDRB's recommendation on the level of practice expenses.<P>We share DDRB's concerns about the operation of the balancing mechanism, the setting of practice expenses and the management of the cumulative debt. We have agreed that the BMA and the Health Departments should put work in hand immediately to develop a review of these issues. That being the case, the balancing mechanism will be suspended pending the outcome of the review.<P>The average GP will benefit by a further £248 above what the DDRB have recommended. In addition, in conjunction with the other Health Departments, we will consider constructively how to manage the cumulative debt of the profession (around £100 million) for the benefit of patients and the development of practices.<P>The Gross Income of GPs will therefore increase to £80,300 per year, as shown in the following table, with effect from 1 April 2001:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=466><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\"><P>April 2000 (£)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\"><P>April 2001 (£)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1. Intended Average Net Income (IANI) (includes 2001 seniority increase)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>54,220</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>56,510</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2. Expenses Provision</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24,510</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>23,790</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3. IANI plus Expenses  (1+2)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>78,730</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>80,300</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4. Balancing recovery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>(261)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>(248) Suspended</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>5. Intended Average Gross Income (3 +4)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>78,469</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>80,300</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149961,"EventID":"S1W-13222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial assistance it has given this financial year to (a) Scottish Opera and (b) Balnain House, Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial assistance it has given this financial year to (a) Scottish Opera and (b) Balnain House, Inverness.","AnswerText":"None.<B> </B>The main channel for public funding of the arts in Scotland is the Scottish Arts Council. I have therefore asked the Director of the Arts Council to write to the member with the requested information and to make it available in the Parliaments Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149962,"EventID":"S1W-13223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to sportscotland regarding levels of funding for shinty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to sportscotland regarding levels of funding for shinty.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had a series of discussions with sportscotland about levels of funding for shinty.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149963,"EventID":"S1W-13224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10121 by Sarah Boyack on 20 October 2000, whether it intends to introduce measures to ensure that cycle training is available to ev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10121 by Sarah Boyack on 20 October 2000, whether it intends to introduce measures to ensure that cycle training is available to every primary school pupil.","AnswerText":"The provision of cycle training for children is a matter for schools and for police and local authority road safety units.<P>The Scottish Executive has recently commissioned a survey of cycle training provision in Scottish schools and the number of children trained. This will provide baseline information on cycle training in Scottish schools and will highlight areas with low levels of training provision.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149964,"EventID":"S1W-13225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10121 by Sarah Boyack on 20 October 2000, whether it intends to ensure that cycle training for school pupils includes an appropriat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10121 by Sarah Boyack on 20 October 2000, whether it intends to ensure that cycle training for school pupils includes an appropriate level of supervised on-road training, with due authorisation from parents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cycle Training Scheme, overseen by the Scottish Road Safety Campaign, recommends that on-road training should be provided where possible. Police and local authority Road Safety Units are responsible for carrying out risk assessment on any roads to be used for on-road training and for decisions on whether it is appropriate to conduct on-road training in any particular case. A new resource pack for Road Safety Officers to use when training volunteer trainers, developed by the campaign, will be issued to Road Safety Units in March. It will recommend that parental consent should be obtained before any cycle training for school pupils is undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149965,"EventID":"S1W-13226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish the final report of the Tayside Task Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish the final report of the Tayside Task Force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-11574 on 5 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149966,"EventID":"S1W-13228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what obligations the new trunk road contractors will have to clear access along trunk roads for local authority direct labour organisation snow clearing equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what obligations the new trunk road contractors will have to clear access along trunk roads for local authority direct labour organisation snow clearing equipment.","AnswerText":"The new operating companies must consider and consult with the emergency services and other interested parties on the arrangements for winter maintenance operations at the boundaries of the unit with other road authorities and other operating companies. The companies shall set out their procedures in the Winter Maintenance plan. The Winter Maintenance plan must be submitted to the Scottish Executive for approval and copies provided to the emergency services and adjacent road authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149967,"EventID":"S1W-13229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the revised guidelines for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools came into use, how widely these have been published, and who it consulted regarding the new section","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the revised guidelines for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools came into use, how widely these have been published, and who it consulted regarding the new section on school libraries.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools (HMI) inspection guidelines are reviewed annually. The most recent version has been in use since August 2000. Summaries of HMI inspection guidelines, referred to as National Briefing Documents, are available on the HMI website, and are issued to schools together with the notification of inspection. Detailed inspection guidelines for Inspectors include guidance on how library provision will be evaluated. This guidance draws on comments made by school librarians during inspection, and on the national document <I>Taking a Closer Look at The School Library Resource Centre</I> published in 1999 by the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum. HMI hold regular liaison meetings with key interested bodies to discuss inspection related matters, and allow issues of concern to be raised.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149968,"EventID":"S1W-13230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what specific data relating to hospital-acquired infections is held by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what specific data relating to hospital-acquired infections is held by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health holds data about cases of methicillin resistant <I>staphylococcus aureus</I> (MRSA), including MRSA bacteraemias (blood borne infections), and of other bacteraemias detected in laboratory specimens examined in Scottish public health and hospital laboratories. Infections in these groups may have been acquired while the infected person was in hospital or may have been present on admission. It is not at present possible to distinguish and count separately those infections acquired in hospital.<P>A sub-group of the Health Department's Advisory Group on Infection has been developing plans for a national surveillance system for HAI, including MRSA, in Scotland. The group is expected to provide recommendations to the department shortly. The sub-group recognises the priority that needs to be attached to infections caused by MRSA. Once their report is received, I will be considering what further steps are needed to introduce surveillance of HAI across Scotland. On present plans, systematic collection throughout Scotland of information on selected infections attributable to MRSA would begin in autumn 2001. Monitoring data would become available approximately a year later.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149969,"EventID":"S1W-13231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what monitoring takes place of hospital-acquired infections which occur after patients have been discharged from hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what monitoring takes place of hospital-acquired infections which occur after patients have been discharged from hospital.","AnswerText":"There are currently no Scotland-wide arrangements in place for monitoring hospital acquired infection (HAI), including those which become apparent after patients have been discharged from hospital. A Scotland-wide surveillance system for HAI is under active consideration by a sub-group of the Advisory Group on Infection and I will shortly be considering the further steps necessary to introduce such a system.<P>There are recognised difficulties in monitoring HAI which becomes apparent after discharge, and there is currently no UK or world-wide consensus on an appropriate approach. Experts from Scotland are taking part in UK-wide discussions about developing methods of post-discharge surveillance of HAIs. The sub-group which is considering HAI surveillance has identified the issue of post-discharge surveillance as a priority and studies to evaluate alternative methods are being developed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149970,"EventID":"S1W-13232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what requirements there are for NHSiS Trusts to publish data on the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what requirements there are for NHSiS Trusts to publish data on the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections.","AnswerText":"At present there are no requirements on NHS Trusts to publish such data, although it is open to them to do so. A Scotland-wide surveillance system for hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is under active consideration by a sub-group of the Advisory Group on Infection and I will shortly be considering the further steps necessary to introduce such a system.<P>The Scottish Executive Health Department is also currently considering the inclusion of a measure of the incidence of HAI in NHS hospitals in the new NHS performance assessment framework outlined in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149971,"EventID":"S1W-13233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria are used to (a) define hospital-acquired infections (HAI), (b) distinguish between types of HAI and (c) decide which types of HAI to monitor, and what meth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria are used to (a) define hospital-acquired infections (HAI), (b) distinguish between types of HAI and (c) decide which types of HAI to monitor, and what methods are used to monitor rates of HAI.","AnswerText":"These matters are under consideration by a sub-group of the Advisory Group on Infection, which was asked by the Scottish Executive to develop proposals for a national system of surveillance for hospital-acquired infection (HAI) in Scotland. During the course of its work, the group has considered a wide range of issues including definitions of HAIs and approaches to monitoring their incidence. I will shortly be considering the further steps necessary to introduce a Scotland-wide surveillance system for HAIs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149972,"EventID":"S1W-13234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what costs have been incurred by health authorities due to clinical negligence claims arising from hospital-acquired infections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what costs have been incurred by health authorities due to clinical negligence claims arising from hospital-acquired infections.","AnswerText":"General hospital-acquired infection (HAI) would not have been noted as a contributory factor in clinical negligence claims prior to April 2000. However records of clinical negligence claims where MRSA - which may have been acquired in hospital - was stated as a contributory factor are available prior to April 2000.<P>No clinical negligence payments have been recorded in respect of incidents in which MRSA is mentioned as a contributory factor. At present there are seven MRSA-related clinical negligence claims under consideration. No claims specifying HAI as a contributory factor have been lodged since April 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149973,"EventID":"S1W-13235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what data is held centrally on the number of compensation claims received by the NHSiS citing hospital-aquired infection as a main or contributory factor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what data is held centrally on the number of compensation claims received by the NHSiS citing hospital-aquired infection as a main or contributory factor.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13234.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149974,"EventID":"S1W-13236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any correlation between rates of hospital-acquired infection and the level of resources invested in infection control and, if so, what data exists to su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any correlation between rates of hospital-acquired infection and the level of resources invested in infection control and, if so, what data exists to support this.","AnswerText":"There is insufficient data at Scottish level to demonstrate either correlation or lack of correlation between rates of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and resources applied to infection control by NHS Trusts.<P>Preventing and controlling HAI is an important issue for the NHS in Scotland and is a key part of the responsibilities of every NHS Trust. The Scottish Health Plan, <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change,</I> published in December last year, makes clear that every local healthcare system will be expected to deliver the service standards to be established by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland on infection control, cleanliness, and other matters. A joint Health Department/ NHS working group is currently reviewing existing guidance and preparing relevant standards. These standards will be applied to NHS Trusts once the work is complete.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149975,"EventID":"S1W-13237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research it has done on the health problems faced by rough sleepers in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research it has done on the health problems faced by rough sleepers in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The NHS in Lothian and various Edinburgh-based voluntary organisations have conducted a number of exploratory research projects and analyses of the health needs of the homeless population.<P>This year, the Lothian RSI partnership received around £1 million to improve health care services for rough sleepers. This will provide additional health workers, not just in Edinburgh but also in East and West Lothian; enhanced services, upgraded medical equipment and it will fund two research projects.<P>Lothian has also taken advantage of new Personal Medical Services arrangements for GPs. The Edinburgh Homeless Practice has three salaried GPs and a dedicated primary care team for homeless people. Independent research carried out on The Edinburgh Homeless Practice recently, as part of its Personal Medical Services pilot, praised the service provided to homeless people, and the approach taken by staff.<I><P>Our National Health</I>, the Health Plan for Scotland, recognises the need for the NHS to respond effectively to the needs of homeless people and rough sleepers as a key element in tackling health inequalities. The Executive is continuing to act to ensure that the health needs of rough sleepers are addressed effectively. This will include issuing guidance to health boards and Trusts on addressing the health and health care needs of homeless people.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149976,"EventID":"S1W-13238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rough sleepers there are in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rough sleepers there are in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"In May 1997 a streetcount of people sleeping rough in Edinburgh found 42&nbsp;individuals. However streetcounts are generally regarded as unreliable as they depend on the number and local knowledge of those counting, the time of year and the areas covered by the count.<P>I am aware that the Edinburgh Streetwork Project has recently published a report which indicates 87 individuals known to be sleeping outdoors in 2000 - a reduction from 125 individuals identified in 1999.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149977,"EventID":"S1W-13239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities are available for rough sleepers in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities are available for rough sleepers in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Information on the full range of facilities and services available to rough sleepers can be obtained from the City of Edinburgh Council. <P>Projects in Edinburgh funded under the Rough Sleepers Initiative include the provision of integrated housing, social work and health services at the Single Access Point;<FONT SIZE=4> a wet hostel providing accommodation and support for rough sleepers with alcohol problems; the Cowgate day and night centre; direct access provision; supported move-on accommodation, some with intense support for drug users; and resettlement and outreach.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149978,"EventID":"S1W-13240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient hostel places available for homeless people in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient hostel places available for homeless people in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"In June 2000, through the Rough Sleepers Initiative, the Executive allocated   £1.32 million to the City&nbsp;of&nbsp;Edinburgh Council, to provide additional interim and permanent direct access accommodation in Edinburgh. This allocation was in recognition that there were insufficient hostel places in the city. Temporary winter shelter arrangements have been in operation in the city pending the development of the interim direct access accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149979,"EventID":"S1W-13241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done of the efficacy of the Rough Sleepers Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done of the efficacy of the Rough Sleepers Initiative.","AnswerText":"An interim evaluation of the RSI was published in June 1999. During 2001 we shall be carrying out local rough sleepers prevalence studies alongside an assessment of services and accommodation available to people who are sleeping rough. This will enable an assessment to be made of the extent to which services are meeting needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149980,"EventID":"S1W-13242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what penalties will be incurred by Motorola if it fails to fulfil any agreements it has with the Scottish Executive regarding the former Hyundai plant near Dunfermline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what penalties will be incurred by Motorola if it fails to fulfil any agreements it has with the Scottish Executive regarding the former Hyundai plant near Dunfermline.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13243.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149981,"EventID":"S1W-13243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what incentives were offered to Motorola, and of what value, when it purchased the former Hyundai plant near Dunfermline in April 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what incentives were offered to Motorola, and of what value, when it purchased the former Hyundai plant near Dunfermline in April 2000.","AnswerText":"As was indicated when the project was announced, an appropriate package of financial assistance was offered to Motorola with regard to implementing its proposed project at Dunfermline.<P>As the assistance is drawn down, in line with the implementation of the project, the amounts paid will be reported in accordance with the usual procedures of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Executive.<P>As with all such packages of assistance, actual drawdown of grant is dependent on the company meeting milestones based on investment expenditure and number of jobs created or safeguarded. In addition, all grant payments are subject to appropriate clawback conditions.<P>Under the terms of the financial assistance being offered for the project, Motorola is required to inform Scottish Enterprise of progress with, and any major changes to, the proposed project.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149982,"EventID":"S1W-13244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the NHSiS budget for the current year and the previous two years came from cash raised from sales of former hospital sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the NHSiS budget for the current year and the previous two years came from cash raised from sales of former hospital sites.","AnswerText":"Health Boards and NHS Trusts raised £26.8m and £24.2m from the disposal of fixed assets in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 respectively. Income from the sale of fixed assets totalling £14.6m is anticipated in 2000-01.<P>These resources are reinvested in patient care in the NHSScotland and augment the resources made available for capital investment.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149983,"EventID":"S1W-13245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to improve and extend the provision of advice, information and advocacy services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to improve and extend the provision of advice, information and advocacy services.","AnswerText":"I have set up a working group, involving a wide range of interested organisations, to develop proposals for a community legal service to provide a user-friendly network of high-quality legal information, advice and assistance on legal problems right across Scotland. That group will report to me in October.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149984,"EventID":"S1W-13246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4313 by Susan Deacon on 24 February 2000, when it plans to review progress on the implementation of the recommendations contained i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4313 by Susan Deacon on 24 February 2000, when it plans to review progress on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services published in February 2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department is currently conducting an exercise to determine the extent to which Health Boards have implemented the recommendations contained in the report.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149985,"EventID":"S1W-13247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7571 by Susan Deacon on 16 June 2000, what progress has been made in ensuring equity of access to infertility services and treatmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7571 by Susan Deacon on 16 June 2000, what progress has been made in ensuring equity of access to infertility services and treatment across Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13246.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149986,"EventID":"S1W-13248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the implications for rural communities of any impact which the proposed changes to EC Directiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the implications for rural communities of any impact which the proposed changes to EC Directive 97/67/EC on the common rules for the development of the internal market for postal services will have on the economic viability and future role and functions of post offices in remote and rural areas, particularly in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including moves to promote liberalisation of European postal markets. The Executive is committed to the maintenance of the universal service throughout Scotland at an uniform tariff and recognises the importance of the availability of postal services in rural areas. The Executive welcomed the UK Government's announcement last year that the current size of the rural Post Office network will be maintained until 2006 except where closures are unavoidable.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149987,"EventID":"S1W-13249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to letters from Tayside Health Council dated 4 July 2000, 20 July 2000, 24 August 2000, 1 September 2000, 4 Oc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to letters from Tayside Health Council dated 4 July 2000, 20 July 2000, 24 August 2000, 1 September 2000, 4 October 2000, 31 October 2000 and 23 January 2001.","AnswerText":"Following a number of personal discussions with representatives of Tayside Health Council, a written response has now been sent to both Mrs Barclay and Mrs Woore.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149988,"EventID":"S1W-13250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS patients had their operations cancelled for non-medical reasons on the day of admission in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS patients had their operations cancelled for non-medical reasons on the day of admission in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of operations cancelled by NHSScotland is not available centrally. Details of cancellations of planned admissions to hospitals are collected centrally and published annually in <I>Scottish Health Statistics, </I>which is available on the Internet and in the Parliaments Reference Centre.<I> </I>The latest edition<I> </I>is Bib. no. 6937.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149989,"EventID":"S1W-13251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bed days are lost each year due to delays in discharging people who are fit to leave hospital and what the cost of these bed days was to the NHSiS in each of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bed days are lost each year due to delays in discharging people who are fit to leave hospital and what the cost of these bed days was to the NHSiS in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The September 2000 national census showed 1,944 NHS beds occupied by patients who had waited more than six weeks from the date they were assessed as clinically ready for discharge (six weeks is the common period for discharge planning agreement timescales across Scotland). This suggests approximately 700,000 bed days incurred in a recent typical year. This figure is an estimate only and should be treated with caution; due to the absence of national trend-based information, no account can be taken of seasonal fluctuation. It is not possible to calculate accurately the associated cost which is, of course, off-set by the costs that would be incurred following discharge in each case.<P>Full details of the September 2000 census are available at the following web site:<P><A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/scottish_health_statistics/subject/ready_for_discharge/sept00.pdf\">http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/scottish_health_statistics/subject/ready_for_discharge/sept00.pdf</A>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149990,"EventID":"S1W-13252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many operations were cancelled before the day of admission in each of the last five years and how many of these were cancelled because the patient's medical conditio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many operations were cancelled before the day of admission in each of the last five years and how many of these were cancelled because the patient's medical condition stopped the operation going ahead.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13250.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149991,"EventID":"S1W-13253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHSiS Trusts have information systems in place to provide real time information for hospital staff on current and planned use of key resources to help plan patient ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHSiS Trusts have information systems in place to provide real time information for hospital staff on current and planned use of key resources to help plan patient admissions effectively.","AnswerText":"All NHS Trusts have systems in place to manage the use of key resources and plan patient admissions.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>However, the use of real-time systems for these purposes is at an early stage. It is important for the development of such systems to be consistent with other systems within each Trust. The Health Department is working with NHS Trusts to take such developments forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149992,"EventID":"S1W-13254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to incorporate in-patient planning and bed management within a wider plan to develop network systems and an electronic patient record.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to incorporate in-patient planning and bed management within a wider plan to develop network systems and an electronic patient record.","AnswerText":"The NHSScotland Information Management and Technology Strategy is currently being revised.<P>Telecommunications networks will increasingly be used on a local and national basis to support in-patient planning and bed management. An example is the Wardwatcher system which links Intensive Care Units across Scotland to a central database of ICU beds. The Scottish Executive supports - and funds where appropriate - the development of such systems.<P>Electronic Patient Records are being developed to hold patient specific demographic and clinical information relating to a single episode of care, and is therefore not relevant to in-patient planning or bed management.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149993,"EventID":"S1W-13255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the recommended bed occupancy level is for hospitals and what the average bed occupancy level currently is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the recommended bed occupancy level is for hospitals and what the average bed occupancy level currently is.","AnswerText":"There is no recommended bed occupancy level for NHSScotland. It is for health boards, working with NHS Trusts and other partners, to determine the number of hospital beds required to meet assessed need in their respective areas, taking account of local circumstances.<P>Detailed information on bed occupancy rates, by specialty, is published in <I>Scottish Health Statistics. </I>The latest edition, which was published on 14 February, is available on the Internet at <P>http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/Scottish_Health_Statistics/SHS2000/M4.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149994,"EventID":"S1W-13256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any relationship between a high hospital bed occupancy level and the risk of cancelling elective admissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any relationship between a high hospital bed occupancy level and the risk of cancelling elective admissions.","AnswerText":"Bed occupancy and the cancellation of elective admissions are both influenced by factors which are not necessarily related. For example, there are a number of reasons why elective admissions may be cancelled, such as the illness of key members of staff.<P>It is for health boards, working with NHS Trusts and other partners, to determine the number of hospital beds required to meet assessed need in their respective areas, taking account of local circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149995,"EventID":"S1W-13257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money is expected to be collected in water and sewerage charges in 2001-02, broken down between domestic and non-domestic charges and by each water authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money is expected to be collected in water and sewerage charges in 2001-02, broken down between domestic and non-domestic charges and by each water authority.","AnswerText":"Income to be collected by each Water Authority for 2001-02 is expected to be as follows:<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£ millions<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">West of Scotland Water Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">East of Scotland Water Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">North of Scotland Water Authority</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Non-domestic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Domestic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">206.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">152.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">134.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Other <SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>TOTAL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">249.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><P>1</SUP> &quot;Other&quot; income related to sundry activities such as charges levied for the emptying of septic tanks, sales of assets etc.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149996,"EventID":"S1W-13258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make an announcement on the future funding of the New Life for Urban Scotland partnerships in Castlemilk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make an announcement on the future funding of the New Life for Urban Scotland partnerships in Castlemilk.","AnswerText":"When these partnerships reached the end of their 10-year life in 1998-99, continuation arrangements were put in place with special funding from the Executive for three years through to March 2002. We have concluded that after that date the Glasgow Alliance and the Capital City Partnership should be asked to take over responsibility for carrying forward the regeneration of Castlemilk and Wester Hailes. They will be asked to do this from additional resources which are being provided to support their strategies for delivering the social justice milestones and targets.<P>In each of the two years 2002-03 and 2003-04 we shall be making available £2.712 million to the Glasgow Alliance and £2.118 million to the Capital City Partnership. They will be expected to spend at least 80% of this budget in the first year, and at least 60% in the second year, in Castlemilk and Wester Hailes; decisions about the use of these resources will be taken in consultation with the local community.<P>For 2001-02 - the last year in the current three-year period - Castlemilk will receive £2.26 million, including £100,000 for support costs, and Wester Hailes £1.765 million, including £50,000 for support costs and £50,000 for environmental work. We shall also be allocating an additional £200,000 each to the Glasgow Alliance and the Capital City Partnership in 2001-02 to support their work in delivering the social justice milestones and targets.<P>The new arrangements from 1 April 2002, supported by additional resources from the Executive, will enable the achievements of the partnerships in Castlemilk and Wester Hailes to be consolidated and sustained, within a framework which recognises the need to integrate this work with the city-wide strategies for the delivery of the social justice milestones and targets which have been developed and are being delivered by the Glasgow Alliance and the Capital City Partnership.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149997,"EventID":"S1W-13259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will extend the invitation recently sent to private contractors concerning the secondment of road and engineering staff to its Road Network Management and Mai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will extend the invitation recently sent to private contractors concerning the secondment of road and engineering staff to its Road Network Management and Maintenance Division to local authorities.","AnswerText":"Secondments of road and engineering staff are secured on the basis of competition between competent providers, judged on the basis of quality and price. There is no reason why local authorities should not be invited to put forward bids for seconded staff and the Scottish Executive will explore this if further vacancies occur for road and engineering secondees. This is in line with the new Scottish Executive/COSLA partnership which makes provision for local authority secondments.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149998,"EventID":"S1W-13260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Motorola is obliged to inform it of any changes in plans for the former Hyundai site near Dunfermline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether Motorola is obliged to inform it of any changes in plans for the former Hyundai site near Dunfermline.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT SIZE=2>I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13243.</B></FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149999,"EventID":"S1W-13261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to intervene to prevent the demolition of the William Chalmers Burns Memorial Hall in Kilsyth, in view of his historical significance as the first Briti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to intervene to prevent the demolition of the William Chalmers Burns Memorial Hall in Kilsyth, in view of his historical significance as the first British missionary to China.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<P>I understand that a building warrant has been granted for the demolition of the Burns Memorial Hall, Kilsyth. The hall, which is owned by North Lanarkshire Council, is not a listed building and lies outside the town's conservation area. Historic Scotland has no locus to intervene but officials from Historic Scotland are in informal contact with council officials about the future of the building.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150000,"EventID":"S1W-13262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the funding of an additional 22,000 respite weeks announced by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 5 October 2000 will be additional to the #10 million ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the funding of an additional 22,000 respite weeks announced by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 5 October 2000 will be additional to the #10 million allocated in 2000-01 for carers' services including respite following the report Strategy for Carers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150001,"EventID":"S1W-13263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many calls from carers have been received by the NHS Helpline since the launch of its service for carers in April 2000 and whether this level of calls represents val","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many calls from carers have been received by the NHS Helpline since the launch of its service for carers in April 2000 and whether this level of calls represents value for money.","AnswerText":"Between 1 April and 31 December last year a total of 1,231 calls were received by the NHS Helpline on carer-related issues. Information is one of the main needs of carers. Our decision to extend the NHS Helpline to contain social care information, and particularly information for carers, is potentially helping over 100 carers a month. Carers can now obtain advice and support through a single and easily accessible gateway, one that was previously unavailable to them, and that is to be welcomed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150002,"EventID":"S1W-13264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether carers' needs are taken into account in the statutory performance indicator on assessment under which figures are required by the Accounts Commission from local a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether carers' needs are taken into account in the statutory performance indicator on assessment under which figures are required by the Accounts Commission from local authorities and when the first figures in relation to this performance indicator will be published.","AnswerText":"The Executive is discussing with Audit Scotland how information on local authorities' support for carers should be reflected in their statutory performance indicators. Local authorities have not previously recorded this information separately, and they plan to start doing so as a result of the work of the Social Work Information Review which reported in 2000. Comprehensive figures are likely to be collected from April 2002, following a pilot survey starting later this year. Audit Scotland's existing performance indicators already include information on people being assessed for, and receiving, respite services which gives an indication of the numbers of carers benefiting from short break services.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150003,"EventID":"S1W-13265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made on its commitment to promoting carer-friendly employment policies with the business sector, as outlined in Strategy for Carers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress is being made on its commitment to promoting carer-friendly employment policies with the business sector, as outlined in Strategy for Carers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The promotion of carer-friendly employment policies is a reserved matter. The Department for Education and Employment, and other UK Departments, are already taking action to promote carer-friendly employment policies amongst the UK business sector through, for example, the Work-Life Balance Campaign. Officials in the Scottish Executive will shortly meet UK Government officials to discuss the position in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150004,"EventID":"S1W-13266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what policies it has in place to ensure that the rights of carers and families are upheld when those they care for are being discharged from hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what policies it has in place to ensure that the rights of carers and families are upheld when those they care for are being discharged from hospital.","AnswerText":"The NHS in Scotland is required to provide patients being discharged with prescribed standards of information about treatment and follow-up arrangements. Guidance to NHS Trusts on these standards also allows this information to be given to relatives, carers and GPs, where appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150005,"EventID":"S1W-13267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to learn from other countries' sea fisheries conservation and recovery plans, in particular from those of Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Canada, and whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to learn from other countries' sea fisheries conservation and recovery plans, in particular from those of Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Canada, and whether it has adopted, or has any plans to adopt, any such schemes.","AnswerText":"The Executive does study the sea fisheries and conservation recovery plans of other countries. Our scientists have frequent contacts with scientists from other countries, including those mentioned, and regularly investigate good practice in fisheries management.<P>The Executive has been involved in the Canadian responsible fishing initiative, attending conferences at ministerial level in March 2000 and at official level in November 2000. I also plan to attend a conference on &quot;sustainable utilisation of marine living resources&quot; to be held in the Faroe Islands in June this year.<P>The appropriate level of adoption for any such schemes, adapted for European conditions, would be at EU level as part of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150006,"EventID":"S1W-13268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when figures for hospital-acquired infections in private and NHS hospitals caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when figures for hospital-acquired infections in private and NHS hospitals caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus will be available.","AnswerText":"Effective surveillance of hospital-acquired infection (HAI), of which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one cause, is a key part of the Executive’s approach to tackling this important priority within the NHS. A sub-group of the Health Department’s Advisory Group on Infection has been developing plans for a national surveillance system for HAI, including MRSA, in Scotland. The group has been asked to provide recommendations to the department and is expected to do so shortly. The group recognises the priority that needs to be attached to infections caused by MRSA. Once their report is received, I will be considering what further steps are needed to introduce surveillance of HAI across Scotland, and in what timescale.<P>The application of HAI monitoring to the private health care sector is currently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150007,"EventID":"S1W-13269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the report of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the report of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13246 on 23 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150008,"EventID":"S1W-13270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the eligibility criteria for access to infertility services will apply equally to all those requiring the service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the eligibility criteria for access to infertility services will apply equally to all those requiring the service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13246 on 23 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150009,"EventID":"S1W-13271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists regarding making assistance available towards course fees for continuing professional d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists regarding making assistance available towards course fees for continuing professional development.","AnswerText":"Continuing Professional Development for all staff in the NHS in Scotland is the responsibility of the employer.<P>A Project Development Group has been established in partnership and under the banner of Learning Together, focusing on Continuing Development for all staff and is looking at ways in which training budgets in the NHSScotland can be used more effectively to meet the training and professional development needs of all staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150010,"EventID":"S1W-13272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the latest average waiting times are to see a podiatrist, broken down by each NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the latest average waiting times are to see a podiatrist, broken down by each NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The treatment of patients by a podiatrist is generally undertaken in a primary care setting by the Community Chiropody Service or sessions at NHS hospitals, clinics or other NHS facilities staffed by Professions Allied to Medicine. Information on waiting times for services provided by the Community Chiropody Service or by Professions Allied to Medicine is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150011,"EventID":"S1W-13274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, what comparisons were made with other roads, in terms of the number and seriousness of ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, what comparisons were made with other roads, in terms of the number and seriousness of accidents, before the alterations currently being made to the A78 at the junction with Beachway in Largs were given the go-ahead.","AnswerText":"The accident record on this section of trunk road was compared with the accident record over the complete trunk road network. Where localised sites are shown to have accidents arising from a common cause, accident reduction measures are implemented to address the particular problems identified.<P>The decision to progress accident reduction schemes is based on the first year rate of return. The schemes with the highest rate of return are progressed first.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150012,"EventID":"S1W-13275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, what analysis has been undertaken to ascertain the degree of delays on the A78 that the a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, what analysis has been undertaken to ascertain the degree of delays on the A78 that the alterations currently being made at the A78 at the junction with Beachway in Largs will cause.","AnswerText":"The works are minor in nature and relate to safety issues. No analysis of delays has been carried out. The effectiveness of the works will be closely monitored over the next few months and if there are unacceptable delays to trunk road traffic adjustments to the works will be considered.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150013,"EventID":"S1W-13276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, what consultation was undertaken, and with whom, before the re-location of a bus stop on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, what consultation was undertaken, and with whom, before the re-location of a bus stop on the A78 in Largs near to its junction with Beachway and in what ways this change will improve pedestrian safety.","AnswerText":"The Police and Strathclyde Passenger Transport were consulted on the re-location of the bus stop. The new location will encourage pedestrians to cross to the bus stop away from the junction where vehicle turning movements can conflict with pedestrian movements.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150014,"EventID":"S1W-13277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether the alterations currently being made at the A78's junction with Beachway in Largs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether the alterations currently being made at the A78's junction with Beachway in Largs have ever been described by it, or by North Ayrshire Council in any submissions to the Executive on this matter, as traffic calming measures.","AnswerText":"No. These works are described as Accident Investigation and Prevention measures.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150015,"EventID":"S1W-13278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether any detailed cost-benefit analysis specific to the alterations currently being ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12766 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether any detailed cost-benefit analysis specific to the alterations currently being made at the junction of the A78 and Beachway in Largs was carried out prior to the alterations taking place.","AnswerText":"In all Accident Investigation and Prevention schemes it is standard practice to measure savings in terms of predicted reductions in injury accidents in the first year. These savings are then compared against the estimated cost of implementing the works.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150016,"EventID":"S1W-13279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways the objectives of traffic calming initiatives and road safety initiatives differ.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways the objectives of traffic calming initiatives and road safety initiatives differ.","AnswerText":"Traffic calming is generally provided over the whole length of a route through a town or village to improve safety and minimise the effect of through traffic on the environment. Traffic calming schemes often involve a diverse range of measures including signing, changes to the road alignment and road texture and measures to control traffic speeds.<P>Accident Investigation and Prevention measures are implemented to address particular safety issues at specific locations on the road network.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150017,"EventID":"S1W-13280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether any analysis was carried out in relation to the effectiveness of existing street ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether any analysis was carried out in relation to the effectiveness of existing street lighting along the A78 through Largs prior to that street lighting being replaced.","AnswerText":"Street lighting on all trunk roads is inspected annually as part of a lighting maintenance programme.  During the annual inspection the street lighting in Largs was considered to be life expired and required replacement.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150018,"EventID":"S1W-13281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether particular local conditions can mean that additional or stronger lighting than th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether particular local conditions can mean that additional or stronger lighting than the nationally recommended level of lighting is required.","AnswerText":"Road lighting is designed in accordance with national guidelines laid down in the Design of Road Lighting for All Purpose Trunk Roads and BS5489, the British Standard Code for Road Lighting. These documents require that lighting schemes should be designed to cater for local needs including safety and environmental considerations. This may require the installation of additional or lesser lighting units depending on the local circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150019,"EventID":"S1W-13282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether any street lights along the A78 through Largs were relocated during the recent re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether any street lights along the A78 through Largs were relocated during the recent replacement programme and, if so, whether any residents who might be affected by any such relocations were consulted prior to the work being carried out.","AnswerText":"The new lighting columns were relocated to the centre of the footway in Main Street, Largs. Other columns along the A78 were generally located in similar locations to the previous columns. However, there may have been some which had to be relocated to avoid street furniture, junctions etc. There is no requirement to undertake consultation with local residents.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150020,"EventID":"S1W-13283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether it has any plans to erect street lighting on the south side of the A78 through La","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12767 by Sarah Boyack on 7 February 2001, whether it has any plans to erect street lighting on the south side of the A78 through Largs on the stretch of Main Street between Largs railway station and Bath Street.","AnswerText":"There is an ongoing lighting replacement programme in Largs which will be progressed as and when funding permits.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150021,"EventID":"S1W-13284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times the powers under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 have been used in each year since the Act came into force to require that improvements be made to unsatisfa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times the powers under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 have been used in each year since the Act came into force to require that improvements be made to unsatisfactory accesses to trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not recorded by the Scottish Executive or its agents.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150022,"EventID":"S1W-13285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its Road Network Management and Maintenance Division is producing new guidelines on the assessment of development proposals affecting trunk roads; when any such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its Road Network Management and Maintenance Division is producing new guidelines on the assessment of development proposals affecting trunk roads; when any such guidelines will be put to the Parliament for consideration, and, if there is no such date set, whether it will set a deadline for the completion of this work and the guidelines being put to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, Road Network Management and Maintenance Division are in the process of preparing new guidelines on the assessment of development proposals that affect trunk roads. No specific timescale for the completion of these new guidelines has been set. However, once the guidelines are completed they will be published in draft form for consultation.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150023,"EventID":"S1W-13286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times permission for new accesses to trunk roads for new or proposed developments has been refused in recent years and whether it can quantify the impact of its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times permission for new accesses to trunk roads for new or proposed developments has been refused in recent years and whether it can quantify the impact of its policy on new accesses to trunk roads on the rural economy.","AnswerText":"During 1999 and 2000, officials within the Scottish Executive Road Network Management and Maintenance Division gave advice to Scottish planning authorities on 1250 planning applications some of which would have included requests for new accesses onto trunk roads. The determination of these planning applications then rests with the relevant local planning authority. <P>Generally, proposals for new accesses to trunk roads are assessed by the Executive and relevant local planning authority, on a case by case basis. The benefits and costs of trunk road access are carefully assessed, (with particular regard to the likely impact on accidents and traffic flows), alongside those of the alternative options available to meet the developers' needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150024,"EventID":"S1W-13287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps have been taken to ensure that the candidate who fills the vacant post of general practitioner for Helmsdale is based in Helmsdale after appointment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps have been taken to ensure that the candidate who fills the vacant post of general practitioner for Helmsdale is based in Helmsdale after appointment.","AnswerText":"The arrangements to fill the vacancy following the resignation of the General Practitioner at Helmsdale are matters for the Scottish Medical Practices Committee and Highland Primary Care NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150025,"EventID":"S1W-13288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what rules exist to govern the advertising of vacancies for general practitioners in rural areas in relation to (a) the number of adverts to be placed, (b) the duration ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what rules exist to govern the advertising of vacancies for general practitioners in rural areas in relation to (a) the number of adverts to be placed, (b) the duration of the advertising campaign and (c) the publications in which adverts should appear; whether any such guidelines were followed in relation to the advertising of the vacancy in Helmsdale and, if there are no such guidelines, whether it will instruct Highland Primary Health Care NHS Trust to re-advertise this post.","AnswerText":"The rules which govern the advertising of vacancies for general practitioners are set out in the National Health Service (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995. The Regulations require the notice of vacancy to include details of the practice and the closing date for applications. They also require the health board or Primary Care Trust to bring the vacancy to the attention of prospective applicants outside the area. These requirements were followed by Highland Primary Care NHS Trust in relation to the vacancy at Helmsdale.<P>The number of adverts to be placed, the duration of the exercise and the publications in which adverts appear are not laid down in Regulations and are matters for decision locally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150026,"EventID":"S1W-13289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) nursing home and (b) residential home places have been lost in each of the last three years, both nationally and broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) nursing home and (b) residential home places have been lost in each of the last three years, both nationally and broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on places lost in private nursing homes and residential care homes is not available centrally.<P>However, a census of bed complement is carried out as part of an annual return for each private nursing home and registered residential care home. Table 1 shows the number of places available in Residential Care Homes.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=3 WIDTH=592><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><P>Table&nbsp;1: Residential care homes - places (Older People Only)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">686</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">691</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">675</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">620</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">675</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">655</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">606</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">593</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">535</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">701</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">612</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">557</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">650</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">716</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">818</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">628</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">507</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">481</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">368</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">479</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">432</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">187</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">138</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">118</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">332</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">324</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">268</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">201</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">206</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">200</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Edinburgh, City of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,403</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,361</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,289</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Eileanan Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">192</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">195</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">201</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">313</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">284</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">284</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"66%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,008</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">958</TD>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150027,"EventID":"S1W-13290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) private residential homes, (b) private nursing homes and (c) local authority residential homes have been closed in each of the last three years, both nationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) private residential homes, (b) private nursing homes and (c) local authority residential homes have been closed in each of the last three years, both nationally and by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on closures of private nursing homes and residential care homes is not available centrally.<P>However, a census is carried out annually for each private nursing home and registered residential care home. Table 1 shows the number of residential care homes in each of the three years.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=3 WIDTH=609><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=13><P>Table 1: Residential care homes - numbers of (Older People Only)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"BOTTOM\" COLSPAN=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P>Local Authority Area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Private</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Voluntary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">All</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Private</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Voluntary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">All</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Private</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Voluntary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=75><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">All</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150028,"EventID":"S1W-13291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and any other relevant bodies regarding the environmental consequenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and any other relevant bodies regarding the environmental consequences of any global warming leading to raised sea levels, with particular reference to the low-lying coastal locations of many nuclear facilities.","AnswerText":"The Executive has regular discussions with the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on a range of environmental issues including the impacts of climate change. Active consideration is being given to the issue of sea-level rise and the Executive is looking to commission a survey to identify those areas in Scotland that may be vulnerable to predicted increases in sea level. This exercise is not specific to coastal nuclear facilities, the owners of which have the primary responsibility to protect against flooding or erosion by the sea.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150029,"EventID":"S1W-13292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any reduction in the total funds available to local authorities, from both the Executive and from non-housing capital provision, for flood preventi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any reduction in the total funds available to local authorities, from both the Executive and from non-housing capital provision, for flood prevention measures and what its budget for flood prevention is for the current financial year.","AnswerText":"There has been no reduction in the funding made available to local authorities for flood prevention and coast protection, in fact there has been an increase.<P>The Executive made provision of £4 million this financial year for major flood prevention and coast protection schemes. I have already announced that this will increase to £8.5, £9 and £10 million over the next three years.<P>The funds available to local authorities through the single non-housing capital allocation include for flood prevention. The Minister for Finance and Local Government has announced a single allocation of £321/£325/£360 million over the next three years. However, allocation of these resources for flood prevention measures and other services is entirely a matter for the local authorities, taking account of local needs and circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150030,"EventID":"S1W-13293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contract for running the nursery facilities at Victoria Quay has recently been out to tender; if so, why; which companies were invited to tender, and which co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contract for running the nursery facilities at Victoria Quay has recently been out to tender; if so, why; which companies were invited to tender, and which companies lodged tenders.","AnswerText":"The current contract for the provision of nursery services at Victoria Quay expires on 28 February 2001. Advertisements were placed in Nursery World and Government Opportunities on 9 June 2000 calling for expressions of interest in tendering for the requirement. 11 expressions of interest were received. 11 Invitations to Tender were issued and six completed tenders were received.<P>Following detailed evaluation the new contract has been awarded to Kinderquest. It would be inappropriate to disclose which companies tendered but were not successful in winning the contract. Debriefs were offered to the unsuccessful tenderers.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150031,"EventID":"S1W-13294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children attended the nursery facilities at Victoria Quay in each month since January 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children attended the nursery facilities at Victoria Quay in each month since January 1997.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not require the contractor to provide monthly attendance details. We do however hold information on occupancy rates. This information is retained centrally for only six months. The occupancy rates are as follows:<P>August 2000 - 74.4%<P>September 2000 - 75.5%<P>October 2000 - 78.0%<P>November 2000 - 80.8%<P>December 2000 - 80.8%<P>January 2001 - 80.8%<P>The February 2001 figures are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150032,"EventID":"S1W-13295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current (a) hourly, (b) daily and (c) weekly charges are for use of the nursery facilities at Victoria Quay and what these costs have been in each year since 19","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current (a) hourly, (b) daily and (c) weekly charges are for use of the nursery facilities at Victoria Quay and what these costs have been in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"It is not the Scottish Executive practice to publish commercial information provided to it in confidence by suppliers tendering for Scottish Executive contracts. The contractor may choose to disclose this information.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150033,"EventID":"S1W-13296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the membership of the Care Development Group will be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the membership of the Care Development Group will be announced.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to be able to announce today the membership of the Care Development Group.<U><P>Chair </U><B><P>Malcolm Chisholm,</B> Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care<U><P>Members</U><B><P>Professor David Bell</B>, Department of Economics, University of Stirling<B><P>Dr Roger Gibbins</B>, Chief Executive Highland Health Board<B><P>Professor Alan Gilloran</B>, Dean of Social Sciences and Health Care, Queen Margaret University<B><P>Dr Sandra Grant, OBE</B>, Chief Executive, Scottish Health Advisory Service<B><P>Jim Jackson</B>, Director, Alzheimer's Scotland<B><P>Alexis Jay</B>, Director of Social Work and Housing Services, West Dunbartonshire Council<B><P>David Kelly</B>, Director of Community Services, West Lothian Council<B><P>Professor Mary Marshall</B>, Director, Dementia Services Development Centre<B><P>Dr Ken O'Neill</B>, Lead General Practitioner, South West Glasgow Local Health Care Co-operative<B><P>Professor Alison Petch</B>, Director, Nuffield Centre for Community Care Studies, University of Glasgow<B><P>Sue Plummer</B>, Director of Nursing, Borders Primary Care NHS Trust<P>In undertaking their work the group will call on a wide range of expertise and advice to assist them. This will include, for example, liaising with those involved in organising the assessment of need and the delivery of care to people in their own homes, in residential or nursing homes and in hospital; with those involved in setting and monitoring standards for care, and with carers themselves. On the structural and technical issues involved, the group will seek such demographic, economic and financial advice as necessary from the acknowledged experts in these areas. The group will also be liaising closely with the Chief Nursing Officer on the follow up to her group's work which will aim to develop a process to capture all care needs in a  single assessment.<P>It is also vitally important that older people themselves are fully involved in this process and the Care Development Group will seek the views of the full range of groups representing older people and their carers across the country.<P>In addition, the Scottish Executive will commission research into the views of older people and carers about the availability and quality of current service provision and about their expectations of services in the future, in order to inform the group's work.<P>The group's full terms of reference were announced on 31 January in response to question S1W-12937.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150034,"EventID":"S1W-13297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support the case of St Kilda for gaining world cultural heritage status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support the case of St Kilda for gaining world cultural heritage status.","AnswerText":"Nominations for World Heritage Sites are made to UNESCO by individual States; proposals for Scottish sites are drawn up and submitted by the Scottish Executive. We are considering the possibility of seeking to add cultural criteria to the case which is currently being made to extend the present St Kilda World Heritage Site to encompass a larger maritime area.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150035,"EventID":"S1W-13298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of tuberculosis were recorded in the (a) adult and (b) child population in each of the last 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of tuberculosis were recorded in the (a) adult and (b) child population in each of the last 20 years.","AnswerText":"The information is set out in the table:<P>Tuberculosis notifications: numbers and percentage of population, by age<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=427><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Notifications</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Percentage of Population</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Children<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Adults<SUP>2</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Children<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Adults<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">110</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,113</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.010</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.028</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1980</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,047</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.008</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.026</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1981</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">877</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.009</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.021</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1982</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">74</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">828</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.007</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.020</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1983</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">773</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.005</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.019</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1984</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">680</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.006</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.016</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1985</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">667</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.004</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.016</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1986</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">691</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.007</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.017</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">524</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.004</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.013</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>1988</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">494</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.004</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.012</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150036,"EventID":"S1W-13299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the (a) adult and (b) child population suffered from tuberculosis in each of the last 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the (a) adult and (b) child population suffered from tuberculosis in each of the last 20 years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13298.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150037,"EventID":"S1W-13300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects all payments due to farmers under the Countryside Premium Scheme for 2000-01 to have been made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects all payments due to farmers under the Countryside Premium Scheme for 2000-01 to have been made.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that payment of all eligible CPS management claims submitted on time will be made by 16 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150038,"EventID":"S1W-13301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for considering complaints against Scottish Enterprise and its associated local enterprise companies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for considering complaints against Scottish Enterprise and its associated local enterprise companies.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise has an External Complaints Adjudicator who investigates complaints against Scottish Enterprise and its Local Enterprise Companies, once their own internal complaints procedures have been exhausted.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150039,"EventID":"S1W-13302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any farmers who have been financially disadvantaged as a result of delays in receiving payments under agricultural support schemes which it administers have any r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any farmers who have been financially disadvantaged as a result of delays in receiving payments under agricultural support schemes which it administers have any right of compensation for those losses.","AnswerText":"The Executive's commitment to farmers and crofters is to pay valid Countryside Premium Scheme management claims within six weeks of receipt. This is not a statutory obligation and there is no provision for compensation should payment take longer.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150040,"EventID":"S1W-13303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has commissioned any research into the abuse of adults with learning difficulties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has commissioned any research into the abuse of adults with learning difficulties.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not commissioned research specifically into the abuse of adults with learning difficulties. As part of the review of services for people with learning disabilities, <I>The same as you?</I>, the Scottish Executive carried out the following research which includes reference to types of abuse:<I><P>If you don't ask you don't get, </I>a survey of people with learning disabilities and their families about social and healthcare services. A copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 2300)<I><P>Changing Public attitudes to People with Learning disabilities in Scotland, </I>a report on public attitudes towards people with a learning disability, comprising a review of literature, an opinion poll, a round table discussion and a policy paper. These papers are available on the Internet at: www.scotland.gov.uk/ldsr/progress.htm.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150041,"EventID":"S1W-13304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary teaching vacancies have been unfilled for (a) over one month and (b) over three months in each local authority in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary teaching vacancies have been unfilled for (a) over one month and (b) over three months in each local authority in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13073 on 19 February 2001.<P>The Supply of Teachers report is now also on the Scottish Executive website www.scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150042,"EventID":"S1W-13305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 52 licenses were issued to kill robins in the 1990s.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 52 licenses were issued to kill robins in the 1990s.","AnswerText":"Licences were issued on public health grounds to kill or take robins in food preparation premises and major food outlets. Such licences are issued only where all non-lethal methods of removal have failed, there is a clear hazard to food preparations and a threat to public health has been demonstrated.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150043,"EventID":"S1W-13306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many dementia sufferers there currently are in the Highlands of Scotland; how many it estimates there will be by 2006; whether there is an ongoing shortage in the re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many dementia sufferers there currently are in the Highlands of Scotland; how many it estimates there will be by 2006; whether there is an ongoing shortage in the region of nursing homes which are able to provide appropriate nursing care for such sufferers, and what action it intends to take in relation to any such shortage.","AnswerText":"Patients diagnosed with dementia will be treated in a variety of NHS locations depending on the severity of the condition. Many will be seen in general practice while others will be admitted to hospital or nursing home care. At present, it is not possible to estimate the current number of suffers in Highland Health Board area, or the number in 2006.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150044,"EventID":"S1W-13307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards a definition of \"positions working regularly with vulnerable adults\" in relation to extending the categories entitled to free crimina","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards a definition of \"positions working regularly with vulnerable adults\" in relation to extending the categories entitled to free criminal record checks for the purposes of Part V of the Police Act 1997.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13308 today.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150045,"EventID":"S1W-13308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which agencies have been or are being consulted with regard to establishing a definition of \"positions working regularly with vulnerable adults\" in relation to extending","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which agencies have been or are being consulted with regard to establishing a definition of \"positions working regularly with vulnerable adults\" in relation to extending the categories entitled to free criminal record checks for the purposes of Part V of the Police Act 1997.","AnswerText":"A draft definition of &quot;vulnerable adult&quot; will shortly be the subject of consultation with relevant organisations in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. In the meantime, we have decided that Part V criminal record checks on volunteers working with vulnerable adults in the voluntary sector may be carried out without cost to the volunteer or to the voluntary organisation concerned. This will put volunteers working with vulnerable adults on a par with those working with children.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150046,"EventID":"S1W-13309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will meet the costs of criminal records checks for people \"working regularly with vulnerable adults in the voluntary sector\" once a definition has been agreed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will meet the costs of criminal records checks for people \"working regularly with vulnerable adults in the voluntary sector\" once a definition has been agreed.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13308.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150047,"EventID":"S1W-13310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12112 by Sarah Boyack on 18 January 2001, whether the assignation to Skye Bridge Limited (SBL) of the right to collect tolls on the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12112 by Sarah Boyack on 18 January 2001, whether the assignation to Skye Bridge Limited (SBL) of the right to collect tolls on the Skye Bridge and the operation of the bridge by Miller Dywidag on SBL's behalf means that Miller Civil Engineering is authorised to charge tolls on the A87.","AnswerText":"Miller Civil Engineering Ltd does not have the authority to charge tolls on the A87 in its own right. As I made clear in my answers to S1W-10325 on 5 December and S1W-12112 on 18 January, the right to collect tolls has been assigned to Skye Bridge Limited while the operation of the bridge is carried out on SBL's behalf by the joint venture Miller Dywidag.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150048,"EventID":"S1W-13311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Stagecoach-Bluebird regarding the reduction in the level of bus services serving Kemnay, Portlethen, Johnshaven and Ballater in Ab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Stagecoach-Bluebird regarding the reduction in the level of bus services serving Kemnay, Portlethen, Johnshaven and Ballater in Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"The provision of local bus services is a matter for the commercial judgement of bus operators. However, local authorities have the power to subsidise local bus services if they cannot be run on a commercial basis and if the services meet an identifiable social need. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001, which received Royal Assent on 25 January, includes provisions to enable local authorities to play a key role in determining local bus service provision and to enhance service frequency through subsidy. The requirement for local authorities to consider whether, by making such subsidies, competition might be inhibited has been replaced by a general requirement to have regard to the interests of the public and bus operators.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150049,"EventID":"S1W-13312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whom commercial bus operators are required to consult before making changes to their bus service operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whom commercial bus operators are required to consult before making changes to their bus service operations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive fully recognises the importance of stability of bus service provision, and of proper consultation when changes are being proposed. I plan to bring regulations forward to require local bus operators to consult local authorities 14 days before submitting registration details to the Traffic Commissioner. I also plan to increase the registration period from 42 to 56 days for all new services, variations, cancellations and public holidays, and to introduce a requirement to give 30 days notice to the public of variations and cancellations.<P>The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001, which received Royal Assent on 25 January 2001, contains powers to require bus operators to operate new or varied services for a minimum of 90 days. The Act also includes statutory consultation requirements as regards Quality Partnership, Quality Contract and joint ticketing schemes, and the provision of information about local bus services.<P>This represents a formidable package of additional powers which should encourage local authorities and bus operators, taking account of the views of bus users, to work together to ensure the stability of, and improvements to, local bus services.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150050,"EventID":"S1W-13313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10021 by Susan Deacon on 5 October 2000, how many digital hearing aids were provided by the NHSiS in each health board area in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10021 by Susan Deacon on 5 October 2000, how many digital hearing aids were provided by the NHSiS in each health board area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13069 on 19 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150051,"EventID":"S1W-13314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether sportscotland received a proposal from the Camanachd Association to set up a working party to discuss an increase in its core funding; whether this proposal has ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether sportscotland received a proposal from the Camanachd Association to set up a working party to discuss an increase in its core funding; whether this proposal has been rejected and what the reasons were for any such decision;  whether sportscotland has requested that an independent review of shinty be conducted, what the reasons are for any such request and what such a review will cost, and whether it will consider redirecting the cost of any such review towards increasing the core grant of the Camanachd Association.","AnswerText":"As explained in my response to question S1W-12677 on 14 February, <B>sport</B>scotland has offered to fund an independent review of the Camanachd Association. The Association's response was to reject the offer and instead propose that an independently chaired working party be set up to look at the differences between it and <B>sport</B>scotland. <B>sport</B>scotland rejected this approach because of concerns that a working party would focus on the issue of the Camanachd Association's core funding, an issue on which a decision has already been taken.<P>An independent review of the Camanachd Association would be wide ranging and its aim would be to ensure the long term success of shinty and the viability of the Association. The cost of a review would be approximately £10,000. <B>sport</B>scotland would not consider redirecting the one off costs of a review to the Camanachd Association's core grant as there is presently no basis on which to increase the Camanachd Association's core funding. <B><P>sport</B>scotland's offer of an independent review remains on the table. The way forward for the Camanachd Association and the sport of shinty is to accept the offer.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150052,"EventID":"S1W-13315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each of the 100 contracts awarded since 1994 under the Scottish Renewables Obligation, specifying the nature, location and cost of each scheme and th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each of the 100 contracts awarded since 1994 under the Scottish Renewables Obligation, specifying the nature, location and cost of each scheme and the type of energy involved.","AnswerText":"109 contracts have been awarded under the Scottish Renewables Obligation since 1994. These are listed in the table. We do not hold any information regarding the cost of each scheme.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Energy Type</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Location/Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Size (MW)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Biomass</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Westfield (Fife)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Biomass</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Burnside Farm, Brodick, Arran (North Ayrshire)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Biomass</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Morayhill Energy Plant (Highland)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Energy from Waste</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Baldovie  (Dundee City)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Energy from Waste</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Westfield (Fife)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Energy from Waste</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P> (Glasgow City)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Energy from Waste</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Dargavel (Dumfries &amp; Galloway)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Hydro</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Russell Burn, Applecross (Highland)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.53</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Hydro</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Loch Poll, Assynt (Highland)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.23</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Hydro</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Sheildaig, Gairloch (Highland)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Hydro</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Inverbroom, Ullapool (Highland)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Hydro</TD><TD WIDTH=\"58%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Cuileig (Highland)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Hydro</TD><TD ","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150053,"EventID":"S1W-13316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether projects involving the incineration of waste for energy will be eligible for assistance under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) in future; if so, what the reas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether projects involving the incineration of waste for energy will be eligible for assistance under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) in future; if so, what the reason is for its position on this matter and, if no decision has been made on this matter as yet, when such a decision is expected.","AnswerText":"Our recent consultation paper on the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) addressed a number of issues, including the matter of qualifying renewable energy technologies. We will take decisions on these issues once we have completed analysing the many responses received.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150054,"EventID":"S1W-13317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what help is currently available to people who are addicted to valium or other ben'odia'epines and what steps it intends to take to improve the help available to such pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what help is currently available to people who are addicted to valium or other ben'odia'epines and what steps it intends to take to improve the help available to such people.","AnswerText":"Addiction to benzodiazepines is part of the wider drug misuse problem. Help is, therefore, available from the wide range of services which cater for people with misuse problems. Depending on the locality, these measures include general medical services and primary healthcare teams, psychiatric services, community psychiatric nurses, mental health nurses, psychological services and counselling. Also accessible to most drug misusers are drug problem centres, voluntary agencies and self-help groups and counselling services. This list is not definitive.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Treatment and rehabilitation funding forms an important part of the £100 million package which the Executive has made available for tackling drug misuse. We are determined to break the cycle of misuse which leads to the many other problems associated with drugs. That is why we have committed an extra £10 million for treatment services and £21 million for rehabilitation over the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150055,"EventID":"S1W-13318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are being taken to improve GP awareness of the dangers of long-term addiction to valium and other ben'odia'epines and to ensure that GPs adhere to guidelin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are being taken to improve GP awareness of the dangers of long-term addiction to valium and other ben'odia'epines and to ensure that GPs adhere to guidelines relating to the prescription of such drugs.","AnswerText":"The dangers of long-term addiction to benzodiazepines are well recognised and information about the prescribing of these medicines is available to GPs from a number of sources. Importantly, the British National Formulary (BNF), issued free to doctors and pharmacists, provides key information for health professionals on how to use medicines safely and effectively.  In addition, in 1988, the Committee on Safety of Medicines issued guidelines to doctors on the use of benzodiazepines. These guidelines remain extant.<P>General practitioners take responsibility for their own learning needs as part of the process of lifelong learning and maintenance of clinical skills. The Scottish Executive supports this through payment of an annual Post Graduate Education Allowance to GPs. In addition we would expect all GPs to keep up-to-date with current practice and clinical guidelines in all relevant clinical areas as part of their continuing professional development.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150056,"EventID":"S1W-13319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people who committed suicide in each of the last three years had an addiction to valium or other ben'odia'epines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people who committed suicide in each of the last three years had an addiction to valium or other ben'odia'epines.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people with an addiction to valium or other benzodiazepines who have committed suicide in each of the three years is not held centrally. However, the number of suicides where a benzodiazepine was recorded as being present at the time of death is as follows:<DIR><P>1997&#9;&#9;32<P>1998&#9;&#9;38<P>1999&#9;&#9;26</DIR><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">These figures, it should be noted, include deaths where it is undetermined whether the injury was purposely or accidentally inflicted. This is normal practice when collecting information on suicides. Also, in many instances other drugs were recorded, for example, methadone and  heroin.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Of the above deaths the following numbers were known to be dependent drug misusers, though the drug of abuse may not have been a benzodiazepine:<DIR><P>1997&#9;&#9;  9<P>1998&#9;&#9;11</DIR><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999&#9;&#9;10","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150057,"EventID":"S1W-13320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research is being carried out into the long-term use of ben'odia'epines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research is being carried out into the long-term use of ben'odia'epines.","AnswerText":"No comprehensive record of all research into the long-term use of benzodiazepines is held centrally. Within the Scottish Executive Health Department, however, the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research to improve both the health of the people in Scotland and the services provided by the NHS. The Executive is aware of eight ongoing benzodiazepine research projects in the UK. Details of these projects are available from the National Research Register (NRR), a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150058,"EventID":"S1W-13321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the recommendations contained in the report of the HIV Health Promotion Strategy Review Group, what new guidance it plans to issue regarding the provision of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the recommendations contained in the report of the HIV Health Promotion Strategy Review Group, what new guidance it plans to issue regarding the provision of needles and syringes to injecting drug users.","AnswerText":"The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which advises the UK health and justice departments, will be considering the significance of injecting paraphernalia for the transmission of bloodborne viruses at its next meeting on 31 May. The Executive will consider what further guidance to health boards might be appropriate in the light of the Advisory Council's conclusions.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150059,"EventID":"S1W-13322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how tenants will be represented in the Glasgow Housing Association in the event of housing stock transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how tenants will be represented in the Glasgow Housing Association in the event of housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"The constitution of the Glasgow Housing Association states that the association shall have a committee of up to 24 members and that up to nine of its committee members shall be tenant committee members.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150060,"EventID":"S1W-13323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly day care places are currently provided in total by (a) voluntary and (b) statutory agencies, both expressed as a percentage of the over 65s population.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly day care places are currently provided in total by (a) voluntary and (b) statutory agencies, both expressed as a percentage of the over 65s population.","AnswerText":"Figures for elderly day care places expressed as a percentage of the 65+ population are presented in the table, split by local authority, private and voluntary sectors. Figures for elderly day care in Scotland are available and can be found in the publication <I>Scottish Community Care Statistics 1999</I> (Table 1.8, page 9) and also on the Scottish Executive website.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Day Care places for Older People in Scotland, as a percentage of the 65+ population 1998<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Sector</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of places</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Proportion of over 65 population</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,599</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.71%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Private</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">214</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.03%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Voluntary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,924</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.25%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,737</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.99%</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: SEHD Community Care Statistics  - D1-B Return Population Estimates, Scotland - prepared by GRO.<P>It is for local authorities to decide whether day care centres should be available for older people in their areas. There is no common definition of statutory agencies.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150061,"EventID":"S1W-13324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly day care places are currently provided by (a) voluntary and (b) statutory agencies and how these figures compare with any figures it holds for (i) Englan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly day care places are currently provided by (a) voluntary and (b) statutory agencies and how these figures compare with any figures it holds for (i) England, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"<OL TYPE=\"a\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><LI>Figures for elderly day care places provided by the voluntary sector in Scotland are available and can be found in the publication <I>Scottish Community Care</I> <I>Statistics 1999</I> (Table 1.8, page 9) and also on the Scottish Executive website. Figures for local authority and private day care centres are also provided.</LI><LI>It is for local authorities to decide whether day care centres should be available for older people in their areas.</LI></OL>(i), (ii), (iii) The Scottish Executive does not hold figures for England, Wales or Northern Ireland.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150062,"EventID":"S1W-13325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current daily cost is of a local authority elderly day care centre place, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current daily cost is of a local authority elderly day care centre place, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150063,"EventID":"S1W-13326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly day care places are currently provided by (a) voluntary and (b) statutory agencies, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly day care places are currently provided by (a) voluntary and (b) statutory agencies, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"<OL TYPE=\"a\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><LI>Figures for elderly day care places provided by the voluntary sector in Scotland are available and can be found in the publication <I>Scottish Community Care</I> <I>Statistics 1999</I> (Table 1.8, page 9) and also on the Scottish Executive website. Figures for local authority and private day care centres are also provided.</LI></OL>It is for local authorities to decide whether day care centres should be available for older people in their areas.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150064,"EventID":"S1W-13327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients are removed each month from NHS Trust waiting lists having declined an appointment at a private facility, broken down by NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients are removed each month from NHS Trust waiting lists having declined an appointment at a private facility, broken down by NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"None. Current guidance on the completion of waiting list returns makes it clear that if an NHS patient declines an appointment for treatment at any private facility, then they should remain on the NHS Trust's inpatient/day case waiting list until they are admitted to hospital for treatment.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150065,"EventID":"S1W-13328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients are removed each month from NHS Trust waiting lists having declined an appointment at a private facility outwith their local health board area, broken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients are removed each month from NHS Trust waiting lists having declined an appointment at a private facility outwith their local health board area, broken down by NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13327.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150066,"EventID":"S1W-13329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS patients are offered appointments at facilities outwith their local health board area each month.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS patients are offered appointments at facilities outwith their local health board area each month.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available.<P>Many patients will routinely be treated outwith their local health board area if, for example, they require specialist services which are not provided locally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150067,"EventID":"S1W-13330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS patients are offered appointments at private facilities outwith their local health board area each month.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS patients are offered appointments at private facilities outwith their local health board area each month.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150068,"EventID":"S1W-13331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what reimbursement of travel costs NHS patients receive when they are required to travel outwith their local authority health board area to take up an appointment at a p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what reimbursement of travel costs NHS patients receive when they are required to travel outwith their local authority health board area to take up an appointment at a private facility.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the relevant health board which has discretion to reimburse the travelling expenses incurred by patients referred to NHS or private hospitals outwith their health board area of residence.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150069,"EventID":"S1W-13332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13296 by Susan Deacon on 13 February 200, whether it will consider adding organisations representing disabled people to the members","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13296 by Susan Deacon on 13 February 200, whether it will consider adding organisations representing disabled people to the membership of the Care Development Group.","AnswerText":"The members of the group represents a good cross-section of disciplines and will call on a wide range of expertise and advice to assist them. It will be for the group to decide how to engage with all the relevant interests.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150070,"EventID":"S1W-13333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the recommendations of Chapter 9 of the Sutherland Report regarding personal care of younger disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the recommendations of Chapter 9 of the Sutherland Report regarding personal care of younger disabled people.","AnswerText":"We have noted the brief analysis of the needs of younger disabled people in the Sutherland Report and agree with the Commission's recommendation that further work is required to understand fully the complex issues involved.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150071,"EventID":"S1W-13334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any protesters were strip searched at any police station following the protest at Faslane on 12 February 2001 and, if so, what the sex and ages were of the protes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any protesters were strip searched at any police station following the protest at Faslane on 12 February 2001 and, if so, what the sex and ages were of the protestors searched in this way.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. This is a matter for Strathclyde Police.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150072,"EventID":"S1W-13335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much Millennium Commission funding has been allocated to each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency and what percentage of the total monies all","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much Millennium Commission funding has been allocated to each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency and what percentage of the total monies allocated by the Commission in Scotland each of these figures represents.","AnswerText":"I attach the information requested, as supplied by the Millennium Commission.<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=585><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P>Constituency/Region</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">TOTAL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P>Percentage of total allocation in Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Airdrie and Shotts</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£8,842.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.00%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Coatbridge and Chryston</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£49,154.44</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.02%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Cumbernauld &amp; Kilsyth</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£46,069.52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.02%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>East Kilbride</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£24,548.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.01%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Falkirk East</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£29,920.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.01%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Falkirk West</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£17,116.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.01%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Hamilton North and Bellshill</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£47,041.65</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.02%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Hamilton South</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£28,305.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.01%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Kilmarnock and Louden</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£32,995.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.02%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Motherwell and Wishaw</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£8,699.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.00%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Total for Central Scotland region</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£292,690.61</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.14%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Glasgow Anniesland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£445,026.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.21%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Glasgow Ballieston</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,267,427.49</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.61%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Glasgow Cathcart</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£25,476,114.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.30%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Glasgow Govan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£35,671,650.32</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17.23%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Glasgow Kelvin</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£653,214.84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.32%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P>Glasgow Maryhill</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£32,739,804.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15.81%</TD></TR><TR><TD ","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150073,"EventID":"S1W-13336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to reduce the number of unnecessary emergency call-outs of the fire service, in particular those caused by faulty fire alarms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to reduce the number of unnecessary emergency call-outs of the fire service, in particular those caused by faulty fire alarms.","AnswerText":"Fire brigades are pursuing all available means of reducing the number of unwanted fire signals from automatic fire detection systems. The British Fire Protection Systems Association and the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers' Association (CACFOA) are active participants in a Campaign Task Group which is seeking to identify more effective measures to address this problem.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150074,"EventID":"S1W-13337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road traffic accidents took place on the trunk road network in each year since 1995, broken down by local authority area, specifying in each case the number of f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road traffic accidents took place on the trunk road network in each year since 1995, broken down by local authority area, specifying in each case the number of fatalities and serious injuries and separately detailing those which reported winter weather conditions as an attributable factor.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Accidents for which winter weather conditions were reported as an attributable factor are not identified as such in the STATS 19 returns. However, some information is available about the weather and the road surface condition, using code-lists which are shown on page 128 of <I>Road Accidents Scotland 1998</I>, copies of which are available in SPICe (Bib. no. 11551).<P>The information requested is given in the table entitled \"Injury road accidents occurring on the trunk road network, and the associated numbers of fatalities and seriously-injured casualties: 1995 to 1999 (provisional)\", a copy of which has been placed in SPICe (Bib. no. 11548).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150075,"EventID":"S1W-13338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the accident statistics for the trunk road network for 2000 will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the accident statistics for the trunk road network for 2000 will be available.","AnswerText":"Statistics of injury road accidents on the trunk road network are included in the annual <I>Road Accidents Scotland</I> statistical volume, which is generally published by the end of October each year. On present plans, statistics for the year 2000 should be published by around the end of October 2001, in <I>Road Accidents Scotland 2000</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150076,"EventID":"S1W-13339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6842 by Sarah Boyack on 30 May 2000, in relation to how many of the road traffic accidents which took place on the A71 in each of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6842 by Sarah Boyack on 30 May 2000, in relation to how many of the road traffic accidents which took place on the A71 in each of the last five years were winter weather conditions reported as an attributable factor, broken down by local authority area and specifying in each case the number of fatalities and serious injuries.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150077,"EventID":"S1W-13340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will investigate the possible introduction of vending machines supplying Fair Trade tea and coffee throughout the parliam","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will investigate the possible introduction of vending machines supplying Fair Trade tea and coffee throughout the parliamentary estate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has investigated the possibility of vending machines supplying Fair Trade tea and coffee within the Scottish Parliament. Our vending machine providers are unable to supply Fair Trade beverages at present, although they will keep this under review. It should be noted that vending machines only account for 5% of coffee and tea purchased in the Parliament and of the other 95% it is estimated that 60-65% is Fair Trade.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150078,"EventID":"S1W-13341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sportscotland, in its capacity as administrator of the Lottery Fund Sports Facilities Programme, received an application from Badaguish, the Speyside Trust (Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sportscotland, in its capacity as administrator of the Lottery Fund Sports Facilities Programme, received an application from Badaguish, the Speyside Trust (Scottish charity registration number SCO16172) for the purpose of a covered sports facility; what the outcome in relation to any such application was; what the reasons were for this outcome, and whether any decision in relation to any such application will be reviewed.","AnswerText":"It is not <B>sport</B>scotland's practice to disclose to third parties whether or not it has received an application from any particular person or group.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150079,"EventID":"S1W-13342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how \"local community\" is defined in relation to rejection by sportscotland of applications for assistance from the Lottery Fund Sports Facilities Programme on grounds tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how \"local community\" is defined in relation to rejection by sportscotland of applications for assistance from the Lottery Fund Sports Facilities Programme on grounds that the project does not demonstrate benefit to the sports life of the local community and, in particular, whether this phrase is interpreted with reference to geography alone or also takes account of community of interest.","AnswerText":"The &quot;local community&quot;, as applied to the Local Facilities Strand of the Sports Facilities Programme, is determined through <B>sport</B>scotland's supply/demand model and is the appropriate catchment for a particular facility type. This varies from facility to facility and is affected by location, geography and transportation.<P>Other strands of the programme take account of &quot;communities of interest&quot;. For example, the National and Regional strands focus on discrete sporting groups, including disabled persons.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150080,"EventID":"S1W-13343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many examination appeals were submitted by 10 January 2001 from each local authority area for review under the procedure announced by the Minister for Education, Euro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many examination appeals were submitted by 10 January 2001 from each local authority area for review under the procedure announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 13 December 2000 and whether any cases put forward after this date have been excluded from the appeals review process solely because of their late submission.","AnswerText":"Following my announcement on 13 December, the Executive wrote to all Education Authorities, Further Education colleges and heads of other centres on 18 December inviting them to submit requests for review by 10 January. By 19 January, the Appeals Review team had received 3,974 returns.<P>In order to ensure that no appeals were excluded solely because of their late submission, the Appeals Review team accepted requests for review as late as 29 January when subject teams began their work. In a few very exceptional cases, requests have been accepted beyond this date. However, at this stage in the process it is no longer possible for the team to accept more new cases.<P>As at 21 February, 4,216 cases were included in the appeals review process, and a breakdown of these cases by Education Authority is shown in the table.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Appeals Review 2000<P>Numbers of cases by education authority <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=398><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>ABERDEEN CITY</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">86</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>ABERDEENSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">210</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>ANGUS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>ARGYLL &amp; BUTE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">81</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>CLACKMANNAN</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>DUMFRIES &amp; GALLOWAY</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">238</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>DUNDEE CITY</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">94</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>EAST AYRSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">136</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">117</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>EAST LOTHIAN</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>EAST RENFREWSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>CITY OF EDINBURGH</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">276</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>EILEAN SIAR</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>FALKIRK</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">77</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>FIFE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">271</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>GLASGOW CITY</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">253</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>HIGHLAND</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">139</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>INVERCLYDE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">69</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>MIDLOTHIAN</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>MORAY</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>NORTH AYRSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>NORTH LANARKSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">184</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"86%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>ORKNEY ISLANDS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19<","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150081,"EventID":"S1W-13344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight will be given to the views of local residents and communities in determining whether approval for proposed GM crop trial sites should be granted and whether a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight will be given to the views of local residents and communities in determining whether approval for proposed GM crop trial sites should be granted and whether approval will be refused where there is substantial opposition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is required to operate within European and UK Legislation on the deliberate release of genetically modified crops. Under Directive 90/220/EEC consent can only be refused where scientific evidence is available to suggest that the release would cause harm to human health or the environment. The legislation does not permit an application to be rejected solely in response to local opposition. A decision on that basis would be illegal.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150082,"EventID":"S1W-13345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider extending the formal notification period required in relation to proposed GM crop trial sites from 15 days to a longer period of 30 or 45 days, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider extending the formal notification period required in relation to proposed GM crop trial sites from 15 days to a longer period of 30 or 45 days, and, if so, how long it will make the notification period.","AnswerText":"The current statutory notification period is determined in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Scottish Executive is aware however of the limited opportunity which this allows for public consideration and comment. Accordingly, assurances have been sought and gained from the biotechnology companies which will provide a longer notification period for this spring's farm evaluations. The exact period of notification has not yet been determined.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150083,"EventID":"S1W-13346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it has not given local authorities the power to consider proposals to plant GM crop trials under the planning process and introduced a requirement for change of use ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it has not given local authorities the power to consider proposals to plant GM crop trials under the planning process and introduced a requirement for change of use permission to be sought in relation to any proposal to plant GM crops.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considers that the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Deliberate Release Regulations 1992 (as amended) are the appropriate body of law under which to regulate such trials.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150084,"EventID":"S1W-13347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the public are only required to be notified of proposed GM crop trial sites rather than having a statutory right to be consulted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the public are only required to be notified of proposed GM crop trial sites rather than having a statutory right to be consulted.","AnswerText":"Neither the governing European Directive 90/220/EEC nor the Environmental Protection Act 1990 require or provide a basis for consultation on any aspect of a proposed release.<P>The recently adopted package of revisions to EU 90/220/EEC makes increased provision for public consultation. In the coming months the Scottish Executive will be seeking the views of stakeholders as to how the implementation of the revised Directive should be taken forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150085,"EventID":"S1W-13348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria it will use in deciding whether to grant approval to proposed GM crop trial sites; in particular, how it will decide whether such trials pose a threat to (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria it will use in deciding whether to grant approval to proposed GM crop trial sites; in particular, how it will decide whether such trials pose a threat to (a) the environment and (b) public safety and whether it will make details of any such criteria public in advance of the formal notification of any proposed sites in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Statute requires that decisions on whether to approve the growing of a particular GM crop on specific sites are based solely on scientific evidence. This has been made absolutely clear in all pronouncements made since the farm scale evaluation programme started last year. <P>The decision to approve the sites for this year's programme was taken on advice from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Health and Safety Executive and the Food Standards Agency that this crop does not pose a threat to human health or the environment. The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment also advised that no new evidence had emerged for it to amend its recommendation that these crops could be grown in safety.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150086,"EventID":"S1W-13349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it does not select as well as approve the sites of proposed GM crop trials; who the members are of the Scientific Steering Committee which selects the proposed sites ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it does not select as well as approve the sites of proposed GM crop trials; who the members are of the Scientific Steering Committee which selects the proposed sites and what representation Scotland has on this committee.","AnswerText":"The initial identification of individual sites to participate in these trials takes place independently of government and is the responsibility of the Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops, a body representing the interests of the industry including the National Farmers Union within its membership. The proposed sites must meet the criteria set out by the impartial Scientific Steering Committee which oversees the UK farm-scale evaluation programme. They are selected to represent a variety of conditions, such as climate, ecology and soil type as well as farm type and are intended to provide a representative sample of UK agriculture.<P>The Scientific Steering Committee members are:<P>Chairman:<P>Professor Christopher Pollock, Research Director of the Institute of Environmental and Grassland Research.<P>Members:<P>Dr Nicholas Aebisher, Deputy Director of Research for the Game Conservancy Trust<P>Dr Alastair Burn, English Nature;<P>Professor Mick Crawley, Imperial College;<P>Dr David Gibbons, Head of Conservation Science, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds;<P>Mr Jim Orson, Director Morley Research Centre;<P>Dr Nick Sotherton, Director of Research for the Game Conservancy Trust;<P>The Scottish Executive is represented on this committee by officials from the Rural Affairs Department who attend meetings and act as assessors.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150087,"EventID":"S1W-13350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role (a) the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology; (b) the Institute of Arable Crops Research and (c) the Scottish Crop Research Institute will play in relation to propo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role (a) the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology; (b) the Institute of Arable Crops Research and (c) the Scottish Crop Research Institute will play in relation to proposed GM crop trials. ","AnswerText":"A consortium of independent scientists from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Institute of Arable Crops Research and the Scottish Crop Research Institute form the Government-approved research consortium which carries out the ecological research to inform the farm-scale evaluation programme. Their approach is to compare key indicators of biodiversity between the GM and non GM cropping systems.<P>The scientific validity of the research programme is being overseen by a Scientific Steering Committee of independent experts in agriculture and ecology.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150088,"EventID":"S1W-13351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in implementing recommendation 13 of the report of the Red Tape Review Panel regarding changes to EU regulations; whether it has raised these ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in implementing recommendation 13 of the report of the Red Tape Review Panel regarding changes to EU regulations; whether it has raised these issues with the European Union and, if so, who they have been raised with and when.","AnswerText":"Recommendation 13 of the Red Tape Review is currently in progress, with two of the specific aspects of this recommendation already completed. Those which remain, specifically regarding oilseeds Regulations and proportionality of penalties, require longer-term action and European Union co-ordination. My department has been pressing the EU on these issues since the publication of the Red Tape Report, and I am pleased to inform that a Commission Working Group has now been established to look at simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy. The UK, along with other member states, are now providing ideas to this group for consideration, and these suggestions will include the complexity of oilseed Regulations and the proportionality of penalties.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150089,"EventID":"S1W-13352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current penalty provisions in relation to the integrated administration and control system are disproportionately harsh; in particular, whether producers shou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current penalty provisions in relation to the integrated administration and control system are disproportionately harsh; in particular, whether producers should be penalised for mistakes from which they do not benefit and what progress is being made in addressing any such concerns.","AnswerText":"The Regulations governing the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) are extremely tight and leave little room for discretion when applying penalties. There are, however, certain circumstances under which &quot;obvious&quot; errors can be accepted, and Area Aid Applications can be amended after the submission date of 15 May. Officials have been pressing the EU on the extension of the obvious error concept, and also on the proportionality of sanctions. My department, along with other UK Departments and other member states, are now providing ideas for consideration by a Commission Working Group established to look at simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150090,"EventID":"S1W-13353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing oilseeds regulations require simplification and, if so, what progress is being made in this respect.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing oilseeds regulations require simplification and, if so, what progress is being made in this respect.","AnswerText":"Under the Agenda 2000 proposals, my officials participated in a number of discussions on the eligibility of oilseeds to receive aid under the Arable Area Payments Scheme. This was because we recognised that the quality control criteria was an area where a simplification of the rules would benefit producers. The European Commission rejected this, as they were anxious to foster their policy of quality improvement in order to reduce the need to import oilseeds from outwith the Community. Currently, however, my officials are taking part in a general exercise on ways of improving the administration of the CAP. We will thus again be asking the Commission to look carefully at this matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150091,"EventID":"S1W-13354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the meeting of the Project Assessment Committee to consider, subject to parliamentary approval of the relevant statutory instrument, applications for assistance under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the meeting of the Project Assessment Committee to consider, subject to parliamentary approval of the relevant statutory instrument, applications for assistance under the Agricultural Business Development Scheme scheduled for 2 February was cancelled and whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of any written explanation of this decision issued to applicants or others.","AnswerText":"The decision to postpone the Project Assessment Committee (PAC) meeting scheduled for 2 February was taken following the tabling of a motion to annul these regulations further to concerns being expressed by the Scottish Parliament's Rural Development Committee about the scheme's governing regulations.<P>A news release announcing this decision was issued on 31 January and an explanatory letter was sent to PAC members on the same day. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11550).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150092,"EventID":"S1W-13355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, why the terms and conditions of grant in relation to Social Inclusion Partnership f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, why the terms and conditions of grant in relation to Social Inclusion Partnership funding are currently under revision.","AnswerText":"The terms and conditions of grant are currently being revised to reflect changes to the payment procedures which will take effect from April 2001. Currently, 40% of grant is paid in the year in which expenditure is incurred, and 60% is paid a year in arrears. From April 2001, all grant will be paid quarterly in arrears, in the year in which expenditure is incurred and there will be further changes to the way in which support cost grant is paid.<P>We are also taking the opportunity to increase the clarity of the terms and conditions of grant, and the new terms and conditions will include guidance on the issues that grant recipients should address when setting local funding agreements with projects. I expect to issue the new terms and conditions of grant to grant recipients before the end of this financial year and a copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>The existing terms and conditions of grant set out the requirements that all grant recipients must meet in their use of Social Inclusion Partnership funds. However each grant recipient also has in place local arrangements setting out the conditions agreed between the grant recipient and projects that the partnership decides to fund. These arrangements are agreed locally.<P>A copy of the current terms and conditions of grant for the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund, produced by the Scottish Executive Development Department in 1999, has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11476).","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150093,"EventID":"S1W-13356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, what the current terms and conditions of grant are in relation to Social Inclusion ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, what the current terms and conditions of grant are in relation to Social Inclusion Partnership funding.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13355.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150094,"EventID":"S1W-13357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, when it expects to publish the new terms and conditions of grant in relation to Soc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, when it expects to publish the new terms and conditions of grant in relation to Social Inclusion Partnership funding.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13355.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150095,"EventID":"S1W-13358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, whether the terms and conditions on which Social Inclusion Partnership funding is a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12843 by Ms Margaret Curran on 8 February 2001, whether the terms and conditions on which Social Inclusion Partnership funding is allocated to particular projects are set locally or by the Executive.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13355.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150096,"EventID":"S1W-13359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the full costs involved in publishing, launching and distributing A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the full costs involved in publishing, launching and distributing A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT SIZE=2>The full cost of the publishing and distribution of the <I>Framework for</I> <I>Maternity Services in Scotland</I> is £126,015. This includes the distribution of relevant information to professionals including GPs, midwives and health visitors and to pregnant women themselves through for example GP surgeries and ante-natal clinics. Effective communication and dissemination of the Framework is essential to foster effective implementation.</B></FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150097,"EventID":"S1W-13360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimated additional policing costs will result from the delayed visit by the Irish Prime Minister to the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Carfin Grotto.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimated additional policing costs will result from the delayed visit by the Irish Prime Minister to the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Carfin Grotto.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold information on the cost of policing individual events. These involve operational decisions which are matters for Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150098,"EventID":"S1W-13361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12469 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 February 2001, who received payments under the Engineering Technicians programme; what the level o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12469 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 February 2001, who received payments under the Engineering Technicians programme; what the level of payment was in each case and when each payment was made.","AnswerText":"No payments have so far been made to KLITRA, the training body offered funding by DTI under this scheme. KLITRA is currently setting up this training programme which is due to begin in May. Payments will be made retrospectively against claims for setting up the programme and for each person trained.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150099,"EventID":"S1W-13362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12469 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 February 2001, whether it will detail the projects which have received funding from the #2 million","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12469 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 February 2001, whether it will detail the projects which have received funding from the #2 million towards retraining; what the allocation was to each project and when each payment was made.","AnswerText":"The £2 million is based on estimates provided by Local Enterprise Companies of the costs of helping redundant textile employees find new employment in the last six months of 2000. Support was tailored to suit local and individual needs and included customised training, employment grants, job shops, jobs fairs and a range of advice on employment, benefits, interviewing skills, CV preparation and financial matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150100,"EventID":"S1W-13363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-12075 and S1W-12842 by Sarah Boyack on 18 December 2000 and 8 February 2001 respectively, why there is a difference of #46 million","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-12075 and S1W-12842 by Sarah Boyack on 18 December 2000 and 8 February 2001 respectively, why there is a difference of #46 million between the value of the surplus of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes and the amount which is expected to be distributed to members; what these remaining funds will be used for; who will hold these funds and whether any part of these funds will accrue to the Scottish Executive, Her Majesty's Government or any other public body.","AnswerText":"The treatment of the surplus represents unfinished pre-devolution business. The UK Government's long established position has been that the surplus should go to the UK Exchequer, and the Scottish Assigned Budget Settlement has been progressed on that basis.<P>There is no legal entitlement on the part of Scottish Transport Group pension scheme members to share in the surplus. Scottish Ministers have, however, agreed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer that ex-gratia payments should be made to STG pension scheme members which would be broadly equivalent to the final settlement for National Bus Company pension scheme members south of the border. An appropriate amount has accordingly been earmarked for distribution.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150101,"EventID":"S1W-13364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2888 by Sarah Boyack on 1 February 2001, why the steps to be taken to identify members who will be entitled to receive payments fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2888 by Sarah Boyack on 1 February 2001, why the steps to be taken to identify members who will be entitled to receive payments from the surplus of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes have not been started already; whether there is any reason why these steps cannot be taken at present; whether it has raised this issue with the schemes' trustees; whether the membership records available are known to be missing details of some members who may be eligible, and whether the records contain up-to-date address information.","AnswerText":"Once the Scottish Transport Group is wound-up the Scottish Executive will be able to access the records held by the Trustees to the pension schemes. We expect these records will require some updating particularly as regards current addresses. In advance of wind-up, however, we have taken the following steps towards such updating: we have set up a dedicated phone line with voicemail advising callers to write to us for a pro-forma to register their interest and a letter providing background to the announcement; we have spoken and/or written to the main trade unions advising them of the position and have provided them with material to pass to their members who are making enquiries; we have written to the Confederation of Passenger Transport to explain the position and asked them to provide our information to all their Scottish bus company members, again supplying pro-formas for pension scheme members to send to us to help verify records; we have written to CalMac in similar vein (some of their employees will have been in STG pension schemes); and we propose to set up a departmental web page from which access to the latest information and pro-forma will be available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150102,"EventID":"S1W-13365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the basis on which the Central Legal Office of the NHS in Scotland charges health boards and NHS Trusts in respect of the legal services which it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the basis on which the Central Legal Office of the NHS in Scotland charges health boards and NHS Trusts in respect of the legal services which it provides to them.","AnswerText":"The Central Legal Office derives its income solely from NHS authorities on a cost recovery basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150103,"EventID":"S1W-13366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount of fees paid to the Central Legal Office of the NHS in Scotland by NHS Trusts and health boards for legal services was in each of the last three fin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount of fees paid to the Central Legal Office of the NHS in Scotland by NHS Trusts and health boards for legal services was in each of the last three financial years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>NHS Boards</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£806,439.38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£752,052.15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£596,693.35</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>NHS Trusts</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,557,442.30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,925,399.70</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2,124,099.00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2,363,881.68</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2,677,451.85</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2,720,792.35</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150104,"EventID":"S1W-13367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which ministers have attended formal and informal meetings of the EU Council of Ministers since 1 July 1999, specifying the date and subject of each of these meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which ministers have attended formal and informal meetings of the EU Council of Ministers since 1 July 1999, specifying the date and subject of each of these meetings.","AnswerText":"The information is given in the table:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scottish Minister's Attendance at Council<P>1 July 1999 - 8 March 2001<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><CENTER><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=493><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Date</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Minister</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24-25 Sep</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Informal meeting of Ministers of Education</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Sam Galbraith</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>26 Oct</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Council<P>(Luxembourg)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>John Home Robertson</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>22 Nov</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>John Home Robertson</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>13 Dec</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Environment Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Sarah Boyack</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>14 Dec </TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Agriculture Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ross Finnie</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>16 Dec</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>John Home Robertson</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>17-18 March</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Informal Council for Ministers of  Lifelong Learning<P>(Portugal)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Nicol Stephen</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>20 March</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Agriculture Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ross Finnie</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8 June</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Education Council <P>(Luxembourg)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Nicol Stephen</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>16 June</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Council<P>(Luxembourg)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>John Home Robertson</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>22 June</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Environment Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Sarah Boyack</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>17 Nov</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rhona Brankin</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>20 Nov</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Agriculture Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ross Finnie</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>30 Nov</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Justice and Home Affairs Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Jim Wallace</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>14-15 Dec</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Council<P>(Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rhona Brankin</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>12 February</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Education and Youth Council (Brussels)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Nicol Stephen</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VAL","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150105,"EventID":"S1W-13368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many formal and informal meetings of the EU Council of Ministers it has been informed about in advance by departments of Her Majesty's Government since 1 July 1999, s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many formal and informal meetings of the EU Council of Ministers it has been informed about in advance by departments of Her Majesty's Government since 1 July 1999, specifying the date and subject of each of these meetings.","AnswerText":"The Executive is informed by UK Government Departments of all formal and informal meetings of the EU Council.<P>Details of these meetings are set out in the tables:<P>FORMAL EU COUNCIL MEETINGS<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=517><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">DATE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">COUNCIL</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>12.7.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>ECOFIN</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>16.7.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>BUDGET</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>19-20.7.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>GENERAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>19.7.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>AGRICULTURE</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29.7.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>GENERAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>13.9.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>GENERAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>27.9.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>AGRICULTURE</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>JUSTICE &amp; HOME AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>6.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>TRANSPORT</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>ECOFIN</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>11-12.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>GENERAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>12.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>ENVIRONMENT</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>22.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>LABOUR &amp; SOCIAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>26.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>FISHERIES</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>INTERNAL MARKET</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29.10.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>JUSTICE &amp; HOME AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>ECOFIN</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>CONSUMERS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>INDUSTRY</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>11.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>DEVELOPMENT</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>12.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>LABOUR &amp; SOCIAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>15-16.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>GENERAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>15.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>AGRICULTURE</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>18.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>HEALTH</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>22.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>FISHERIES</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>23.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>CULTURE</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>23.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>YOUTH</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>25-26.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>BUDGET</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>26.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>EDUCATION</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>ECOFIN</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>LABOUR &amp; SOCIAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>30.11.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>TELECOMMUNICATIONS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29.11.99 - 3.12.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>GENERAL AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2.12.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>JUSTICE &amp; HOME AFFAIRS</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2.12.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"71%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>ENERG","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150106,"EventID":"S1W-13369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many UK delegations to either formal or informal EU Council of Ministers meetings have been led by Scottish Executive ministers since 1 July 1999, specifying the date","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many UK delegations to either formal or informal EU Council of Ministers meetings have been led by Scottish Executive ministers since 1 July 1999, specifying the date and subject of each of these meetings.","AnswerText":"Two. A Scottish Executive Minister led at the Education Council on 8 June 2000 and at the Education Council Meeting on 12 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150107,"EventID":"S1W-13370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers have been attended by Scottish Executive officials since 1 July 1999, specifying the dat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers have been attended by Scottish Executive officials since 1 July 1999, specifying the date and subject of each of these meetings.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table. No distinction is made in our records between &quot;working groups&quot;, &quot;technical committees&quot; and &quot;working parties&quot;: all are classed as working groups.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Attendance At Council Working Group Meetings By Scottish Executive Officials<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1 July 1999 - 31 December 2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=505><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Date</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Working Group </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>1 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Internal Fisheries Group</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>5 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Committee on Civil Law</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>8 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Environment WG</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>8 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Education Committee</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>9 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Environment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>9 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Education Committee</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>14 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Committee on Civil Law</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>15 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Internal Fisheries Group</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>22 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Environment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>22 July</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>External Fisheries Group</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>9 Sept</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>EC Education Committee Meeting</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>9 Sept</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Internal Fisheries Group Meeting</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>16-17 Sept</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>EC Education Committee Meeting</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>23-24 Sept</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Environment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>28 Sept</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Research</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>29-30 Sept</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Internal/External Fisheries Group Meeting</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>12 Oct</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>External Fisheries</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>11-13 Oct</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Civil Law Committee (Rome II)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>18-19 Oct</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Council WG of Vet Experts, regarding ISA&nbsp;-&nbsp;Brussels</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPA","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150108,"EventID":"S1W-13371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times Scottish Executive officials have attended technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers as the lead UK officials since 1 July 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times Scottish Executive officials have attended technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers as the lead UK officials since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not recorded by the Executive in the working records of such meetings and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150109,"EventID":"S1W-13372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers it has been informed about in advance by UKREP since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers it has been informed about in advance by UKREP since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13373.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150110,"EventID":"S1W-13373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers it has been informed about in advance by departments of Her Majesty's Government since 1 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many technical committees and working parties of the EU Council of Ministers it has been informed about in advance by departments of Her Majesty's Government since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Under the arrangements set out in the EU Concordat the Executive is informed by UK Government Departments of all technical committee and working party meetings in which it has an interest.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150111,"EventID":"S1W-13374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Joint Ministerial Committee meetings regarding European Union issues have been held since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many Joint Ministerial Committee meetings regarding European Union issues have been held since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Committee on Europe met for the first time on 1 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150112,"EventID":"S1W-13375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many working meetings have been held between Scottish Executive ministers and members of the European Commission since 1 July 1999, specifying the date and subject o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many working meetings have been held between Scottish Executive ministers and members of the European Commission since 1 July 1999, specifying the date and subject of each of these meetings and the names of the ministers and commissioners present at each.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table.<P>Meetings between Scottish Executive Ministers and EU Commissioners<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=498><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1 July 1999 - end February 2001</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Date</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Minister</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commisioner</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>11 Oct 1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Jack McConnell<P>Donald Dewar</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Barnier<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Scotland Week : Introductory meeting</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">11 Oct 1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Donald Dewar</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Bolkestein<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Scotland Week : Introductory meeting</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">12 Oct 1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Donald Dewar<P>Jack McConnell</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Kinnock<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Renewing Democracy</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">12 Oct 1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Donald Dewar<P>Ross Finnie</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Fischler<P>Commissioner Byrne<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Scotland Week : Introductory meeting</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>13 Oct 1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sarah Boyack</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Wallstrom<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Scottish, and EU, Environmental Policy</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1 July 1999 - end February 2001</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">14 Oct 1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Henry McLeish</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Liikanen<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland Week : Introductory meeting</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">28 Feb 2000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sarah Boyack</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Wallstrom<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Environmental issues : Informal</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">22 Mar 2000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Jack McConnell</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Schreyer<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Structural Funds : Funding and Audit issues</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">23  Mar 2000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Jack McConnell</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Commissioner Barnier<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Subject</U><P>Structural Funds : Highlands and Islands funding</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">7 Apr  2000</FONT></TD><TD ","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150113,"EventID":"S1W-13376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when will it make an announcement on compensation for victims of variant Creut'feldt Jakob Disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when will it make an announcement on compensation for victims of variant Creut'feldt Jakob Disease.","AnswerText":"In my statement to the Parliament on 26&nbsp;October 2000, I said that the UK Government were looking to put in place financial arrangements to benefit those with vCJD and their families. Constructing a compensation scheme that is effective and properly meets the needs of those affected is not an easy task.  However, I am pleased to say that the UK Government will be making interim payments of £25,000 when regulations have been put in place to ensure the payments are not taken into account in the calculation of income-related social security benefits and are exempted from the provisions of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997. Details of the full compensation package are still under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150114,"EventID":"S1W-13377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in light of the recommendations contained in the report of the Dog Identification Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in light of the recommendations contained in the report of the Dog Identification Group.","AnswerText":"Following careful consideration of the recommendations made by the Dog Identification Group we have decided to publish its report in Scotland so that anyone with an interest in dog issues has the opportunity to comment. The report will be published today and copies will be available from the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Executive Summary of the report will be put on the Scottish Executive website. We will consider all responses carefully before determining the way forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150115,"EventID":"S1W-13378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow City Council's housing debt will be transferred to it or remain with the council should tenants vote for stock transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow City Council's housing debt will be transferred to it or remain with the council should tenants vote for stock transfer.","AnswerText":"As indicated in written evidence to the Social Inclusion Committee from the former Minister for Communities, Ms Wendy Alexander, (SP Paper 161, Session 1 (2000)) where a whole stock transfer proposal represents good value for money and is selected to proceed and where the local authority's housing debt exceeds the receipt raised from the disposal of the stock, assistance will be available as follows:<P>The receipt would be used to repay part of the council's outstanding housing debt;<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The cost of the premature repayment of debt (i.e. the breakage costs) would be met with resources provided by the Scottish Executive;<P>The cost of servicing the remaining (i.e. residual) debt would also be met by resources provided by the Scottish Executive.<P>The mechanisms for delivering on this commitment will be discussed with councils as part of the process of appraising applications for approval to transfer.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150116,"EventID":"S1W-13379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the (a) interest and (b) principal on Glasgow City Council's housing debt it will service, in both cash terms and as a percentage of the outstanding debt, sho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the (a) interest and (b) principal on Glasgow City Council's housing debt it will service, in both cash terms and as a percentage of the outstanding debt, should the debt remain with the council following the housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13381.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150117,"EventID":"S1W-13380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the time period is for the refurbishment of all transferred council housing in Glasgow should the tenants vote for stock transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the time period is for the refurbishment of all transferred council housing in Glasgow should the tenants vote for stock transfer.","AnswerText":"The proposed time period for the refurbishment will be set out in the business plan to be produced by the Glasgow Housing Association. That business plan is currently being prepared.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150118,"EventID":"S1W-13381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if Glasgow City Council's housing debt will remain on the books of the council following stock transfer, over what time period it will expect the debt to be cleared.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if Glasgow City Council's housing debt will remain on the books of the council following stock transfer, over what time period it will expect the debt to be cleared.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer to question S1W-13378. Until an application to transfer has been received from the council it is not possible to say what level of debt may remain outstanding, nor how long it might take to repay such debt.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150119,"EventID":"S1W-13382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to diversify the economy to reduce the dependence of exports on a few key sectors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to diversify the economy to reduce the dependence of exports on a few key sectors.","AnswerText":"The current Export Development Strategy for Scotland recognised the need to widen the base of exporting industries in Scotland. Within this objective, a number of priority sectors were identified and in all these, initiatives to help grow international business have been undertaken.<P>The Scottish Executive is committed to building on this, creating the necessary environment for Scottish business to succeed in the global economy. We will publish a Global Connections Strategy later this year, to further develop the vision set out in <I>A Smart, Successful Scotland</I>, of how the Executive and the Enterprise Networks can work in partnership to support further growth in global markets.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150120,"EventID":"S1W-13383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much timber was produced by Ae Forest District in the year 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much timber was produced by Ae Forest District in the year 2000.","AnswerText":"About 230,000 cubic metres of timber were harvested from Ae Forest District last year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150121,"EventID":"S1W-13384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many visitors there were in the year 2000 to the forests in Ae Forest District.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many visitors there were in the year 2000 to the forests in Ae Forest District.","AnswerText":"There were over 300,000 visitors to Ae Forest District last year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150122,"EventID":"S1W-13385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12634 by Ross Finnie on 2 February 2001, what percentage of beef and sheep farmers who were eligible for the previous Hill Livestoc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12634 by Ross Finnie on 2 February 2001, what percentage of beef and sheep farmers who were eligible for the previous Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance will be worse off under the new less favoured area formula, broken down by Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department local office areas.","AnswerText":"It will not be possible to provide this information until all this year's area-based LFA claims have been processed and analysed.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150123,"EventID":"S1W-13386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees left the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last two years due to (a) finding another job, (b) sickness or other health reasons and (c) retirement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees left the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last two years due to (a) finding another job, (b) sickness or other health reasons and (c) retirement.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. The information available is as follows:<P>1999<OL TYPE=\"a\"><LI>various reasons or unspecified: 64</LI><LI>sickness or other health reasons: 22</LI><LI>retirement: 76</LI></OL><P>2000<OL TYPE=\"a\"><LI>various reasons or unspecified: 68</LI><LI>sickness or other health reasons: 14</LI></OL><P>retirement: 171","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150124,"EventID":"S1W-13387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit new staff to the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit new staff to the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>The need for recruitment to the SPS is kept under constant review and takes place according to business needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150125,"EventID":"S1W-13388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister has responsibility for data protection issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister has responsibility for data protection issues.","AnswerText":"Data protection is a reserved matter. When data protection issues arise they are considered by the Minister responsible for the policy area in which they occur.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150126,"EventID":"S1W-13389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to identify any changes to the civil and criminal legal frameworks which are required to encourage the development of e-commerce in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to identify any changes to the civil and criminal legal frameworks which are required to encourage the development of e-commerce in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working to identify those changes to Scottish law, both civil and criminal, that may be necessary to encourage e-commerce in Scotland. This work involves consideration by the Law Society of Scotland.<P>The Executive's aim is to bring forward Orders under section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 between 2001 and 2005. Priority legislative changes will be made later this year. This will include consultation of interested bodies. As well as assisting e-commerce generally, this will enable us to meet the <I>e-Government Strategy</I> target of making all government services available electronically by 2005. <P>Some related changes have already taken place. The Scottish Executive takes part in international negotiations about the use of electronic commerce and in particular the way in which arrangements for jurisdiction and procedure of the courts can reflect the increased use of electronic media for concluding agreements and entering into obligations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150127,"EventID":"S1W-13390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it proposes to hold another Scotland Week in Brussels or elsewhere.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it proposes to hold another Scotland Week in Brussels or elsewhere.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently considering - with its partners in Scotland House - how it might build on the success of the Scotland Week which was held in Brussels in October 1999, and I hope to announce our intentions before the Easter recess.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150128,"EventID":"S1W-13391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will be contributing to the Tartan Day celebrations in the United States.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will be contributing to the Tartan Day celebrations in the United States.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is planning to support events in Washington, Chicago and New York with a view to strengthening our links with the USA and promoting Scotland. A detailed programme is being developed in co-operation with the Scottish Parliament, organisations funded by the Executive that are active in the USA (for example Locate in Scotland and Visitscotland) and American organisations.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150129,"EventID":"S1W-13392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been in Scotland under the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been in Scotland under the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The statistical information necessary to answer this question is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150130,"EventID":"S1W-13393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any steps to monitor the effectiveness of the provisions of the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 and, if so, what the outcome has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any steps to monitor the effectiveness of the provisions of the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 and, if so, what the outcome has been.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials are in regular contact with roads authorities and utility companies on a number of issues. In addition, they attend meetings of the Road Authorities and Utility Companies (Scotland), a forum of representatives of the Scottish Joint Utilities Group and the road authorities. The forum discusses a variety of subjects, including the effectiveness of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150131,"EventID":"S1W-13394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the process is for amending the codes of practice in place under the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the process is for amending the codes of practice in place under the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991.","AnswerText":"Codes of Practice are kept under regular review and may be amended following consultation, as and when deemed necessary. This could be following the introduction of new or revised legislation or following on from representations received from roads authorities or utility companies.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150132,"EventID":"S1W-13395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the codes of practice in place under the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the codes of practice in place under the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991.","AnswerText":"As with other areas of roads legislation, the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and associated Codes of Practice are kept under regular review.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150133,"EventID":"S1W-13396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has been consulted by the European Commission in connection with plans to cut beef production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has been consulted by the European Commission in connection with plans to cut beef production.","AnswerText":"The Commission's plans could have a far-reaching impact on the Scottish beef industry. I attended the EU Agriculture Council on 19 February to ensure that the European Commission was made aware of my views on the various proposals.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150134,"EventID":"S1W-13397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact new European Commission proposals to cut beef production would have on Scotland if implemented, both in economic terms and more generally on rural communitie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact new European Commission proposals to cut beef production would have on Scotland if implemented, both in economic terms and more generally on rural communities.","AnswerText":"This is a very complex set of proposals, the impact of which would be extremely difficult to quantify in a purely Scottish context. I attended the Agriculture Council on 19 February to ensure that those elements of the package which might most adversely affect Scotland were resisted vigorously.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150135,"EventID":"S1W-13398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what response it has made or will make to the European Commission's proposals to cut beef production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what response it has made or will make to the European Commission's proposals to cut beef production.","AnswerText":"At the EU Agriculture Council on 19 February, I joined UK Agriculture Ministers in pressing for Europe's current beef over-supply to be tackled effectively but in a way which would not adversely affect those producing quality beef using extensive systems.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150136,"EventID":"S1W-13399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to increase the number of clinical placements available for physiotherapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to increase the number of clinical placements available for physiotherapists.","AnswerText":"The provision of clinical placements is a matter for the relevant higher education institution in conjunction with NHS Trusts, and supported by the Scottish Executive.<P>Any clinical area which provides a suitable learning experience for physiotherapists and is approved by their regulatory body as such, is available for clinical placement.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150137,"EventID":"S1W-13400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is planning to increase the number of university places for physiotherapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is planning to increase the number of university places for physiotherapists.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department has advised the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on the number of additional funded places for students undertaking pre-registration courses in the Professions Allied to Medicine. Physiotherapy was identified as an area of particular need. The council is currently considering this advice, and will make its funding announcements for 2001-02 in March.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150138,"EventID":"S1W-13401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been submitted by police forces in each of the last four years for assistance towards the establishment of air support; what the response was i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been submitted by police forces in each of the last four years for assistance towards the establishment of air support; what the response was in each case and whether it will provide details of the funding sought by and the nature of each application.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the provision of air support are operational matters for Chief Constables and police authorities and it is for them to take decisions on the costs and benefits of specific investment proposals in light of the resources available. Since 1997-98 there have been no formal applications for funding for the provision of air support. At that time an ACPOS Working Group concluded that if air cover was to be provided for Scottish police forces, the preferred approach would involve a national arrangement. This has been considered since by the Scottish Executive, police authorities and ACPOS without a final conclusion being reached. Earlier in the current financial year, Tayside Police wrote to the Scottish Executive Justice Department with an outline business case for setting up an air support unit in conjunction with Fife Constabulary. The response indicated that in the light of previous work on air support the department was unwilling to provide central funding for local provision, although that did not of course rule out the use of local funding where a case might be justified on the basis of local circumstances. This is the approach that has been adopted by Strathclyde which has leased a helicopter.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150139,"EventID":"S1W-13402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces have access to air support; where any such support units are based and what funding it provides for such services in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces have access to air support; where any such support units are based and what funding it provides for such services in each case.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Police currently have access to air support through an air support unit based at the city heliport in Glasgow. Funding for the police is provided annually through the GAE process and resources are not allocated to specific operational areas or policing tasks.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150140,"EventID":"S1W-13403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current training capacity is of the Police Training College, Tulliallan, expressed as a number of places, and what the capacity was in each of the last five year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current training capacity is of the Police Training College, Tulliallan, expressed as a number of places, and what the capacity was in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police College offers workplace and open and distance learning as well as residential training involving the use of special facilities so that there is no single measure of its training capacity. However its ability to offer residential training is constrained by the number of bed places it can provide. The number of bed places available on a daily basis over the past five years is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">432</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">316</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">425</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">425</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">733</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The figure for 1997-98 was affected by a move from dormitory accommodation to study bedrooms. The figure for 2000-01 reflects the sharing of bedrooms by probationers. This is intended to be a short-term measure for dealing with exceptionally high levels of recruitment by police forces.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150141,"EventID":"S1W-13404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the loss to the economy through the smuggling of fuel into Scotland and whether it has made any assessment of the extent of such smuggling in orde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the loss to the economy through the smuggling of fuel into Scotland and whether it has made any assessment of the extent of such smuggling in order to arrive at such an estimate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the smuggling of fuel.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150142,"EventID":"S1W-13405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions for the smuggling of fuel there were in each year since 1997 and what sentences were imposed in relation to any convictions in such cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions for the smuggling of fuel there were in each year since 1997 and what sentences were imposed in relation to any convictions in such cases.","AnswerText":"Cases of smuggling are not broken down for recording purposes according to the nature of the contraband and the information is consequently not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150143,"EventID":"S1W-13407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the sources of funding from the European Union which are available for telecommunications infrastructure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the sources of funding from the European Union which are available for telecommunications infrastructure.","AnswerText":"European Structural Funding for telecommunications infrastructure is available mainly in the Highlands &amp; Islands under the Special Transitional Programme. For 2000 to 2006, around £5.7 million is available for direct support for broadband network extension and a further £2.5 million to stimulate demand through encouraging business and community use. This European Funding together with local national funding will require to draw in additional private funding toward the total cost of activities.<P>Under Objective 2 Programmes, limited support is available for SMEs to connect to existing infrastructure only where such infrastructure provision is made available by other bodies.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150144,"EventID":"S1W-13408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what European Union grants for the telecommunications network have been accessed since May 1997 and whether it will detail the amount of each grant and the purpose of eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what European Union grants for the telecommunications network have been accessed since May 1997 and whether it will detail the amount of each grant and the purpose of each project.","AnswerText":"Since May 1997, European Structural Fund grants have been accessed towards funding the following projects.<P>Highlands &amp; Islands Mobile Telecommunications Network<B> </B><P>Total Costs:&#9;&#9;£15,040,000<P>ERDF Award:&#9;£3,800,000<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">To complete the GSM digital mobile telephony infrastructure in the Highlands and Islands and involves substantial investment in radio transmission sites and associated equipment.<P>Highlands &amp; Islands Digital Telecommunications Upgrade<P>Total Costs:&#9;&#9;£4,870,000<P>ERDF Award:&#9;£1,704,500<P>To allow upgrading of all remaining UXD5 fixed network telephone exchanges (197) and all remaining analogue transmission lines in the Highlands and Islands to full digital operation. This completes the fixed digital network telecommunication infrastructure.<P>Trunk Telecommunications Upgrade to Islands &amp; Argyll<P>Total Costs:&#9;&#9;£9,817,460<P>ERDF Award:&#9;£2,774,000<P>To enable Scottish Telecom to upgrade the trunk telecommunications network to provide a high capacity supply to peripheral parts of the Highlands and Islands. Entails the installation of enhanced microwave and fibre trunk links between Inverness and remote parts of the mainland and new microwave links to the island groups.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Crichton IT Link <P>Total Costs:&#9;&#9;£1,575,166<P>ERDF Award:&#9;£350,317<FONT SIZE=2> <P>To provide a high bandwidth communications link using fibre optic technology between the Crichton Campus in Dumfries and suppliers network in Glasgow allowing users access to a range, level and quality of communications services not previously available in Dumfries and Galloway.<P>Building a 21<SUP> </SUP>st Century Economy<P>Total Costs:&#9;&#9;£2,400,400<P>ERDF Award:&#9;£350,400<P>To link SMEs in Govan to high speed telecommunications infrastructure.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150145,"EventID":"S1W-13409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify a minimum megabyte capacity for telecommunications infrastructure in new residential buildings and, if so, what this capacity will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify a minimum megabyte capacity for telecommunications infrastructure in new residential buildings and, if so, what this capacity will be.","AnswerText":"Building regulations are the main mechanism for specifying standards for new buildings. There is no requirement within the building regulations for telecommunications provision and we have no plans, at present, to introduce any minimum standard.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150146,"EventID":"S1W-13410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that planning regulations address the telecommunications needs of the 21st century.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that planning regulations address the telecommunications needs of the 21st century.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the importance of the telecommunications sector to Scotland. As an example, the recent consultation package on &quot;Planning and Radio Telecommunications&quot;, prompted by concerns about mobile phone masts, was drawn up in consultation with the telecommunications industry, among others. The revised planning controls for mobile phone masts should be in place by the middle of the year.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150147,"EventID":"S1W-13411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to amend the planning system to make it a requirement that fibre optic telecommunications are installed in new industrial parks and housing estates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to amend the planning system to make it a requirement that fibre optic telecommunications are installed in new industrial parks and housing estates.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans. The proposed review of National Planning Policy Guideline 2 on Business and Industry will consider the planning implications for business and industry development of advances in information and communications technology.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150148,"EventID":"S1W-13412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was provided by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council for research and development in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was provided by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council for research and development in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The allocations are:<DIR><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1995-96:&#9;£102 million<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1996-97:&#9;£104 million<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1997-98:&#9;£109 million<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1998-99:&#9;£120 million<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1999-2000:&#9;£129 million<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2000-01:&#9;£136 million</DIR><P>It should be noted that these figures: relate to the budget in each academic year; exclude smaller non-formula initiatives during the period; and relate to funding for research infrastructure, as SHEFC does not provide funding for &quot;development&quot;.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150149,"EventID":"S1W-13413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its better regulation strategy and review of small business rate relief as detailed in Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its better regulation strategy and review of small business rate relief as detailed in Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the importance to business, and in particular small business, of tackling red tape and business rates. We therefore committed ourselves to action in these two areas in <I>Working together</I> <I>for Scotland: A Programme for Government</I>. I am pleased that tomorrow I can announce the details of the Executive's better regulation strategy. The Minister for Finance and Local Government will also announce a package of measures on rate relief.<P>The better regulation strategy demonstrates the Executive's commitment to improving the regulatory environment and helping Scottish businesses to thrive. New initiatives include a requirement to review regularly all regulations which have a significant impact on business and for which the Executive is responsible, and working in partnership with business organisations to improve business forms. I will also tomorrow publish the details through the Executive's website.<P>We are restricting the non-domestic rate poundage to 47.0p for 2001-02, a reduction in real terms.<P>To provide further help for small businesses, we are introducing a 2p discount for business premises with a rateable value of £10,000 or less. That is double the discount for this year.<P>Tomorrow we will issue a consultation paper outlining a range of proposals for additional rates relief for small businesses, including farm enterprises and village shops. Copies will be placed in the Parliament's Information Centre and responses are invited by 18 May.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150150,"EventID":"S1W-13414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been made of the impact of digital technology on rural communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been made of the impact of digital technology on rural communities.","AnswerText":"The Executive is aware of the potential benefit of digital technology to rural areas. The Arkleton trust (Research) Ltd produced a report for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in 1995 evaluating the Highlands and Islands Telecommunications Initiative (HITI). The report showed that the initiative had exceeded its job creation targets. Presently HIE attribute over 3,000 jobs in the call centre sector in the region to the publicly supported infrastructure projects of the past decade, including the HITI.<P>The Executive is aware that local loop unbundling may have an impact on rural areas and has asked Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to collaborate on a study to consider the likely extent of local loop unbundling in Scotland and to suggest measures to maximise its impact.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150151,"EventID":"S1W-13415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist to ensure that rural communities are able to benefit from digital services such as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist to ensure that rural communities are able to benefit from digital services such as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering how the procurement of public sector broadband services might stimulate the wider supply of high bandwidth services by the industry to businesses and the community.<P>However, the Executive recognises that Public/Private Partnerships may be needed to overcome the scale of demand delivery in the more remote parts of Scotland, and welcomes the current activities of the Highlands &amp; Islands Partnership to secure European support for infrastructure development in such areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150152,"EventID":"S1W-13416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected percentage of people living in rural areas who will have access to digital technology is for each of the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected percentage of people living in rural areas who will have access to digital technology is for each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold information in the form requested. The &quot;UK online: the broadband future&quot; report, published this month by the Office of the e-Envoy maps out planned ADSL roll-out, areas served by cable operators and regions with broadband fixed wireless access (BFWA) licensees and, on this basis, estimates that some 15% to 20% of the UK population would be left unserved by higher bandwidth and broadband services by 2003. The report states that this figure probably overestimates coverage since the BFWA licensees are unlikely to offer services throughout the regions where they have licences.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150153,"EventID":"S1W-13417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities and voluntary organisations will be affected by the decision to withdraw water rates relief and how much additional income this measure will generate f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities and voluntary organisations will be affected by the decision to withdraw water rates relief and how much additional income this measure will generate for each water authority in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"I understand that just over 15,000 organisations in the above categories are affected by<FONT SIZE=2> withdrawal of reliefs.<P>Total revenue forgone as a result of existing reliefs to these bodies is as set out in the table. The withdrawal of reliefs is being phased in over a five-year period. For some groups, withdrawal began in April 2000, and for the remainder will begin in April 2001.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,299</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,404</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,259</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>TOTAL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,962</TD></TR></TABLE><P>These figures also take no account of the possibility that many organisations will take advantage of water metering, where this will reduce their costs. It is therefore likely that additional income to the authorities will accordingly be reduced.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150154,"EventID":"S1W-13418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation took place with the charity and voluntary sectors in connection with the decision to withdraw water rates relief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation took place with the charity and voluntary sectors in connection with the decision to withdraw water rates relief.","AnswerText":"Extensive consultations with these sectors have taken place over a number of years.<P>During July and August 1998, the East of Scotland Water Authority undertook a consultation exercise covering proposals for a new approach to charging non-domestic customers. This involved the issue of a booklet to a wide range of customers and representative bodies, including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). They also arranged a series of public meetings throughout the ESWA area.<P>The North of Scotland Water Authority undertook a similar exercise during the same period, taking the form of a series of public meetings and circulation of a booklet to representative bodies, again including the SCVO. In February 1999, they sent almost 1,000 letters to customers who would be impacted by the withdrawal of relief.<P>Additionally, the then Customers Council conducted its own research at this time.<P>In January 1999, the West of Scotland Water Authority wrote to almost 2,000 customers who would be affected by the withdrawal of reliefs from water charges.<P>The water authorities met jointly with the SCVO on 20 January 1999, when they detailed the reasons, timescales involved and approximate financial impacts of this decision.<P>A Minister from the former Scottish Office met the SCVO in April 1999 to discuss this issue, as did Sarah Boyack in July 1999. Separately, there has also been correspondence between Ministers, officials and the SCVO.<P>Most recently, in June of last year, the water authorities jointly consulted on a review of the policy of granting reliefs from water and wastewater charges to certain organisations. This involved the sending of individual letters and questionnaires to over 11,000 organisations as well as the representative bodies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150155,"EventID":"S1W-13419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in encouraging the integration of children's services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in encouraging the integration of children's services.","AnswerText":"We are today issuing to local authorities, the health service, the voluntary sector and others a consultation paper <I>Changing Children's Services Fund</I>, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. This sets out our proposals for the fund, which will encourage better, more innovative and more integrated services for children. Funding of £4 million will be available in 2001-02 for drug-related projects only, while £33 million will be available in 2002-03 and £44.5 million in 2003-04. Resources are being committed from the education, health and social justice budgets. This reflects the cross-cutting nature of this fund. It will encourage local authorities, the health service, the voluntary sector and others to work together for Scotland's children.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150156,"EventID":"S1W-13420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was provided by it or the Scottish Office in each year from 1997-98 to the current year for initiatives relating to workplace training in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was provided by it or the Scottish Office in each year from 1997-98 to the current year for initiatives relating to workplace training in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A number of workplace training initiatives are undertaken by the enterprise network, funded from within the block grant-in-aid provided by the Scottish Executive to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The details of the level of funding Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise allocate to these initiatives is being provided by these organisations to Mr MacAskill in response to his earlier questions. In addition, the Executive is also investing over £0.5 million this year in the new Scottish Union Learning Fund.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150157,"EventID":"S1W-13421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to promote workplace training in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to promote workplace training in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive works closely with the enterprise network, employer-led National Training Organisations and trade unions to promote training opportunities that are closely related to the needs of the workplace. Record numbers of Modern Apprentices are now in training because we have promoted the benefits of the programme to employers and young people. We have also established a Scottish Union Learning Fund to support trade union projects to promote workplace learning.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150158,"EventID":"S1W-13422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its priorities are in relation to workplace training in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its priorities are in relation to workplace training in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive places high priority on workplace training. <I>A Smart Successful Scotland</I> sets out our priority for meeting the demand for high quality in-work training, helping to ensure that every Scot is ready for tomorrow's jobs.<P>Priority is given to all 16 to 17-year-olds and to 18 to 24-year-olds who are pursuing a Modern Apprenticeship. From April 2001 the Training for Work programme will focus on tackling basic skills deficiencies, increasing employability through information and communication technology skills training and addressing local labour market needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150159,"EventID":"S1W-13423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much money from Scottish Executive or Scottish Office sources has been committed to the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh in each year from 1997-98 to the present, speci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much money from Scottish Executive or Scottish Office sources has been committed to the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh in each year from 1997-98 to the present, specifying the recipient organisation in each case.","AnswerText":"Information on Executive spending is not generally attributable to specific neighbourhoods, but the available information is as follows:<P>Identifiable Scottish Office/Scottish Executive spending in Craigmillar<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=612><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01 (plans)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Social Inclusion Partnership Fund</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.659</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.645</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.312</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.833</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>CCTV</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.040</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Community Safety</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.015</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>New Housing Partnerships Fund</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.110</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2.445</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£3.305</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£8.976</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The recipient organisations were as follows:<DIR><DIR><P>City of Edinburgh Council (SIP resources)<P>Thistle Foundation Estate (CCTV 1999-2000)<P>Magdalene Youth Project (community safety 2000-01)</DIR></DIR><P>City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Homes (NHP resources)","AnswerDate":"2001-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150160,"EventID":"S1W-13424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much grant has been given to each of Scotland's industrial museums in financial years (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000 and (c) 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much grant has been given to each of Scotland's industrial museums in financial years (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000 and (c) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The grants made by The Scottish Executive to industrial museums are set out in the following table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Museum</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Maritime Museum</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£55,000<P>Help with running costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£15,000<P>Help with consultancy</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£20,000 Help with running costs</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Mining Museum</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£85,000 Help with running costs<P>5,000 Help with consultancy</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£90,000 Help with running costs<P>£45,000 Help with running costs</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Fisheries Museum</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£30,000 Help with running costs</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150161,"EventID":"S1W-13425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to identify legislation which will require amendment as a consequence of the Electronic Communications Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to identify legislation which will require amendment as a consequence of the Electronic Communications Act 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13389.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150162,"EventID":"S1W-13426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to manage the process of amending legislation as a consequence of the Electronic Communications Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to manage the process of amending legislation as a consequence of the Electronic Communications Act 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13389.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150163,"EventID":"S1W-13427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what system is in place to monitor the release of long-term care patients from the Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what system is in place to monitor the release of long-term care patients from the Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert.","AnswerText":"A Project Board, comprising senior managers from Forth Valley Health Board, Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust and Falkirk Council, is co-ordinating arrangements to discharge patients from the Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert as part of the reprovision and retraction of services currently provided at the hospital. Officials from the Scottish Executive meet with the Project Board quarterly to review progress.<P>No patient should be discharged from the hospital unless and until suitable alternative services and accommodation are in place. Under care management, social work professionals locally keep under review the provision of services for people with significant needs living in the community, including former patients of the hospital.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150164,"EventID":"S1W-13428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  (a) how many patients have been released from long-term care at the Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert; (b) what the average cost was of care packages to support ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  (a) how many patients have been released from long-term care at the Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert; (b) what the average cost was of care packages to support such patients; (c) what the initial and final destinations were of patients released into the community, and (d) what the number and percentage of patients were whose initial destination was (i) a long stay facility operated by a primary health care trust, (ii) a private sector residential nursing home and (iii) home, in each of the last five years and broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150165,"EventID":"S1W-13429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it has issued to health boards on the reception of patients released from long-term care at the Royal Scottish National Hospital at Larbert.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it has issued to health boards on the reception of patients released from long-term care at the Royal Scottish National Hospital at Larbert.","AnswerText":"Existing guidance on assessment and care management of people needing social care applies to former patients of the Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert. More generally, <I>The same as you?</I>, our review of learning disability services, aims to change markedly the quality of life of people with learning disabilities living in the community, including those formerly living in hospital.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150166,"EventID":"S1W-13430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial resources it has allocated to each health board to provide for care support packages for the long-term care of patients released from the Royal Scottish N","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial resources it has allocated to each health board to provide for care support packages for the long-term care of patients released from the Royal Scottish National Hospital at Larbert.","AnswerText":"In addition to the normal financial allocations made to the NHS and local authorities, the Executive has allocated £16.735 million to Forth Valley Health Board to help the health board and its planning partners meet non-recurrent costs associated with the reprovision and retraction of services currently provided at the Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert.<P>The Executive has also earmarked nearly £3 million for the provision of a new facility for those with learning difficulties in Forth Valley who require NHS continuing care.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150167,"EventID":"S1W-13431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the mental health frameworks in place in each health board area and the extent to which managers have regard to the framework in their area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the mental health frameworks in place in each health board area and the extent to which managers have regard to the framework in their area.","AnswerText":"The Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland sets a template by which the visiting Mental Health and Well Being Support Group assess and advise both locally and to the Scottish Executive on local agency progress. Senior managers of the health boards, NHS Trusts and the local authorities are involved in this process. The outcome reports of the visiting group are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the web at <A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg\">www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg</A>. Mental health services will also be included in the new comprehensive performance management framework for NHSScotland as announced in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150168,"EventID":"S1W-13432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the visit reports of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Group for each health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the visit reports of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Group for each health board.","AnswerText":"The outcome reports from the visits of the Mental Health and Well Being Support Group have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Future reports will also be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The reports and wider information on the work of the support group are available on website <A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg\">www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg</A>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150169,"EventID":"S1W-13433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have been in hospital awaiting a community care place in each health board area, broken down for each month since the establishment of the National Data ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have been in hospital awaiting a community care place in each health board area, broken down for each month since the establishment of the National Data Recording for Delayed Discharge, and how many of these have been mental health patients.","AnswerText":"The information as specified is not available centrally. Information on patients ready for discharge is currently available only for the national census carried out on 30 September 2000. Full details of the September 2000 census are available on website: <P><A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/scottish_health_statistics/subject/ready_for_discharge/sept00.pdf\">http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/scottish_health_statistics/subject/ready_for_discharge/sept00.pdf</A>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150170,"EventID":"S1W-13434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Scottish Enterprise staff have (a) expertise in rural development issues and (b) responsibilities including the implementation of Scottish Enterprise's commitment t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Scottish Enterprise staff have (a) expertise in rural development issues and (b) responsibilities including the implementation of Scottish Enterprise's commitment to rural communities.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask the Chairman of that organisation to write to Ms McGugan.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150171,"EventID":"S1W-13435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the study into supporting and developing rural communities following the disbandment of the Rural Forum will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the study into supporting and developing rural communities following the disbandment of the Rural Forum will be published.","AnswerText":"The Executive, together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Homes and CoSLA, has commissioned EKOS Limited to investigate the mechanisms which exist or are required to support rural communities. I understand that the final report is expected to be received by the commissioning bodies in March, and they will make a decision on publication thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150172,"EventID":"S1W-13436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was to the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) of producing the adverts promoting pig meat in respect of which complaints have been upheld by the Advertisin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was to the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) of producing the adverts promoting pig meat in respect of which complaints have been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority and whether any minister has been in touch with the MLC in connection with this initiative.","AnswerText":"The cost of producing the adverts was £115,542 and the media costs to place the adverts were £735,000. This was part of a £4.6 million three-stage pig meat advertising campaign run by the MLC.<P>This MLC Pig Meat advertising campaign was not run in Scotland. The Scottish Executive was not involved in the campaign, did not contribute to it and no Scottish Minister had been in contact with the MLC about this initiative. A separate £600,000 MLC-funded Scottish campaign promoting pork as a &quot;lean and healthy&quot; product was run by Quality Meat Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150173,"EventID":"S1W-13437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8554 by Sarah Boyack on 19 July 2000, in relation to how many of the accidents which took place on the A725 in each of the last fiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8554 by Sarah Boyack on 19 July 2000, in relation to how many of the accidents which took place on the A725 in each of the last five years were winter weather conditions reported as an attributable factor, broken down by local authority area and specifying in each case the number of fatalities and serious injuries.","AnswerText":"The number of fatal and serious injury accidents on the A725 in each of the last five years where winter weather conditions were an attributable factor is as follows:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">South Lanarkshire<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=274><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Fatal</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Serious</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR></TABLE><P>There were no fatal or serious injury accidents in North Lanarkshire where winter weather conditions were an attributable factor.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150174,"EventID":"S1W-13438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what meetings have taken place and on what dates between its Rural Affairs Department (SERAD) and the European Commission on the Commission's proposals for changes to th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what meetings have taken place and on what dates between its Rural Affairs Department (SERAD) and the European Commission on the Commission's proposals for changes to the suckler cow and beef special premium schemes; when SERAD first became aware of any of these proposals, and whether it has opposed the introduction of any of them.","AnswerText":"The Commission Proposals to the Council of Europe were published on 13 February. An official from the Scottish Executive was present when they were discussed at the Council's Special Committee of Agriculture on 26 February and 12 March. I attended the Agriculture Council on 19 February and an official attended a Council Working Group on Wednesday 28 February. On each occasion, our strong opposition was expressed to elements of the proposals that could adversely affect Scotland's beef industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150175,"EventID":"S1W-13439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it stated that the Minister for Rural Development attended a meeting of the Council of Ministers on 20 October 1999 when that meeting did not take place and what the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it stated that the Minister for Rural Development attended a meeting of the Council of Ministers on 20 October 1999 when that meeting did not take place and what the explanation is for this discrepancy.","AnswerText":"An Agriculture Council was scheduled for that week and it was thought that Mr Finnie would attend. The meeting was cancelled but because of an administrative oversight the information which had been entered on the department's database was not amended. Steps have now been taken to prevent similar errors occuring in the future. Information on ministerial attendance at EU meetings provided to the Parliament's Reference Centre has been amended.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150176,"EventID":"S1W-13440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to represent farming interests at future meetings of the Agriculture Council and the Council of Ministers and, if so, on what dates it will attend meeti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to represent farming interests at future meetings of the Agriculture Council and the Council of Ministers and, if so, on what dates it will attend meetings and what position it will take in respect of the proposals for changes to the suckler cow and beef special premium schemes and their effect on the farming industry.","AnswerText":"I attended the Agriculture Council on 19 February where I made clear my opposition to the proposals that affected the Suckler Cow and Beef Special Premium Schemes. You can be assured that there will be a Scottish Executive presence at any forthcoming meetings when proposals that affect the Scottish beef industry are discussed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150177,"EventID":"S1W-13441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies have been born in each of the last three years with problems resulting from their mothers being prescribed ben'odiaepines during pregnancy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies have been born in each of the last three years with problems resulting from their mothers being prescribed ben'odiaepines during pregnancy.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150178,"EventID":"S1W-13442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and support it intends to give to GPs with regard to the prescription of methadone and other substitute drugs in order to address the variations in prescrib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and support it intends to give to GPs with regard to the prescription of methadone and other substitute drugs in order to address the variations in prescribing practice reported in the Effective Interventions Unit's recent Consultation Workshop Report.","AnswerText":"The UK guidelines on drug misuse, &quot;Drug Misuse and Dependence Guidelines on Clinical Management&quot;, provide clear guidance on the prescription of methadone and other substitute drugs. Implementation of that guidance will help to address the variations in prescribing practice reported in the Effective Interventions Unit's (EIU) recent consultation workshop report.<P>In addition, we are working closely with Royal College of General Practitioners and others to look at what further training requires to be given to GPs to help them implement this guidance.<P>The EIU will also be looking at the training and support needs of GPs and primary care teams as part of its detailed work, now under way, on effective shared care arrangements for drug users. There will be a focus on the development of local training strategies to meet local needs. The EIU will be consulting widely with practitioners over the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150179,"EventID":"S1W-13443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, below senior civil service grade, resigned or transferred to other departments within the civil se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, below senior civil service grade, resigned or transferred to other departments within the civil service in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) the first two months of 2001, broken down by (i) grade and (ii) number of years of service and what reasons were given for such departures.","AnswerText":"The numbers of legal staff below senior civil service level who resigned or transferred to other departments are shown in the table. The leavers represent a turnover of between 2% and 4% for this group of staff. It is not our policy to divulge personal details of members of staff.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=583><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Resignation</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Transfer</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Range of Length of Service</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 Procurator Fiscal 6 Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8 months to 5 years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2 Procurators Fiscal 4 Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Nil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 year to 17 years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>10 Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 years to18 years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>6 Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1Principal Depute 2 Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3 months to 10 years</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Nil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4 years</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150180,"EventID":"S1W-13444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total complement of legal staff in the Crown Office (CO) and Procurator Fiscal Service (PFS), below senior civil service grade, was in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 19","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total complement of legal staff in the Crown Office (CO) and Procurator Fiscal Service (PFS), below senior civil service grade, was in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) the first two months of 2001, categorised by (i) grade and (ii) number of years of service in the CO or PFS.","AnswerText":"There is no fixed complement of staff, however the legal staff below senior civil service level in post (full-time equivalent figures) at 1 February for each of the last five years is shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=608><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Date</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Principal Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Senior and Senior Principal Deputes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Procurators Fiscal</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>01/02/97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">207.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>240.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>01/02/98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">151.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>243.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>01/02/99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">153.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>246.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>01/02/00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">178.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>274.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>01/02/01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">189.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>294.6</TD></TR></TABLE><P>* Grade introduced in April 1997. At that time 60 deputes were appointed to the new level.<P>The number of years service per staff from 1997 to 2000 is not readily available. The current breakdown is shown in the answer to question S1W-13448.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150181,"EventID":"S1W-13445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff employed in the Crown Office (CO) and Procurator Fiscal Service (PFS), excluding Crown Counsel but including senior civil service grades, have been s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff employed in the Crown Office (CO) and Procurator Fiscal Service (PFS), excluding Crown Counsel but including senior civil service grades, have been seconded to work on the Lockerbie trial in each year since 1997 and how many are currently seconded, categorised in each case by (a) grade and (b) years of experience in the CO or PFS.","AnswerText":"The numbers, grades and years of experience of staff seconded to the case during the relevant years are as shown in the table. The details for 2001 also show the details for those currently seconded, who since 1999 have constituted the core group of seconded legal staff. The additional staff seconded in 1999 and 2000 served for varying periods of time, but generally for shorter periods in 2000 than in 1999.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Grade of Seconded Staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of Staff</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Years of Experience</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Senior Civil Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Principal Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 9 and 12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Senior Civil Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Principal Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 13 and 10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Senior Civil Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 21 and 22</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Principal Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 11, 14 and 20</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 1, 3 (x 4), 5 and 10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Senior Civil Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 12, 22 and 23</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Principal Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 4, 6, 11, 15 and 21</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 2 and 4 (x3)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Senior Civil Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 13 and 23 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Principal Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150182,"EventID":"S1W-13446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ad hoc legal staff and casual contract administrative staff, below senior civil service grade, have been employed in the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ad hoc legal staff and casual contract administrative staff, below senior civil service grade, have been employed in the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service, by region, in each year since 1997 and including the first two months of 2001, to cover (a) in the case of ad hoc legal staff, both court work and precognition work and (b) in the case of casual contract administrative staff, administration and precognition work.","AnswerText":"The numbers of casual administrative staff employed by region in each year since 1997 are given in the table. The numbers of ad-hoc legal staff are not readily available.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Region</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Range of contracts</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian, Highlands and Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 month to 9 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7 months to 9 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5 months to 8 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 months to 12 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside, Central and Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 month to 8 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 months to 11 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 months to 7 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 month to 8 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3 weeks to 2 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian and Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6 months to 10 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 month to 6 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3 months to 9 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1 month to 12 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2 months</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow </TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150183,"EventID":"S1W-13447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office will publish the Extract of the Staff Survey 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office will publish the Extract of the Staff Survey 2000.","AnswerText":"A staff survey has been held for a number of years within this department, under the direction and analysis of independent consultants. The last such internal exercise, agreed in partnership with the TUS, was held last summer. It served a number of purposes in support of staff pay and conditions, working environment, checking on pressures of work and stress issues, training and development systems including staff appraisal etc. The survey is used, in consultation with the TUS, to understand and improve various aspects of working conditions. It has been instrumental in the department's re-accreditation in December 2000 for Investor in People status. An independent summary of the findings and an action plan was circulated to all staff and the TUS in December 2000. There are no plans to publish these documents outwith the department.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150184,"EventID":"S1W-13448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff below senior civil service grade in (a) the Crown Office and (b) the Procurator Fiscal Service have (i) less than one year, (ii) between one and two ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff below senior civil service grade in (a) the Crown Office and (b) the Procurator Fiscal Service have (i) less than one year, (ii) between one and two years, (iii) between two and three years, (iv) between three and four years, (v) between four and five years, (vi) between six and eight years, (vii) between eight and 10 years and (viii) over 10 years of Fiscal experience and what the mode and mean salary is for legal staff below senior civil service grade in the Principal Procurator Fiscal depute and Procurator Fiscal depute grades.","AnswerText":"The numbers of legal staff by length of service are shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=548><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Length of service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Crown Office</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">PF Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Less than one year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Nil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1-2 years</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Nil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2-3 years</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3-4 years</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Nil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4-5 years</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>6-8 years</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8-10 years</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Over 10 years</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">126</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">147</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The mode and mean salaries are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=402><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Salary type</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Depute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Principal Depute</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Average </TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£28,936</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£41,494</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Mode </TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£22,750</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£34,700</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150185,"EventID":"S1W-13449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office or Procurator Fiscal Service will publish a list of the categories under which cases are marked and recorded as \"no proceedings\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office or Procurator Fiscal Service will publish a list of the categories under which cases are marked and recorded as \"no proceedings\".","AnswerText":"The statement made by Lord Mackay of Drumadoon to the Scottish Grand Committee and reported at 1996 SLT (News) 51 remains accurate. For statistical purposes, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service computer system recognises the following categories:<P>Insufficient admissible evidence<P>Triviality<P>Civil remedy more appropriate<P>Mitigating circumstances<P>Delay: Police/other reporting agency<P>Delay: Procurator Fiscal<P>Lack of court resources<P>PF staff shortage<P>Time-barred<P>Not a crime<P>No jurisdiction<P>Age of offence<P>Other specified reasons","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150186,"EventID":"S1W-13450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the functions and terms of reference are of the Quality and Practice Review Unit of the Crown Office/Procurator Fiscal Service; what arrangements have been made to e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the functions and terms of reference are of the Quality and Practice Review Unit of the Crown Office/Procurator Fiscal Service; what arrangements have been made to ensure its independence and impartiality, and to whom it is accountable.","AnswerText":"The functions and remit of the Quality and Practice Review Unit are described in the Crown Office &amp; Procurator Fiscal Service Annual Report 1999-2000, which was circulated to all members of the Scottish Parliament. The Quality and Practice Review Unit was established to enable the Department to complete a rolling programme of Reviews of individual Offices or Crown Office Units (Office Reviews) and cross Departmental Reviews of particular topics or areas of work (Thematic Reviews). The overall purpose of the Quality and Practice Review Unit is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of work of the Department and to promote and maintain public confidence in its work.<P>The Remit of the Quality and Practice Review Unit is to report to the Crown Agent on the quality of professional practice in the Department including decisions in cases, outcomes, and processes and other aspects of performance; to identify and promote good practice; to assist with the development of performance indicators; and where approved by the Crown Agent, to work with other agencies to improve the quality of service and the efficiency and effectiveness of the wider criminal justice system.<P>The Quality and Practice Review Unit is directly accountable to the Crown Agent and acts independently of the management regime within the Crown Office &amp; Procurator Fiscal Service. The Quality and Practice Review Unit has the authority of the Lord Advocate and Crown Agent to access all papers, files and computer records and to interview any member of Staff of the Department and Crown Counsel in connection with their work, subject to the limits of the Remit (general or specific) for that Review.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150187,"EventID":"S1W-13451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff are currently employed in non-operational legal work in the Quality and Practice Review Unit, categorised by (a) grade and (b) number of years of ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal staff are currently employed in non-operational legal work in the Quality and Practice Review Unit, categorised by (a) grade and (b) number of years of service in the Crown Office or Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"Legal staff currently employed in the Quality and Practice Review Unit comprise: <P>Head of Unit, who is a member of the Senior Civil Service, and two Principal Deputes. All have more than 10 years service.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150188,"EventID":"S1W-13452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been employed by local enterprise companies or other public bodies in connection with initiatives which provide or facilitate the provision of workpl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been employed by local enterprise companies or other public bodies in connection with initiatives which provide or facilitate the provision of workplace training in each year since 1997 and whether it holds any estimate of the number of people working on such initiatives in the private sector.","AnswerText":"The question of local enterprise companies is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask them to write to Mr MacAskill with the information requested. No such data is held for other public bodies. According to the labour force survey, in 1999 there were around 5,000 people employed as trainers in private sector organisations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150189,"EventID":"S1W-13453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each (a) local enterprise company and (b) local authority has spent on initiatives promoting or facilitating the provision of workplace training in each year sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each (a) local enterprise company and (b) local authority has spent on initiatives promoting or facilitating the provision of workplace training in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The data by local enterprise company is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask them to write to Mr MacAskill with the information requested. No such data for local authorities is held by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150190,"EventID":"S1W-13454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value was of skillseekers' training allowances paid in each year from 1997-98 to present, broken down by (i) local enterprise company area and (ii) skill a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value was of skillseekers' training allowances paid in each year from 1997-98 to present, broken down by (i) local enterprise company area and (ii) skill area.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask them to write to Mr MacAskill with the information requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150191,"EventID":"S1W-13455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have met with the Office of Telecommunications (OFTEL) since July 1999 to discuss developments in digital technologies and communications; who at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have met with the Office of Telecommunications (OFTEL) since July 1999 to discuss developments in digital technologies and communications; who attended any such meetings; what matters were discussed, and specifically whether the establishment of an OFTEL office in Scotland to oversee and monitor such developments was discussed.","AnswerText":"Telecommunications regulation is reserved. The Scottish Executive holds discussions with UK Departments and other organisations, including OFTEL, as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150192,"EventID":"S1W-13456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on telecommunications infrastructure in each year since 1997; what the projected expenditure is for each year to 2003, and whether it will itemise t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on telecommunications infrastructure in each year since 1997; what the projected expenditure is for each year to 2003, and whether it will itemise this expenditure, giving timescales for when this money was or will be spent.","AnswerText":"Investment in telecommunications infrastructure is largely a matter for the private sector. However, European funds have been allocated for this purpose in the Highlands &amp; Islands and a broad range of public sector organisations, including the Executive, invest in infrastructure where this is necessary for their own use.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150193,"EventID":"S1W-13457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the current capacity and capability of international telecommunication connections to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the current capacity and capability of international telecommunication connections to Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scotland's international telecoms connectivity is via Telehouse in London's Docklands which is the focus of most of the UK's international telecoms connectivity.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Research carried out for Scottish Enterprise last year on Scotland's telecoms infrastructure advised that Scotland is served by a number of suppliers and that capacity on their backbone networks is not currently an issue.<P>Scottish Enterprise is conducting further research into the wholesale market and international connectivity. The report is expected to be complete later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150194,"EventID":"S1W-13458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the findings of the PriceWaterhouseCoopers review of the Scottish Tourist Board and what the timescale is for this work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the findings of the PriceWaterhouseCoopers review of the Scottish Tourist Board and what the timescale is for this work.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the findings of the Management Review is primarily for visitscotland. I will ask the Interim Chief Executive to write to you.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150195,"EventID":"S1W-13459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all investigations, projects or working groups currently under way which are concerned with GP provision in rural areas, including the timescale fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all investigations, projects or working groups currently under way which are concerned with GP provision in rural areas, including the timescale for any such research and whether or not reports arising from the research have been or will be published.","AnswerText":"The following investigations, projects and working groups are currently under way:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Access to primary care<P>A research project is currently being undertaken by the Scottish Consumer Council on behalf of the Executive. The research focuses on the difficulties which patients in Scotland may face in accessing primary care. It does not have an exclusive focus on remote areas, although this is one of the dimensions being examined. A final report is due this month.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Remote and Rural GP Out of Hours Schemes<P>A total of eight projects have been supported by the primary care development fund to improve access to GP services out of hours in remote and rural areas.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative<P>The Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative is funded by the Executive to support the development of innovative approaches to providing health care in remote and rural areas. A number of the projects it is currently sponsoring relate to the provision of primary care services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150196,"EventID":"S1W-13460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new standard grade course in technological studies will proceed in the coming academic year and, if this matter is still under consideration, when a decision ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new standard grade course in technological studies will proceed in the coming academic year and, if this matter is still under consideration, when a decision will be announced.","AnswerText":"SQA has developed new General and Credit Standard Grade courses in technological studies which will be available from session 2001-02. The Foundation level course will be discontinued and pupils directed into courses more appropriate for their needs. A letter was issued on 2 May to presenting centres informing them of these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150197,"EventID":"S1W-13461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has undertaken into the effects of an ageing workforce on the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has undertaken into the effects of an ageing workforce on the economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's recently published strategy for the Enterprise Network, entitled <I>A Smart</I> <I>Successful Scotland</I>, (Parliament Reference Centre, Bib. no. 10982) made clear that demographic change and its impact on the Scottish Economy is a matter which needs further study.<P>The Scottish Executive has recently announced the establishment of a unit in Scottish Enterprise to be called &quot;Future Skills Scotland&quot;. The effects of an ageing workforce is an area in which Future Skills Scotland will have an interest in due course.<P>Scottish Enterprise is also concerned with this issue and has recently published a research paper on the subject in the Fraser of Allander Quarterly Economic Commentary (Volume 26, Number 1, January 2001). A copy of this paper is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11552).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150198,"EventID":"S1W-13462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what investigations it has undertaken into the effect on labour markets in rural areas of an ageing workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what investigations it has undertaken into the effect on labour markets in rural areas of an ageing workforce.","AnswerText":"No formal studies have been undertaken in this area, but the Scottish Executive's recently published strategy for the Enterprise Network, entitled <I>A Smart Successful Scotland</I>, (Parliament Reference Centre Bib reference number 10982) made clear that demographic change and its impact on the Scottish economy is a matter which needs further study.<P>The economic and social status of rural Scotland is routinely monitored. Over the period 1991-99 the rural population grew by 1.4% despite the stability of the overall Scottish population. Recent research has shown that, despite the perception that most rural migrants are of retirement age, a significant proportion of rural migrants are of working age, employed and with young children.<P>I would also refer the Member to the answer given to S1W-13461.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150199,"EventID":"S1W-13463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available to businesses to help them prepare for a general increase in age of the workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available to businesses to help them prepare for a general increase in age of the workforce.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise are at present actively examining the problem of population ageing together with business groups such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). <P>The CBI and the FSB have already been involved in the Foresight exercise in Scotland through the Ageing Population Panel which is co-ordinated by Scottish Enterprise. Over the next few months, Scottish Enterprise will be contacting these bodies to begin a more formalised dialogue on this subject. The outcome from these discussions is as yet unknown, but Scottish Enterprise will be encouraging these bodies to raise awareness with their members so that Scottish employers are encouraged to recruit older workers.<P>Scottish Enterprise also hope to run a conference this summer to raise awareness of the issues surrounding population ageing with members of these organisations and other external partners.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150200,"EventID":"S1W-13464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures it holds for Gross Domestic Product on a regional basis in 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures it holds for Gross Domestic Product on a regional basis in 2000.","AnswerText":"Figures are not available for Gross Domestic Product on a regional basis for 2000. The latest figures held are for 1996. Figures for 1998 are scheduled for release by the Office for National Statistics in April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150201,"EventID":"S1W-13465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average earnings were per adult in each region in 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average earnings were per adult in each region in 2000.","AnswerText":"Reliable figures on average gross weekly earnings of full time employees on adult rates are only available for 24 of the 32 unitary authorities in Scotland. These figures are shown in the following table. The data relate to April 2000.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Unitary Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=51><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Average gross weekly earnings (£)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">445.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">371.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">342.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">378.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scottish Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">326.3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">330.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">362.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">365.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">361.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Edinburgh City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">404.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">379.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">344.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Glasgow City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">391.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">351.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">356.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">375.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">346.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">373.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Perth &amp; Kinross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT F","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150202,"EventID":"S1W-13466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum annual income per household is which is considered to be above the poverty line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum annual income per household is which is considered to be above the poverty line.","AnswerText":"There are a range of indicators which can be used to measure poverty, of which low income is only one.<P>The Statistical Programme Committee of the European Union recommend using a range of different thresholds for the analysis of low income based on various percentages of mean (50%, 60%) and median (50%, 60%, 70%) equivalised income. The 60% median threshold has been recommended for use as the headline indicator. Data for these thresholds are set out in the <I>Social Justice Annual Report</I>. <P>The table illustrates the level of the low income threshold for various types of households in 1998-99 for 60% median GB net equivalised income. Equivalisation adjusts income according to household size and composition to reflect the extent to which households of different sizes require a different level of income to achieve the same standard of living. The actual level of the low income threshold is therefore different depending on the household composition. <P>Low Income Threshold (60% median GB Net Income), 1998-99 (£ annual<B>)</B><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=470><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Couple</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Before Housing Costs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">After Housing Costs</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>No children</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,447</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,248</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 child age 5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,220</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,760</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2 children 5, 11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,358</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,689</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2 children age 11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,671</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,054</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3 children 5,11,16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15,382</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,401</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Single</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>No children</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,162</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,015</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1 child age 5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,935</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,527</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2 children 5, 11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,073</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,404</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2 children age 11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,386</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,769</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3 children 5,11,16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,097</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,168</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: DSS Households Below Average Income.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Notes:<P>1. Estimates are based on sample counts, and are therefore subject to sampling variability.<FONT SIZE=2><P>2. Income is net of: income tax payments, national insurance contributions, domestic rates/council tax, contributions to occupational pension schemes, all maintenance and child support payments, and parental contributions to students living away from home.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150203,"EventID":"S1W-13467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations in the Stirling district will lose their relief from water and sewerage charges in the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations in the Stirling district will lose their relief from water and sewerage charges in the next five years.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the East of Scotland Water Authority. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150204,"EventID":"S1W-13468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issued concerning the composition of the interim management committee of the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and whether any guidance will be issued re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issued concerning the composition of the interim management committee of the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and whether any guidance will be issued regarding appointments to the board of the GHA in the event of housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"Guidance was issued in the framework document <I>Better Homes, Stronger Communities,</I> published jointly by the Executive and Glasgow City Council in April 2000. Appointments to the board of the GHA in the event of housing stock transfer will be made in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of that organisation.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150205,"EventID":"S1W-13469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Project Team will consider relocating the proposed parking bays to ensure that disabled people do not have to cross a road to gain entry to the buildi","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Project Team will consider relocating the proposed parking bays to ensure that disabled people do not have to cross a road to gain entry to the building.","AnswerText":"The Convenor of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that the six disabled parking bays incorporated in the landscaping proposals are intended to improve access to surrounding areas and tourist attractions as well as to the Parliament. Security considerations require the Parliament building to have a protective zone that prevents vehicles parking closer than 25 metres around the building's perimeter. After consultation with the project's access consultants, the pedestrian crossing over the &quot;traffic calmed&quot; Horse Wynd was relocated to provide a direct route to the Parliament's public entrance from the parking bays.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150206,"EventID":"S1W-13470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its summary of the National Nutritional Audit of Elderly Individuals in Care dated August 2000, when it was presented with the original findings by the Cl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its summary of the National Nutritional Audit of Elderly Individuals in Care dated August 2000, when it was presented with the original findings by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group.","AnswerText":"A draft of the report of the National Nutritional Audit was received by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG) on 27 April 2000 and, in line with normal procedures for submission of a final report for a CRAG-funded project, was circulated for peer review during the first week of May.<P>The final draft of the report was received by CRAG in August following feedback to the authors from the peer reviewers. The report was published on 18 December 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150207,"EventID":"S1W-13471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-3125 and S1W-9076 by Susan Deacon on 22 December 1999 and 8 January 2001 respectively, whether, in the light of the report publis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-3125 and S1W-9076 by Susan Deacon on 22 December 1999 and 8 January 2001 respectively, whether, in the light of the report published on 15 February 2001 in the journal Thorax, it will initiate an inquiry to investigate any age discrimination in NHSiS treatment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150208,"EventID":"S1W-13472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals were (a) murdered and (b) injured in each of the last five years in incidents involving offensive weapons with a blade or which are sharply pointed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals were (a) murdered and (b) injured in each of the last five years in incidents involving offensive weapons with a blade or which are sharply pointed.","AnswerText":"The number of victims of homicide where a sharp instrument was the main method of killing was 66 in 1999, 44 in 1998, 35 in 1997 and 58 in 1996. Figures are not yet available for 2000. Further detail on these and other homicides can be found in the statistical bulletin, <I>Homicide in Scotland 1998,</I> and the statistics release, <I>Homicide in Scotland 1999</I>, both of which are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>Figures on the type of weapons used in assaults are not collected centrally, apart from those which involve firearms.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150209,"EventID":"S1W-13473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Knives Act 1997 in each year since it came into force; how many convictions resulted from such prosecutions, and how many ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Knives Act 1997 in each year since it came into force; how many convictions resulted from such prosecutions, and how many convicted offenders were (a) fined and (b) imprisoned.","AnswerText":"Figures on the number of prosecutions and convictions for offences under this Act cannot, from the information held centrally, be separately identified from those for other trading offences in the Scottish Executive Justice Department classification of crimes and offences.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150210,"EventID":"S1W-13474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 in each of the last five years; how many convictions resulted from such prosecut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 in each of the last five years; how many convictions resulted from such prosecutions, and how many convicted offenders were (a) fined and (b) imprisoned.","AnswerText":"Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 was repealed on 1 April 1996 and replaced by section 47 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995. The available information is given in the table.<P>Persons proceeded against in Scottish courts where the main crime was under section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 or section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Statute and outcome</TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=36><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Persons proceeded against</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,399</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,288</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">305</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Persons with a charge proved</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">911</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">224</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Of which received:</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Custodial sentence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">200</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">176</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Fine </TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">465</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">385</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">66</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Other sentence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">336</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">350</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">113</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=53><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Section 47 (1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Persons proceeded against</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> -</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">297</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,266</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,420</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,443</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Persons with a charge proved</TD><TD WIDTH=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150211,"EventID":"S1W-13475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under section 139 or 139A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 in each of the last five years; how many convictions resulted from such p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under section 139 or 139A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 in each of the last five years; how many convictions resulted from such prosecutions, and how many convicted offenders were (a) fined and (b) imprisoned.","AnswerText":"Sections 139 and 139A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 only apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The equivalent Scottish legislation is section 1 of the Carrying of Knives etc. (Scotland) Act 1993 which was repealed on 1 April 1996 and replaced by section 49(1) and 49A of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995. The available information is given the table.<P>Persons proceeded against in Scottish Courts where the main offence was under section 1 of the Carrying of Knives etc. Act 1993 or sections 49(1) and 49A of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (S) Act 1995<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Statue and outcome </TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Section 1 of the Carrying of Knives(S) Act 1993</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Persons proceeded against</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">956</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">249</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Persons with a charge proved</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">780</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">784</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">214</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Of which received:</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Custodial sentence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">251</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">231</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Fine </TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">270</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">277</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">69</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Other sentence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">259</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">276</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Section 49(1) and 49 A of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (S) Act 1995</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Persons proceeded against</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">381</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,062</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P A","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150212,"EventID":"S1W-13476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 for selling knives and other articles with a blade or point to persons under 16 in each of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 for selling knives and other articles with a blade or point to persons under 16 in each of the last five years; how many convictions resulted from such prosecutions, and how many convicted offenders were (a) fined and (b) imprisoned.","AnswerText":"Figures on the number of prosecutions and convictions for the relevant offences under this Act cannot, from the information held centrally, be separately identified from those for other trading offences in the Scottish Executive Justice Department classification of crimes and offences.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150213,"EventID":"S1W-13477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is in a position to announce local authority housing capital allocations for 2001-02 and whether there will be any supplementary allocations for 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is in a position to announce local authority housing capital allocations for 2001-02 and whether there will be any supplementary allocations for 2000-01.","AnswerText":"I am able to announce both the local authority housing capital allocations for 2001-02 and supplementary allocations for 2000-01. These are set out in the following tables:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2001-02 Allocations<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=3 WIDTH=396><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Allocation £ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>5.293</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4.495</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.536</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.607</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.597</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Comhairle nan Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.701</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4.251</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>8.436</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3.489</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2.388</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2.510</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0.964</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>14.916</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>5.369</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.007</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Glasgow City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>43.750</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.230</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3.965</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2.122</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Moray</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.848</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2.953</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>12.330</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Orkn","AnswerDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150214,"EventID":"S1W-13478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any review of MSPs' salaries is planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any review of MSPs' salaries is planned.","AnswerText":"No review is currently planned.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150215,"EventID":"S1W-13479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions have been reached regarding the future of its Scotland Against Drugs campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions have been reached regarding the future of its Scotland Against Drugs campaign.","AnswerText":"SAD was launched in May 1996 as a cross-party campaign and re-focused in 1998. The current remit and funding of Scotland Against Drugs (SAD) ends on 31 March. The Executive has consulted party leaders and the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive has concluded that SAD has made a significant contribution to attracting business support for anti-drugs initiatives, and has widened community involvement in fighting drug misuse and its consequences locally. The Executive has therefore agreed to provide funding for SAD of £1.5 million per annum for three years from 1 April 2001, from the £100 million package of new expenditure on drug misuse announced in September 2000. Support for the Scottish Drugs Challenge Fund of £500,000 per annum will continue within the overall core funding, which will also provide for increases in SAD's Schools, Business and Community Programmes. <P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Sir Tom Farmer and Professor Sandy Cameron have agreed to continue as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of SAD. An announcement will be made in March on membership of a new SAD Board of Management and the terms of SAD's Action Plan, which will contain demanding new targets. <P>Following on from my recent announcement on the distribution of the £100 million package of new expenditure on drug misuse, this decision on SAD builds in new breadth to our efforts to harness communities and business in beating drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150216,"EventID":"S1W-13480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12954 by Sarah Boyack on 14 February 2001, whether it will arrange for immediate interim payments to be made to members of the Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12954 by Sarah Boyack on 14 February 2001, whether it will arrange for immediate interim payments to be made to members of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes.","AnswerText":"No payments can be made to members of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes before the Scottish Transport Group is wound up.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150217,"EventID":"S1W-13481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the availability of sweets in the form of cigarettes encourages children and young people to take up smoking; if so, what plans it has to address this problem, an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the availability of sweets in the form of cigarettes encourages children and young people to take up smoking; if so, what plans it has to address this problem, and whether it has any power to restrict the import of such items into Scotland or otherwise limit the availability on health grounds.","AnswerText":"There is some evidence to suggest that children who have used sweets in the form of cigarettes are more likely to smoke. The Scottish Executive is concerned about anything which encourages children to smoke, but has no power to ban or otherwise restrict the sale of these products in Scotland. However, we will continue to do all we can to ensure that children are given the facts about the dangers of taking up smoking and to encourage adults to set a good example.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150218,"EventID":"S1W-13482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it made representations to the European Commission prior their proposals for changes to the suckler cow and beef special premium schemes being announced and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it made representations to the European Commission prior their proposals for changes to the suckler cow and beef special premium schemes being announced and, if so, whether it will detail such representations.","AnswerText":"The European Commission drew up its proposals about possible changes to the Suckler Cow and Beef Special Premium Schemes without consultation. Representations were made to the European Commission at the earliest opportunity following the publication of the Commission proposed regulation. I attended the Agriculture Council on 19 February and officials from my Department attended SCA on 19 February and a Council Working Group on 28 February.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150219,"EventID":"S1W-13483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on how the amount of assistance received in each of the last seven years by (a) the fish processing sector and (b) the fish catching sect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on how the amount of assistance received in each of the last seven years by (a) the fish processing sector and (b) the fish catching sector in each European Union country, including the UK as a whole, from (i) the European Union and (ii) national governments compared with the assistance received from these sources by the Scottish catching and processing sectors in each of these years.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold the full range of data suggested. Information is available relating to assistance paid from the share of EU structural funds for fisheries available to Scotland, and associated national public funding.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150220,"EventID":"S1W-13484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12882 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 February 2001, when the review on whether there is a need to put a greater emphasis on hepatitis C ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12882 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 February 2001, when the review on whether there is a need to put a greater emphasis on hepatitis C in the services provided by the National AIDS and Drugs helplines will be completed.","AnswerText":"No date has been fixed. The report of consultants appointed to evaluate the performance of the contractor currently providing these helpline services should be available by the end of March. The report will inform decisions on the future direction of the helplines.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150221,"EventID":"S1W-13485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6438 by Henry McLeish on 12 May 2000, whether it will provide an updated breakdown, by unit of delivery, of people who have moved i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6438 by Henry McLeish on 12 May 2000, whether it will provide an updated breakdown, by unit of delivery, of people who have moved into unsubsidised employment since the New Deal was introduced.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>The Unit of Delivery table details the number of young people who have moved into unsubsidised employment (both sustained and unsustained) since it was introduced (figures to end-November 2000).<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=516><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Unit of Delivery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Entered Unsubsidised Employment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,380</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,600</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">446</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">715</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dunbarton</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,196</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Edinburgh, East &amp; Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,078</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,092</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,557</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,400</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,135</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Moray, Strathspey &amp; Badenoch</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">322</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,064</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,746</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">836</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; The Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">306</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Caithness and Sutherland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">159</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Inverness &amp; Nairn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">279</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lochaber</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">119</TD></TR></TABLE><B></B><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=510><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Unit of Delivery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Entered Unsubsidised Employment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ross &amp; Cromarty</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">226</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Skye &amp; Lochalsh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>TOTAL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26,861</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150222,"EventID":"S1W-13486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5973 by Henry McLeish on 18 April 2000, whether it will provide an update, up to 31 January 2001, on expenditure to date on each Ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5973 by Henry McLeish on 18 April 2000, whether it will provide an update, up to 31 January 2001, on expenditure to date on each New Deal Programme, other than the New Deal for Young People, and the number of people who have taken part in each of these schemes.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>The expenditure on each New Deal programme in Scotland to January 2001 was:<OL TYPE=\"a\"><LI>New Deal for Lone Parents: £7 million</LI><LI>New Deal for Disabled People: £1 million</LI><LI>New Deal for Partners of Unemployed People: £1 million</LI><LI>New Deal 25 plus: £23 million</LI></OL><P>(e)&#9;New Deal 50 plus: £1 million<P>These figures do not take account of a proportion of the total costs due to time lags in claims from New Deal service providers and subsequent reimbursement.<P>In addition, there are central running and marketing costs for each programme which have not been included in these figures.<P>The number of people in Scotland who have taken part in each New Deal at the end of December 2000 are:<OL TYPE=\"a\"><LI>New Deal for Lone Parents: 19,600 (to end November 2000)</LI><P>Figure refers to numbers attending an initial interview.<LI>New Deal for Disabled People: 2,300</LI><P>This figure only includes the personal adviser service based in Lanarkshire.<LI>New Deal for Partners of Unemployed People: 800</LI><P>This figure refers to those attending an initial interview.<LI>New Deal for 25+: 34,500</LI><LI>New Deal for 50+: 3,100</LI></OL><P>The figures for ND50+ relate to the number of Employment Credit Starts. At present, caseload figures are not published.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150223,"EventID":"S1W-13487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have entered the New Deal for Young People since its inception and how many, having completed the programme, have gone back to claiming benefits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have entered the New Deal for Young People since its inception and how many, having completed the programme, have gone back to claiming benefits.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>There have been 65,011 starts on New Deal for Young People since the launch of the programme.<P>6,349 clients leaving the New Deal for Young People from Follow Through have returned to claiming benefits (data to end-December 2000).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150224,"EventID":"S1W-13488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people, as at 31 January 2001, have obtained employment through the New Deal for Young People and have been taken on by employers not receiving a New Deal Subsid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people, as at 31 January 2001, have obtained employment through the New Deal for Young People and have been taken on by employers not receiving a New Deal Subsidy.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>This information is published and can be found in the monthly New Deal news release <A HREF=\"http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00065-00.asp\">www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00065-00.asp</A> (table A5).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150225,"EventID":"S1W-13489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5969 by Henry McLeish on 18 April 2000, whether it can now provide information, up to 31 January 2001, on the number of companies w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5969 by Henry McLeish on 18 April 2000, whether it can now provide information, up to 31 January 2001, on the number of companies which have taken on young people under the employment option of the New Deal for Young People and what percentage of trading businesses this figure represents.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>In Scotland, the number of employers signed up to the New Deal at the end of December 2000 is 12,600; this represents approximately 8% of businesses registered for VAT and/or PAYE.<P>Data on the number of companies which have taken on New Deal for Young People clients is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150226,"EventID":"S1W-13490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have moved into unsubsidised employment directly from the Gateway stage since the scheme's inception, broken down by unit of delivery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have moved into unsubsidised employment directly from the Gateway stage since the scheme's inception, broken down by unit of delivery.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>The table details the number of 18-24 New Deal clients who have moved into unsubsidised employment directly from the Gateway stage since the programme began, broken down by Unit of Delivery.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#808080\" CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=595><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Unit of Delivery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Entered Unsubsidised Employment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,162</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,311</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">220</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">346</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dunbarton</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">672</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Edinburgh, East &amp; Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,155</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,061</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">867</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,148</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">691</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Moray, Strathspey &amp; Badenoch</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">168</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,195</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">856</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">447</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; The Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">167</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Caithness and Sutherland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">87</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Inverness &amp; Nairn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">142</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lochaber</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD></TR></TABLE><B></B><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#808080\" CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=595><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Unit of Delivery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Entered Unsubsidised Employment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ross &amp; Cromarty</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Skye &amp; Lochalsh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"46%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"54%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,013</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150227,"EventID":"S1W-13491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have participated in the New Deal for Young People more than once since its inception, broken down by unit of delivery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people have participated in the New Deal for Young People more than once since its inception, broken down by unit of delivery.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>The table details the number of people who have participated in the New Deal for Young People more than once since its inception, broken down by unit of delivery.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#808080\" CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=434><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Unit of Delivery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">887</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">889</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">141</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">238</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dunbarton</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">371</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Edinburgh, East &amp; Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">512</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">716</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">475</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,594</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">252</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Moray, Strathspey &amp; Badenoch</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,166</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">426</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">201</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; The Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Caithness and Sutherland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Inverness &amp; Nairn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lochaber</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD></TR></TABLE><B><FONT SIZE=2></B><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#808080\" CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=434><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Unit of Delivery</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ross &amp; Cromarty</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Skye &amp; Lochalsh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>TOTAL</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,213</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150228,"EventID":"S1W-13492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) participated in, and (b) gone into unsubsidised employment from the New Deal for Young People's (i) employment, (ii) full-time education and trai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) participated in, and (b) gone into unsubsidised employment from the New Deal for Young People's (i) employment, (ii) full-time education and training, (iii) voluntary option and (iv) environmental task force options, up to 31 January 2001.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>This information is published and can be found in the monthly New Deal news release <A HREF=\"http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00065-00.asp\">www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00065-00.asp</A>(tables A0 and A3).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150229,"EventID":"S1W-13493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-11262 lodged on 15 November 2000 and why it has not yet been answered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-11262 lodged on 15 November 2000 and why it has not yet been answered.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-11262 was answered on 1 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150230,"EventID":"S1W-13494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, prior to coming to a decision on the issue of grant aided funding. it will ask the Special Educational Needs Forum to consider the future funding of the seven g","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, prior to coming to a decision on the issue of grant aided funding. it will ask the Special Educational Needs Forum to consider the future funding of the seven grant aided schools for children with severe low incidence disabilities.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are considering the future funding arrangements for the seven grant-aided schools. In the meantime, we have given a commitment to continue the current grant aid arrangements until March 2003. I have met representatives from the seven schools and I hope to complete a programme of visits to all the schools shortly. An announcement on future funding arrangements beyond March 2003 will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150231,"EventID":"S1W-13495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many humans have been killed by animals in each of the last 20 years, which animals were involved in each case and whether the strict liability on owners placed by th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many humans have been killed by animals in each of the last 20 years, which animals were involved in each case and whether the strict liability on owners placed by the Animals (Scotland) Act 1987 has reduced the number of any such deaths.","AnswerText":"The available information is presented in the table. There has been no significant variation in the numbers of such deaths recorded over the last 20 years.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=526><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=20><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Deaths caused by animals, Scotland, 1980-99<SUP>1</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=40><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=40><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Poisoning by venomous animals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=40><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Other injury caused by animals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=40><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">- of which dog bite</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>ICD9 code <SUP>2</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">E905</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">E906</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">E906.0</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1980</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1981</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1982</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1983</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1986</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1988</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1989</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1991</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=15><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1992</TD><T","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150232,"EventID":"S1W-13498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12907 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 February 2001, how many mortgage repossession orders were made in each court district in 2000 where t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12907 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 February 2001, how many mortgage repossession orders were made in each court district in 2000 where the order was served on an owner who had purchased the property under the Right to Buy scheme, broken down in respect of domestic properties formerly owned by (i) local authorities, (ii) Scottish Homes and (iii) housing associations.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Data is collected with respect to the number of repossession orders granted by the courts. Specific information is not available in respect of the number of repossession orders where the order was served on an owner who had purchased the property under the Right to Buy Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150233,"EventID":"S1W-13499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12855 by Mr Jack McConnell on 9 February 2001, what the implications of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12855 by Mr Jack McConnell on 9 February 2001, what the implications of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are for education appeals submitted to the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"We have no reason to believe that the Scottish Qualifications Authority appeals process is incompatible with Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Any challenge to the Scottish Qualifications Authority appeals process under the Convention would be a matter for the courts to decide.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150234,"EventID":"S1W-13500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why question S1W-10428 lodged on 13 October 2000 has not yet received a substantive answer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why question S1W-10428 lodged on 13 October 2000 has not yet received a substantive answer.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-10428 was answered on 1 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150235,"EventID":"S1W-13501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current numbers of police officers in Lothian and Borders and across Scotland as a whole are adequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current numbers of police officers in Lothian and Borders and across Scotland as a whole are adequate.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the number of police officers in Lothian and Borders, as well as in other forces across Scotland, are operational and a matter for the appropriate Chief Constable. Additional funding provided by the Scottish Executive for police services is sufficient to enable police officer numbers to reach an all time high.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150236,"EventID":"S1W-13502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the First Minister on 15 February 2001 (Official Report, col. 1302)  regarding the possibility that the trunk road maintenance contracts coul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the First Minister on 15 February 2001 (Official Report, col. 1302)  regarding the possibility that the trunk road maintenance contracts could be suspended or retendered after investigation by the Transport and the Environment Committee, what the cost implications would be in penalties and/or compensation of such courses of action.","AnswerText":"The First Minister addressed the hypothetical situation where the report of Audit Scotland or the committee convinced ministers that there are serious difficulties with the contract. He further stated that there is no evidence whatever at this stage to justify such a course of action.<P>The situation envisaged is clearly hypothetical and it is not possible to quantify possible penalties and/or compensation at this time.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150237,"EventID":"S1W-13503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to make representations to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar regarding the proposed closure of Lews Castle School in Stornoway and whether it has received any p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to make representations to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar regarding the proposed closure of Lews Castle School in Stornoway and whether it has received any petitions from local people on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. The proposed closure of Lews Castle School is a matter for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. A copy of a petition was received in November 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150238,"EventID":"S1W-13504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-5858 and S1W-9994 by Mr Jack McConnell on 28 April 2000 and 4 October 2000 respectively, whether it is now in a position to publi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-5858 and S1W-9994 by Mr Jack McConnell on 28 April 2000 and 4 October 2000 respectively, whether it is now in a position to publish the Notes on Sections to the Scotland Act 1998 and make them available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150239,"EventID":"S1W-13505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish the first half year statistics of NHSiS waiting times and lists for 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish the first half year statistics of NHSiS waiting times and lists for 2000-01.","AnswerText":"An extensive range of information on NHSScotland acute activity, waiting lists and waiting times for the year 2000 was published on 28 February 2001 and is available on the Internet at:<P><A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/index.htm\">http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/index.htm</A>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150240,"EventID":"S1W-13506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish the NHSiS waiting times and lists for first outpatient appointments in the year 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish the NHSiS waiting times and lists for first outpatient appointments in the year 2000.","AnswerText":"Information on waiting lists is collected centrally only for hospital inpatients and day cases.<P>Waiting times for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant following referral by a General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner, for each quarter in the year 2000, were published on 28 February 2001, and are available on the Internet at<P><A HREF=\"http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/index.htm\">http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/index.htm</A>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150241,"EventID":"S1W-13507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the definition is of \"NHS deferred waiting lists\" as used by the Information Statistics Division in its document Scottish Health Statistics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the definition is of \"NHS deferred waiting lists\" as used by the Information Statistics Division in its document Scottish Health Statistics.","AnswerText":"In accordance with established guidance applicable to the collection of data on waiting, which has been in place since 1989, patients are placed on deferred admission waiting lists where: there are personal, social or medical constraints at the time of deciding to admit which prevent them from accepting a normal hospital admission date if offered, for example because of their business or holiday commitments; or they do not attend for an arranged hospital admission date and give no advance warning; or hospital admission for treatment has been arranged for them, but they were sent home at the time of admission, or shortly afterwards, because they were assessed as being clinically unsuitable for treatment at that time, or their admission is being arranged, on a &quot;one-off&quot; basis, to give carers respite from their caring responsibilities.<P>The all-Scotland deferred admission waiting list is routinely in excess of 20,000. On 31 December 2000 it was 25,522.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150242,"EventID":"S1W-13508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the NHSiS spend was as a percentage of Scottish Gross Domestic Product for the years 1995 to 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the NHSiS spend was as a percentage of Scottish Gross Domestic Product for the years 1995 to 2000.","AnswerText":"The following table shows expenditure on the NHS in Scotland as a percentage of GDP for the period 1995 to 1999 - the latest year for which Scottish GDP data are available.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=332><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">NHS Spend in Scotland as a % of Scottish GDP</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Not Available</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Notes:<DIR><P>1. NHS Spend in Scotland for each year reported above relates to the financial year. For example, the figure reported for 1995 relates to the financial accounting period from April 1 1995 to March 31 1996.<P>2. International comparisons of ratios of public expenditure to GDP use data on GDP at market prices. No data on GDP at market prices are available for Scotland but, to enable broad comparisons with ratios that have been calculated for other countries, estimates based on GDP at market prices have been derived. The methodology used is consistent with <I>Government Expenditure &amp; Revenue in Scotland</I>. This method implicitly assumes 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. Given the assumptions involved, the estimates should be treated with caution.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">3. Estimates for years after 1999 are not available. As the Scottish Executive does not produce forecasts of GDP growth, it is not possible to publish projections of ratios of public expenditure to GDP for the period after 1999.</DIR><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Over the period 1995 to 1999, expenditure on the NHS in Scotland as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product is estimated to have risen from 6.4% to 6.7%. This demonstrates the Scottish Executive's commitment to substantial increases in health spending over the duration of this Parliament.<P>As further tangible evidence of this, the health budget is increasing from £4.9 billion in 1999-2000 to £6.7 billion in 2003-04. This represents a major investment in the NHS in Scotland by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150243,"EventID":"S1W-13509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority staff are currently employed in community care services for the elderly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority staff are currently employed in community care services for the elderly.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of staff in local authority social work departments by client group is given in table 4 of the statistical bulletin <I>Staff of</I> <I>Scottish Local Authority Social Work Departments, 1999</I>, published by the Scottish Executive in January 2001 and also available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150244,"EventID":"S1W-13510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many local authority run nursing homes there are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many local authority run nursing homes there are.","AnswerText":"There are no local authority-run nursing homes. However, many private nursing homes have patients who receive local authority funding.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150245,"EventID":"S1W-13511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount of resources transfer from health boards to local authorities was in 1998, 1999 and 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount of resources transfer from health boards to local authorities was in 1998, 1999 and 2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested for 1997-98 is given on page 21 of <I>NHS</I> <I>(Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1997-98</I>, published by The Stationery Office in 1999, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11584).<P>The information requested for 1998-99 is given on page 21 of <I>NHS (Scotland)</I> <I>Summarised Accounts 1998-99</I>, published by The Stationery Office in 2000, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11585).<P>The NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1999-2000 are not yet published. However, using the figures reported in the annual accounts of the health boards in Scotland, the total for 1999-2000 is £147,301,000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150246,"EventID":"S1W-13512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6120 by Susan Deacon on 5 May 2000, when the Dairy Products (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 will come before the Parliament f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6120 by Susan Deacon on 5 May 2000, when the Dairy Products (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 will come before the Parliament for consideration.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the Dairy Product (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations have completed their three-month mandatory notification period with the Commission and now have the necessary clearance in respect of technical standards.<P>Some revisions are currently being considered by the Executive's Solicitors and it is anticipated that the Regulations will be laid before the Scottish Parliament as soon as these have been addressed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150247,"EventID":"S1W-13513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funds are being made available to health bodies for 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what funds are being made available to health bodies for 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Health boards received an average increase in Unified Budget for 2001-02 of 6.5%. The average increase in the Unified Budget for 2002-03 is 6.9%, with a minimum increase of 6.5%. The average increase for 2003-04 is 7.8%, with a minimum increase of 7.4%. <P>The indicative Family Health Service allocations are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=519><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45.288</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47.455</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49.469</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">37.763</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39.572</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41.247</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11.073</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11.605</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.102</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14.928</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15.634</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16.305</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31.987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33.524</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34.947</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26.002</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27.256</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28.409</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50.432</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52.863</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55.122</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">102.959</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">107.865</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">112.390</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24.969</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26.148</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27.282</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53.298</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55.845</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58.209</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">77.233</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80.970</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84.405</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.526</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.650</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.767</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.437</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.554</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.667</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40.880</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">42.856</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIG","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150248,"EventID":"S1W-13514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scotland will have a drug court in operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scotland will have a drug court in operation.","AnswerText":"I can today announce that Sheriff Principal Bowen has agreed to chair a working group for piloting of a drug court in Glasgow. The working group will include representatives from the lead agencies with an interest in the establishment of a Glasgow drug court. The Sheriff Principal has agreed that the group will submit proposals to me by Easter on a model of a drug court. The intention is that the court should become operational in Glasgow Sheriff Court by the autumn of 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150249,"EventID":"S1W-13515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its Land Reform Bill and how long the consultation process will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its Land Reform Bill and how long the consultation process will be.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the Scottish Executive's &quot;Draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: Consultation Paper&quot; is published today. Copies of the consultation paper and the accompanying &quot;Draft Scottish Outdoor Access Code&quot; will be sent to the relevant Parliamentary Committees and to all MSPs. Further copies will be available from SPICe and from the land reform website, at www.scotland.gov.uk/landreform,following the launch. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>A 12 week consultation period will follow, with the closing date for responses being Friday, 18 May 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150250,"EventID":"S1W-13516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2955 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 February 2001, whether the Minister for Environment, Culture and Sport will make a ministerial state","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2955 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 February 2001, whether the Minister for Environment, Culture and Sport will make a ministerial statement giving the reason for the decision to allocate an additional #1 million to Scottish Opera from the budget of the Scottish Arts Council.","AnswerText":"I explained in my letter of 6 February to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, that payment of an additional £1 million earmarked for Scottish Opera will depend on the company's updated budget plan currently under consideration by the Scottish Arts Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150251,"EventID":"S1W-13517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2955 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 February 2001, whether it will make available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre any corr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2955 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 February 2001, whether it will make available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre any correspondence between it, Scottish Opera and the Scottish Arts Council regarding the need for #1 million of additional funding for Scottish Opera in the current or next financial year.","AnswerText":"No, the background to the future funding of Scottish Opera was set out in Sam Galbraith's answer to question S1W-14238 on 16 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150252,"EventID":"S1W-13518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has received, or sought, regarding the issue of structural underfunding of Scottish Opera.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has received, or sought, regarding the issue of structural underfunding of Scottish Opera.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council will address this issue in its consideration of Scottish Opera's budget plans.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150253,"EventID":"S1W-13519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the first supplementary answer to question S1O-2995 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 February 2001, whether the answer was in accordance with the statement in paragr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the first supplementary answer to question S1O-2995 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 February 2001, whether the answer was in accordance with the statement in paragraph 3.1 of the Scottish Ministerial Code that the Executive will be accountable, open and responsive.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150254,"EventID":"S1W-13520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in Scottish hospitals in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 were accommodated in mixed sex wards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in Scottish hospitals in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 were accommodated in mixed sex wards.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in the form requested. However, the results of a survey carried out in 1999 for the Working Group of NHS staff and patient representatives considering Mixed Sex Accommodation has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. A review of the progress to date is currently being conducted.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150255,"EventID":"S1W-13521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health boards have eliminated mixed sex wards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health boards have eliminated mixed sex wards.","AnswerText":"A review of progress towards the elimination of mixed sex wards by April 2002 is currently being conducted. Additional funding of £4.8 million has been allocated to the NHS in Scotland to assist them in achieving this objective.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150256,"EventID":"S1W-13522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define the term \"mixed sex ward\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define the term \"mixed sex ward\".","AnswerText":"Guidance on the definition of the term \"mixed sex ward\" is contained in the 1999 report of a Working Group of NHS staff and patient representatives. Following further consultation with the Mental Welfare Commission, SHAS and user groups further amplification of this guidance was issued in August 2000 with the letter notifying NHS Boards and Trusts of their allocation from the £4.8 million of funding made available to ensure that mixed sex accommodation is eliminated by April 2002. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150257,"EventID":"S1W-13523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made for census enumerators to receive visual impairment and deafblind awareness training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made for census enumerators to receive visual impairment and deafblind awareness training.","AnswerText":"Special arrangements to assist those who are visually impaired or have hearing difficulties to complete a census form have been made through the Registrar General's Community Liaison Initiative for the census, which was introduced last year. The twin aims of the initiative are to raise awareness of the census among those groups in the population thought to have been undercounted in the 1991 census, and to establish contact with a range of voluntary organisations in order that their assistance could be enlisted to help people who, for one reason or another, might be apprehensive about the census, or who might have difficulty in completing a census form.<P>Initial contact was made by the General Register Office for Scotland at national level with organisations which included those representing people with particular disabilities, such as the Scottish Council on Deafness and the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). From these initial contacts a database of local contacts was established enabling the 22 Census Area Managers throughout Scotland to develop locally a link with these groups so that, in the event of someone needing help, frontline skilled assistance would be available from the representative organisations. These organisations were provided with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Census Area Managers. <P>The aim is for the local voluntary groups to let census managers know of individual people who may require assistance to complete a census form so that census field staff can tap in to this assistance, often provided by someone familiar to the householder. Citizens Advice Bureaux may also be able to provide help.<P>Census Enumerators will receive instructions and training on dealing with the public generally as well as with people who may have difficulty completing their form. The Enumerators are instructed to provide assistance where this is unavailable from the professional sources mentioned, or from relatives, friends, neighbours, home helps etc.<P>The census questions and the information leaflet, which is delivered along with the census form, are available in Braille and in large print to standards agreed with RNIB. There is also a census telephone helpline and a textphone for the deaf. Both numbers are shown on the Census form, as well as on the Braille and the large print leaflets. Videos used by Census Area Managers in community liaison meetings include subtitles for use by those who have hearing difficulties. Two audiotapes have been produced for circulation by the Scottish Talking Newspaper group. The first gives a general overview of the census and the questions being asked, while the second covers the help available to persons with a sight impairment. Census managers are also able to seek the services of British Sign Language interpreters where necessary.<P>The census form has been designed so that many of the questions can be answered by ticking a box and the information can be captured using modern digital scanning technology. This will deliver major cost savings compared with traditional clerical processing. The precision required in this process coupled with the sheer volume of the operation means that it is not practical to offer the actual forms in large print or in Braille. If, however, someone cannot complete a census form, they can contact the Census Helplines and arrangements will be put in place for help to be provided to complete the form through the Community Liaison Initiative or by census staff. Alternatively, those needing assistance can tell the enumerator who will notify the field managers of the kind of assistance required.<P>The census form is not available for completion by email because of concerns about confidentiality, duplication and authentication, and the low value for money of setting up electronic completion facilities in tandem with those for completion of the paper forms.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150258,"EventID":"S1W-13524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was carried out regarding the accessibility of the census forms to visually impaired and deafblind people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was carried out regarding the accessibility of the census forms to visually impaired and deafblind people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given in question S1W-13523.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150259,"EventID":"S1W-13525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made for census forms and accompanying information to be made available to blind, partially sighted and deafblind people in accessible formats, wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made for census forms and accompanying information to be made available to blind, partially sighted and deafblind people in accessible formats, with particular reference to (a) Braille, (b) large print, (c) disc and (d) audio tape.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13523.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150260,"EventID":"S1W-13526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether census returns from blind, partially sighted and deafblind people will be accepted if they are returned in alternative formats, with particular reference to (a) l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether census returns from blind, partially sighted and deafblind people will be accepted if they are returned in alternative formats, with particular reference to (a) large print, (b) Braille, (c) disc, (d) audio tape and (e) e-mail.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13523.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150261,"EventID":"S1W-13527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to provide one-to-one assistance with the completion of the census forms to visually impaired and deafblind people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to provide one-to-one assistance with the completion of the census forms to visually impaired and deafblind people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13523.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150262,"EventID":"S1W-13528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any allocations of grants to education authorities to support the development of public private partnership projects for school buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any allocations of grants to education authorities to support the development of public private partnership projects for school buildings.","AnswerText":"Following consideration of applications from some authorities, I am able to announce the following allocations which will enable the authorities to take forward work on feasibility studies into possible further school Public private partnership projects:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£242,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£136,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Bute Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£200,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£466,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dundee City Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£305,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Ayrshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£320,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Dunbartonshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£125,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Lothian Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£412,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Renfrewshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£255,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£295,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow City Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£150,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£411,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Inverclyde Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£150,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Midlothian Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£140,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Ayrshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£ 30,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Lanarkshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£443,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Renfrewshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£245,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Lanarkshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£245,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Stirling Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£130,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Dunbartonshire Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£125,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£138,000</TD></TR></TABLE><P>We have written today to all authorities informing them of the decision.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150263,"EventID":"S1W-13529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it expects the recent local government finance settlement to have on the sport and cultural services provided by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it expects the recent local government finance settlement to have on the sport and cultural services provided by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The settlement provides local authorities with an additional £1.2 billion in Scottish Executive support over the next three years and with the stability of firm three-year grant figures. This should enable them to improve the range and quality of local services, including sport and cultural facilities, although it is for each authority to determine its service priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150264,"EventID":"S1W-13530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it intends to give to professional football clubs to help establish football academies in each financial year from 2001-02 to 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it intends to give to professional football clubs to help establish football academies in each financial year from 2001-02 to 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Over the period 2001-03, up to £4,000,000 will be made available through <B>sport</B>scotland and about £1,000,000 will be made available from Reduction in Pools Betting Duty monies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150265,"EventID":"S1W-13531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which professional football clubs will receive financial assistance to establish football academies in the next three financial years, specifying the amount each club wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which professional football clubs will receive financial assistance to establish football academies in the next three financial years, specifying the amount each club will receive in each year.","AnswerText":"Awards of financial assistance will be determined by assessment of applications received. It is not possible, therefore, to say which clubs will benefit and to what extent. I do expect, however, to be able to announce shortly the first <B>sport</B>scotland awards for football academies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150266,"EventID":"S1W-13532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied in deciding whether to provide financial assistance to professional football clubs for the establishment of football academies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied in deciding whether to provide financial assistance to professional football clubs for the establishment of football academies.","AnswerText":"The criteria applied to the funding available through <B>sport</B>scotland are the Policies and Procedures of the Scottish Lottery Fund Football Academy Strand. These criteria are based on the proposals drawn up and endorsed by the Scottish Football Partnership established by the Scottish Executive. Criteria for other sources of funding have yet to be established.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150267,"EventID":"S1W-13533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many neurologist posts there are in the NHSiS and how many of these are currently vacant, broken down by health board area in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many neurologist posts there are in the NHSiS and how many of these are currently vacant, broken down by health board area in each case.","AnswerText":"The latest information on the number of neurology staff in post by health board area is shown in the following table. The total number of consultants in this specialty has increased from 32 in 1997. The table should be read in conjunction with the notes below.<P>As at 30 September 1999, there was a total of two vacant consultant posts in this specialty, one in Forth Valley Health Board and one in Greater Glasgow Health Board. These posts were both vacant for less than six months, reflecting normal turnover. Only consultant and staff grade vacancies are recorded.<P>Neurology Staff in Post<SUP>2</SUP> Employed in NHSScotland by Health Board and Grade<P>Headcount as at 30 September 1999<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=607><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Consultant</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Associate Specialist</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Specialist Registrar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">SHO</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Para 94 Appt.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">37</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150268,"EventID":"S1W-13534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome is of its recent consultation on the affordability of water and sewerage charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome is of its recent consultation on the affordability of water and sewerage charges.","AnswerText":"Following consideration of the consultation report I have decided to introduce a scheme on the lines set out in the consultation paper and the threshold of the scheme for year one is to be set at £180.<P>A report compiled following completion of the consultation process has today been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre and will shortly be available on the Scottish Executive web site.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150269,"EventID":"S1W-13535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will extend the choice of courses available to clients on the full-time education and training element of the New Deal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will extend the choice of courses available to clients on the full-time education and training element of the New Deal.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>The New Deal is very much about designing flexible, local provision to meet the needs of unemployed young people and prevailing labour market conditions. Each year local partnerships review closely the provision on offer and adjust this to suit local needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150270,"EventID":"S1W-13536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of the gateway element of the New Deal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of the gateway element of the New Deal.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>Statistics are monitored monthly with a view to improve or develop performance.  However, I understand there are no plans to undertake a formal evaluation of the Gateway.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150271,"EventID":"S1W-13537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps it is taking to reduce the number of early leavers from the full-time education and training element of the New Deal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps it is taking to reduce the number of early leavers from the full-time education and training element of the New Deal.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>Improvements are being considered to the New Deal options including the full-time education and training option. In addition through the Innovation Fund there is funding for specific projects addressing the issue of early leavers.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150272,"EventID":"S1W-13538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the technical report produced in the 1990s on asbestos in New St Andrew's House.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the technical report produced in the 1990s on asbestos in New St Andrew's House.","AnswerText":"The lease on New St Andrew's House was held by the Secretary of State for the Environment and the responsibility for the maintenance of the building rested with UK agencies (firstly the Property Services Agency (PSA) and latterly Property Holdings). The PSA commissioned a technical report entitled New St Andrew's House Preliminary Study: Asbestos Removal and Office Refurbishment (March 1989) and Property Holdings commissioned the final report entitled New St Andrew's House Feasibility Study (October 1990).<P>We have arranged with Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE, successor body to the PSA and Property Holdings) to place copies of both reports in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150273,"EventID":"S1W-13539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include an element of training on special educational needs as part of the core training requirements of new undergraduate teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include an element of training on special educational needs as part of the core training requirements of new undergraduate teachers.","AnswerText":"Components within the core of courses of initial teacher education already consist, where appropriate, of inter-related units in special educational needs. Guidelines for initial teacher education in Scotland require teacher education institutions to prepare teachers to be responsive to the needs of all pupils in respect of special educational needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150274,"EventID":"S1W-13540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the management of Holyrood Park has to give notice of road closures in the park and what the reasons are for this position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the management of Holyrood Park has to give notice of road closures in the park and what the reasons are for this position.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:<P>Holyrood Park is a Royal Park managed on behalf of the Scottish Ministers by Historic Scotland. Historic Scotland normally aim to provide one week's notice of forthcoming road closures to local radio stations, emergency services, the City of Edinburgh Council and motorists' organisations. Occasionally, roads are closed at short notice for emergencies.<P>The roads within the park are classed as Crown roads and are not formally part of the local public road network. The Holyrood Park Regulations grant powers of closure to the Royal Parks Constabulary.<P>Because the Parliament development will close the east end of Holyrood Road, with traffic being diverted through the park, Historic Scotland and the City Council are currently discussing an agreement which will govern future road closures in the park.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150275,"EventID":"S1W-13541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it expects the roadworks related to the construction of the Holyrood Parliament building to cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it expects the roadworks related to the construction of the Holyrood Parliament building to cost.","AnswerText":"The road works related to the construction of the Holyrood Parliament fall into two categories. The first involves the upgrading of the roads in Holyrood Park around the Parliament site to carry the traffic which will be displaced by the closure of the eastern end of Holyrood Road. This work, which is now underway, is being funded through Historic Scotland, the managers of Holyrood Park, at an estimated cost of £1.420 million inclusive of fees and VAT.<P>The second area of road works involves traffic calming measures to Horse Wynd and Reid's Close. This work is being funded by the Scottish Executive through the City of Edinburgh Council, who are responsible for the roads outwith the park and is at detailed design stage. There will be further discussions with the council about the cost of these works.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150276,"EventID":"S1W-13542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to change the system regarding summary warrants in such a way that the party proceeded against knows when the warrant will come to court and has an opp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to change the system regarding summary warrants in such a way that the party proceeded against knows when the warrant will come to court and has an opportunity to defend him or herself.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to change the procedure for the granting of a summary warrant.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150277,"EventID":"S1W-13543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that no beef over 30 months old is entering the food chain and, if so, what the grounds are for this position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that no beef over 30 months old is entering the food chain and, if so, what the grounds are for this position.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that beef from over thirty month old animals may enter the food chain if it is from specialist herds registered under the Beef Assurance Scheme or from animals born, reared and slaughtered in one of 14 non-EU countries that are designated as low BSE risk.<P>The over thirty month (OTM) rule, which keeps meat from cattle aged over 30 months at slaughter out of the food chain, is strictly enforced in licensed abattoirs by officials of the Meat Hygiene Service. The agency is keeping this under close scrutiny and high levels of compliance with the OTM rule have been found by the agency and local authorities who report on the position in unlicensed plants.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150278,"EventID":"S1W-13544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers meat hygiene inspectors and Food Standards Agency officials have to demand documentation proving the age of beef carcasses, imported or otherwise, from meat c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers meat hygiene inspectors and Food Standards Agency officials have to demand documentation proving the age of beef carcasses, imported or otherwise, from meat cutting plants.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advises that the Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No. 2) Regulations 1996 (as amended) provide powers for enforcement officers to ensure that meat intended for human consumption, imported or otherwise, has been derived either from cattle from a low-risk BSE country, or from cattle no more than thirty months old at slaughter, unless specifically exempted under the Beef Assurance Scheme. In addition, all meat from premises licensed under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 must be accompanied by the appropriate health mark indicating that the meat has been subject to official veterinary controls and is therefore fit for human consumption.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150279,"EventID":"S1W-13545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the labelling procedures and the traceability of beef imported into Scotland and, if so, what the grounds are for this position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the labelling procedures and the traceability of beef imported into Scotland and, if so, what the grounds are for this position.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advise that although recent EU legislation provides for some elements of compulsory beef labelling, the agency continues to attach great importance to clear and unambiguous country of origin labelling for all meat and meat products and is pressing the Commission and others on this. <P>Effective systems are in plan to provide assurance about the source of meat being imported into the UK. In terms of traceability, all beef entering the UK from other member states will have been subject to a veterinary inspection there and health marked in accordance with EU legislation.<P>Under EU trade agreements with individual third countries meat can only be exported into the EU from specific Commission-approved plants. Each consignment of meat imported to the UK is therefore subject to a document inspection at designated Border Inspection Points (BIPs) to ensure that the meat is properly health marked and comes from an approved plant. Daily enforcement of these standards is provided by the veterinary services of that state and overseen by the Commission.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150280,"EventID":"S1W-13546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call in the planning application relating to Scottish Coal's plans for opencast mining at Broken Cross Muir, Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call in the planning application relating to Scottish Coal's plans for opencast mining at Broken Cross Muir, Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"No. On 14 February South Lanarkshire Council indicated their intention to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and the satisfactory conclusion of a legally binding agreement under section 75 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1997. There are no planning reasons which would require the Scottish Ministers to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150281,"EventID":"S1W-13547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to transfer the responsibility for meat inspections from the Meat Hygiene Service to slaughterhouse operators utilising their own employees and what cons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to transfer the responsibility for meat inspections from the Meat Hygiene Service to slaughterhouse operators utilising their own employees and what consequences any such change will have for jobs and food safety.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advises that there are no plans to transfer responsibility for meat inspection from the Meat Hygiene Service to slaughterhouse operators.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150282,"EventID":"S1W-13548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12720 by Sarah Boyack on 6 February 2001, whether its guidance and directions for the renewal of Scottish passenger rail franchise ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12720 by Sarah Boyack on 6 February 2001, whether its guidance and directions for the renewal of Scottish passenger rail franchise will include reference to a requirement for the service quality and speed of rolling stock on rural and less profitable lines to be of the same standard as those on more popular and profitable lines.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will indicate in broad terms in its Directions and Guidance the level of service it will expect from the new Scottish passenger rail franchise. It will be for those who wish to be considered as the operator of the franchise to propose the type of rolling stock most appropriate for different routes. The Strategic Rail Authority will then appraise such proposals on behalf of the Scottish Executive against value for money and affordability criteria.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150283,"EventID":"S1W-13549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which further education colleges in Glasgow are funding and running English lessons for asylum seekers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which further education colleges in Glasgow are funding and running English lessons for asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"Five further education colleges in Glasgow are funding provision for asylum seekers on English courses in the current academic year, either on dedicated courses or as in-fill students within mainstream English language courses. The five are: Anniesland College, Cardonald College, Central College of Commerce, Glasgow College of Food Technology and Langside College.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150284,"EventID":"S1W-13550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what figures are available on the number of patients contracting infections while in hospital and the number dying as a result of such infections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what figures are available on the number of patients contracting infections while in hospital and the number dying as a result of such infections.","AnswerText":"A broad estimate of the incidence and impact of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in Scotland, prepared by the Health Department in 1999, suggested that there might be approximately 69,000 cases annually in Scottish hospitals.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Information about deaths resulting from HAI is not available, as HAI is not a notifiable cause of death.<P>More information about the incidence of HAI is expected to become available from the planned national surveillance system, once it is introduced.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150285,"EventID":"S1W-13551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider recognising Citi'ens Advice Bureaux as official training providers and ensuring they are recompensed for the training and qualifications provided","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider recognising Citi'ens Advice Bureaux as official training providers and ensuring they are recompensed for the training and qualifications provided for volunteers in addition to any New Deal arrangements.","AnswerText":"The enterprise networks are responsible for procurement and contracting for the national training programmes. The Scottish Executive does not recognise training providers directly.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150286,"EventID":"S1W-13552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any guidance is given to local authorities regarding the use of poindings and warrant sales as a means of increasing the collection rates of council tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any guidance is given to local authorities regarding the use of poindings and warrant sales as a means of increasing the collection rates of council tax.","AnswerText":"The joint &quot;It Pays to Pay&quot; Working Group on council tax collection, which we established, is preparing protocol guidance for local authorities which will promote uniformity of practice. The protocol will set down appropriate procedures to be adopted between local authorities and agents employed by them when recovering debt and instructing enforcement action. In addition, CoSLA is preparing best practice guidance for issue to local authorities.<P>Poindings and warrant sales are, of course, to be abolished not later than 31 December 2002. The working group set up by the Deputy First Minister to identify a replacement for poinding and warrant sale is making good progress and is due to report to the Deputy First Minister in June. Any replacement which is brought into effect will be the subject of appropriate guidance.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150287,"EventID":"S1W-13553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish its report of the Youth Summit held last June and what further action will be taken as a result of any such report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish its report of the Youth Summit held last June and what further action will be taken as a result of any such report.","AnswerText":"The Executive plans to publish the report of the Youth Summit shortly, together with an indication of our proposed follow-up action.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150288,"EventID":"S1W-13554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it provides hospital trusts with a model specification for hospital cleaning contracts and whether it monitors standards of hospital cleaning in any way.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it provides hospital trusts with a model specification for hospital cleaning contracts and whether it monitors standards of hospital cleaning in any way.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not provide model cleaning contract specifications to NHS Trusts. Responsibility for ensuring adequate cleaning in NHS hospitals in Scotland lies with the management of NHS Trusts.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Audit Scotland published its report on hospital cleaning entitled <I>A Clean Bill of</I> <I>Health?</I> in April 2000. The report made a number of recommendations for action by NHS Trusts. The Scottish Health Plan, <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan</I> <I>for change</I>, published in December last year, makes clear that the Scottish Executive expects every NHS Trust to act on the recommendations of the Audit Scotland report by June 2001.<P>A joint Scottish Executive Health Department/NHS working group is currently preparing standards on hospital cleanliness and other matters for use throughout NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150289,"EventID":"S1W-13555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase the availability of treatment or therapies for the improvement of the physical and life skills of adults with developmental dyspraxia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase the availability of treatment or therapies for the improvement of the physical and life skills of adults with developmental dyspraxia.","AnswerText":"Health boards are expected to respond to the health needs of people with developmental dyspraxia in their areas, based on their assessment of local needs. Services should be provided which reflect the individual needs of the patient.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150290,"EventID":"S1W-13556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults diagnosed with developmental dyspraxia are currently (a) awaiting treatment and (b) undergoing treatment in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults diagnosed with developmental dyspraxia are currently (a) awaiting treatment and (b) undergoing treatment in each health board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150291,"EventID":"S1W-13557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities exist in each health board area for the diagnosis of developmental dyspraxia and how many adults have been assessed as suffering from developmental dyspra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities exist in each health board area for the diagnosis of developmental dyspraxia and how many adults have been assessed as suffering from developmental dyspraxia in each health board area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150292,"EventID":"S1W-13558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require local authorities to change local tax collecting arrangements so that council tenants pay their rent and council tax together.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require local authorities to change local tax collecting arrangements so that council tenants pay their rent and council tax together.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans at present. However, we will consider carefully any recommendations from the &quot;It Pays to Pay&quot; Working Group, which we have established to look at options for improving council tax collection. The group includes representatives from local authorities and consumer organisations and other relevant interests.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150293,"EventID":"S1W-13559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will be represented at next month's Promoting Electronic Government Conference in Birmingham.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will be represented at next month's Promoting Electronic Government Conference in Birmingham.","AnswerText":"The Executive plans to send an official to the Promoting Electronic Government Conference in Birmingham next month, which has been organised by DETR in partnership with others, and is primarily aimed at English local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150294,"EventID":"S1W-13560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities will be represented at next month's Promoting Electronic Government Conference in Birmingham.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities will be represented at next month's Promoting Electronic Government Conference in Birmingham.","AnswerText":"Promoting Electronic Government (PEG) is a two-year Invest To Save project sponsored through the Department of the Environment and the Region's (DETR) Local Government Directorate. It aims to provide local authorities in England and Wales with support in building a body of good practice data.<P>The majority of the representation at the conference will be from local authorities in England and Wales. To date some 140 delegates have registered from 60 local authorities. The conference organiser will supply the Executive with the details of all local authorities represented when the information is known.<P>Scottish local authorities who have expressed an interest in attending are City of Edinburgh, Fife, Angus and South Ayrshire. The Executive has also been invited to send along an official observer.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150295,"EventID":"S1W-13561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12577 by Susan Deacon on 1 February 2001, how many clinical psychology training posts were provided from the #100,000 allocated to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12577 by Susan Deacon on 1 February 2001, how many clinical psychology training posts were provided from the #100,000 allocated to the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education.","AnswerText":"The additional funding for clinical psychology training secured eight posts so that the output from the training programmes in Scotland over the next three years will be 32 clinical psychologists per year. Without the additional funding the output would have fallen back to the previous figure of 24 per year. Supported by the clinical psychology committee of the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (SCPMDE), work is under way to define the number and type of psychologists required to provide psychological services in NHSScotland in the most effective way.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150296,"EventID":"S1W-13562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12728 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 February 2001, on what date the study into the potential impact of local loop unbundling across Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12728 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 February 2001, on what date the study into the potential impact of local loop unbundling across Scotland will be available and whether there will be a charge to businesses for copies of the results.","AnswerText":"A draft report is scheduled for delivery by early summer. This will then need to be evaluated by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands &amp; Islands Enterprise and the Executive. A summary report will be made available on the Scottish Enterprise website.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150297,"EventID":"S1W-13563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12619 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 1 February 2001, how much it will cost the Scottish Tourist Board to improve accessibility through","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12619 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 1 February 2001, how much it will cost the Scottish Tourist Board to improve accessibility through search engines to the visitscotland.com website.","AnswerText":"I will ask the Interim Chief Executive to write to you.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150298,"EventID":"S1W-13564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12619 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 1 February 2001, how much has been spent so far on developing the new look visitscotland.com websi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12619 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 1 February 2001, how much has been spent so far on developing the new look visitscotland.com website and what the total cost of the website will be on completion.","AnswerText":"I will ask the interim Chief Executive to write to you.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150299,"EventID":"S1W-13565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to address any difficulties in the teaching of the Scots language caused by scarcity of qualified teachers and materials and small number of pupils and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to address any difficulties in the teaching of the Scots language caused by scarcity of qualified teachers and materials and small number of pupils and whether it will introduce a pilot project on Scots language teaching similar to the approach to Latin teaching currently being tested in North Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The Scots language is not taught as a course, as the subject of Latin is, but is an element of more general language work aimed at giving children experience of and teaching them about Scots language and literature.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150300,"EventID":"S1W-13566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer why a Scots language version of the Scottish Parliament website has not been made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer why a Scots language version of the Scottish Parliament website has not been made available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament's website publishes information in English in line with Standing Orders, Rule 7.1 which states, &quot;The Parliament shall normally conduct its business in English......&quot;.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>There are no plans to create a full version of the website in any other language, though summary information is presented in Gaelic, and public information resources in several other languages will be available on the website in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150301,"EventID":"S1W-13567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what mechanism exists for liaison between the Scottish Arts Council and local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what mechanism exists for liaison between the Scottish Arts Council and local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council (SAC) has three funding programmes specifically designed to support local authority arts provision and policies. It liaises with individual local authorities both directly and collectively via the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) on a range of issues related to funding programmes, development projects and the exchange of information.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150302,"EventID":"S1W-13568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities make an administration charge for the issuing of concessionary fare cards and what the level of any such charge is in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities make an administration charge for the issuing of concessionary fare cards and what the level of any such charge is in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The details, from the latest information we have available, are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Concession Card Charge</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen City Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£5 per annum</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeenshire Council<P>Moray Council<P>(Joint Scheme)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£5 per annum</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£2.50 for 5 year travel card</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>City of Edinburgh Council<P>East Lothian Council<P>Midlothian Council<P>(Joint Scheme)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Free of Charge - 5 year travel card<P>Free of Charge - 4 year travel card<P>Free of Charge - 4 year travel card</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Clackmannanshire Council<P>Falkirk Council<P>Stirling Council<P>(Joint Scheme)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Free of Charge</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£4 per annum</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Annual Travel Card - £10 (free travel)<P>or<P>5 Year Travel Card - £2 (10p flat fare)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dundee City Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£1 for 3 year travel card</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Free of charge - 5 year travel card</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£3 for 5 year travel card</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney Islands Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Free of charge</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Perth and Kinross Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£2.50 for 5 year travel card</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Borders Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£3 per annum</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland Islands Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Free of Charge - unlimited</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>SPTA*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Free of Charge</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian Council</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Free of Charge</TD></TR></TABLE><P>* The scheme operated by the SPTA covers the whole of the following local authority areas:<P>Argyll and Bute&#9;&#9;North Ayrshire<P>East Ayrshire&#9;&#9;&#9;North Lanarkshire<P>East Dunbartonshire&#9;Renfrewshire<P>East Renfrewshire&#9;&#9;South Ayrshire<P>City of Glasgow South&#9;Lanarkshire<P>Inverclyde&#9;&#9;&#9;West Dunbartonshire","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150303,"EventID":"S1W-13569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed plans for a national concessionary fare scheme will lead to the abolition of administration charges for concessionary fare cards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed plans for a national concessionary fare scheme will lead to the abolition of administration charges for concessionary fare cards.","AnswerText":"I have opened discussions with CoSLA on implementing the enhancement to existing concessionary travel schemes to provide free off-peak bus travel by October 2002. As part of those discussions I am also seeking to make progress on a number of other associated issues, including the potential for abolition of charges on concessionary travel cards, which apply in some local authorities but not in others.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150304,"EventID":"S1W-13570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12622 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 1 February 2001, whether it will provide details of the increased levels of financial support for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12622 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 1 February 2001, whether it will provide details of the increased levels of financial support for the tourism industry being provided through the Scottish Tourist Board, in particular by how much such support is being increased.","AnswerText":"Financial support for STB/Visitscotland in 2000-01 is £25.9 million, which is a £6.6 million increase on the previous financial year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150305,"EventID":"S1W-13571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government in relation to the potential impact on the local economy of any decline in Ministry of Defence o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government in relation to the potential impact on the local economy of any decline in Ministry of Defence orders placed with the Defence Diversification Agency at Rosyth and what the outcome of any such representations has been to date.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with HM Government on a wide range of issues, including Ministry of Defence activities in Scotland. The Scottish Executive is currently working with the Defence Diversification Agency to achieve the shared aim of encouraging the widest exploitation of defence derived technology within Scottish industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150306,"EventID":"S1W-13572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list Scotland's tourist information centres, indicating the area tourist board each is affiliated to.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list Scotland's tourist information centres, indicating the area tourist board each is affiliated to.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Area Tourist Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">TICs Operated</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen &amp; Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen, Alford, Ballater, Banchory, Banff, Braemar, Crathie, Dufftown, Elgin, Forres, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Stonehaven, Tomintoul.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus &amp; Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Dundee, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Montrose. </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond. Stirling &amp; Trossachs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberfoyle, Alva, Ardgartan, Balloch, Bo'ness, Callander, Campbeltown, Craignure, Drymen, Dumbarton, Dunblane, Dunoon, Falkirk, Helensburgh, Inveraray, Islay, Killin, Lochgilphead, Oban, Rothesay, Stirling(Dumbarton Road), Stirling(M9/M80 Junction 9), Stirling (Royal Burgh of Stirling), Tarbert (Loch Fyne), Tarbet (Loch Lomond), Tobermory, Tyndrum.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayr, Brodick, Girvan, Irvine, Largs, Millport.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Castle Douglas, Dumfries, Gatehouse of Fleet, Gretna Green, Kirkcudbright, Moffat, Newton Stewart, Stranraer</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Edinburgh &amp; Lothians</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dunbar, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport, Linlithgow, Livingston (due to open at Easter), Newtongrange, North Berwick, Old Craighall (nr. Musselburgh), Penicuik.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Greater Glasgow &amp; Clyde Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Abington, Biggar, Glasgow, Glasgow Airport, Hamilton, Lanark, Paisley.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Highlands of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aviemore, Ballachulish, Bettyhill, Broadford, Daviot Wood, Dornoch, Durness, Dunvegan, Fort Augustus, Fort William, Gairloch, Glenshiel, Grantown-on-Spey, Helmsdale, Inverness, John o' Groats, Kilchoan, Kingussie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Lairg, Lochcarron, Lochinver, Mallaig, Nairn, North Kessock, Portree, Ralia, Spean Bridge, Strathpeffer, Strontian, Thurso, Uig, Ullapool, Wick.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Kingdom of Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Anstruther, Crail, Dunfermline, Forth Bridges, Kirkcaldy, St. Andrews.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Orkney </TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Kirkwall, Stromness.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Perthshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberfeldy, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Dunkeld, Kinross, Perth, Perth (Inveralmond), Pitlochry.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scottish Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Coldstream, Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, Peebles, Selkirk.</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lerwick</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150307,"EventID":"S1W-13573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any action in response to the proposal to close Aberdeen's tourist information centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any action in response to the proposal to close Aberdeen's tourist information centre.","AnswerText":"I was concerned to hear that Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board were contemplating closing the TIC in Aberdeen. However, Area Tourist Boards are independent organisations and are therefore responsible for their own operational decisions.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150308,"EventID":"S1W-13574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been approached by Aberdeen City Council for additional finance in order to allow it to make an increased contribution to the funding of Aberdeen's tourist","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been approached by Aberdeen City Council for additional finance in order to allow it to make an increased contribution to the funding of Aberdeen's tourist information centre.","AnswerText":"No. The Executive has increased Aberdeen City Council's revenue grant by 15.2% over the next three years, a total of £30.4 million over the period. I hope that this will enable the council to look favourably at the amount of support they provide to their tourist board.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150309,"EventID":"S1W-13575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding each local authority gives to its local tourist board, in total and expressed as a per capita figure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding each local authority gives to its local tourist board, in total and expressed as a per capita figure.","AnswerText":"The latest available information about core funding is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Area Tourist Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01 (£)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Per Capita (£)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen &amp; Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">150,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.71</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">300,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.32</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Moray</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">165,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.94</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus &amp; Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">158,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.44</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">246,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.70</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=5><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling &amp; Trossachs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">170,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.89</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28,800</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.59</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.39</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Stirling</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">235,400</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.78</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>West Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57,700</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.61</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.66</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">158,300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>South Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIG","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150310,"EventID":"S1W-13576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of tourism is to the Scottish economy, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) tourist board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of tourism is to the Scottish economy, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) tourist board area.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in respect of local authority areas. For tourist board areas, the information in respect of 1999, the last year available, is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Area Tourist Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value (£ million)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen &amp; Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">204</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus and Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling &amp; Trossachs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">290</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">138</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">106</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Edinburgh &amp; Lothians</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">533</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow &amp; Clyde Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">429</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highlands of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">396</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Kingdom of Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">113</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Perthshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">122</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney, Shetland &amp; Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Not Specified</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Sources: International Passenger Survey, UK Tourism Survey.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150311,"EventID":"S1W-13577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the recent merger between Tactica Solutions and Astron will give rise to any changes to its current contract with Tactica Solutions and whether it will detail an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the recent merger between Tactica Solutions and Astron will give rise to any changes to its current contract with Tactica Solutions and whether it will detail any such anticipated changes.","AnswerText":"The recent merger of Tactica Solutions and Astron does not change the contractual arrangements for the provision of the service to the Scottish Executive for design, print and publication requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150312,"EventID":"S1W-13578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its documents will continue to bear the text \"designed and produced for the Scottish Executive by Tactica Solutions\" or whether this text will be altered as a re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its documents will continue to bear the text \"designed and produced for the Scottish Executive by Tactica Solutions\" or whether this text will be altered as a result of the recent merger between Tactica Solutions and Astron.","AnswerText":"Tactica Solutions Ltd. and Astron recently merged to form Astron Document Services Limited. The text on Scottish Executive publications on which work started after 12 February 2001 will reflect the change of name.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150313,"EventID":"S1W-13579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action arising from his responsibilities for external affairs the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs has taken in relation to the cancellation of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action arising from his responsibilities for external affairs the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs has taken in relation to the cancellation of the Taoiseach's visit to Carfin, Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"<FONT FACE=\"Arial (PCL6)\" SIZE=2>The Scottish Executive was not involved in making arrangements for the Taoiseach's visit to Carfin, Lanarkshire. Following the cancellation, the First Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland jointly invited the Taoiseach to Scotland later this year.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150314,"EventID":"S1W-13580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13221 by Susan Deacon on 9 February 2001, what gross salary will be offered to salaried GPs in rural Scotland under the initiative ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13221 by Susan Deacon on 9 February 2001, what gross salary will be offered to salaried GPs in rural Scotland under the initiative launched on 19 February 2001 and what criteria will be used to determine the salary levels of such GPs.","AnswerText":"Personal Medical Services contracts are designed to meet local needs and the local services which will be provided to meet those needs. The level of GP remuneration will be determined locally, on the basis of the local services to be provided.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150315,"EventID":"S1W-13581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all of the facilities in Scotland licensed for the disposal of clinical waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all of the facilities in Scotland licensed for the disposal of clinical waste.","AnswerText":"The licensing of facilities for the disposal of clinical and other wastes is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is held on the agency's public register.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150316,"EventID":"S1W-13582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current regulations place any restrictions on the cremation of human organs or body parts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current regulations place any restrictions on the cremation of human organs or body parts.","AnswerText":"It is not for the Executive to interpret the statute. But, as The Independent Review Group on the Retention of Organs at Post Mortem, chaired by Professor Sheila McLean, noted in its recently published report, it appears there is nothing in the Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1935 to support the view that body parts may not be cremated. The report also urges the British Cremation Authority to deal with the reported problem of some crematoria appearing unwilling to cremate individual organs. I have asked officials to consider whether there is a need to amend the Regulations in order to remove any lack of clarity on this point.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150317,"EventID":"S1W-13583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average si'e is of (a) a primary and (b) a secondary school class.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average si'e is of (a) a primary and (b) a secondary school class.","AnswerText":"The latest information from the 1999 school census shows that the average class size in publicly funded primary schools was 24.6. This figure covers both single stage and composite classes. A composite class includes children from more than one stage - for example P1 and P2.<P>Most secondary school pupils are members of different class groupings for different subjects. Information about average class size is therefore generally regarded as less helpful than information about the average pupil: teacher ratio (PTR).<P>Collection of information about average class sizes in secondary schools is time consuming for schools and was discontinued in 1997. Information about secondary PTRs is provided in the answer to S1W-13585.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150318,"EventID":"S1W-13584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average si'e is of (a) a primary one, (b) a primary two, (c) a primary three and (d) a primary four class.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average si'e is of (a) a primary one, (b) a primary two, (c) a primary three and (d) a primary four class.","AnswerText":"The table below sets out the latest available average class size in (a) primary one, (b) primary two, (c) primary three and (d) primary four from the 1999 school census. The figures relate to single stage classes in publicly funded schools.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=321><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Primary 1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Primary 2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>25.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Primary 3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>26.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Primary 4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>27.0</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150319,"EventID":"S1W-13585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers were employed per (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil in each year for which figures are available and how many are expected to be employed in a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers were employed per (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil in each year for which figures are available and how many are expected to be employed in any future years for which projections are available.","AnswerText":"Historical figures for pupil:teacher ratios are published regularly in Statistical Bulletins. The following table sets out the pupil:teacher ratio for publicly funded primary and secondary schools for selected years since 1980 together with the fraction of a teacher per pupil derived from them. Projections on a similar basis from 2000 up to 2015 are also given. These projections take into account the additional teachers planned following the recent agreement on teachers pay and conditions.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Year (September)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of teachers (FTE) per primary pupil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of teachers (FTE) per secondary pupil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of pupils per primary teacher(FTE)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of pupils per secondary teacher (FTE)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1980</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.049</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.070</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1985</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.049</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.074</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.051</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.082</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.051</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.078</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.051</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.077</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.050</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.076</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.052</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.077</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.052</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.078</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.053</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.078</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.053</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.078</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2002</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.055</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.078</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" V","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150320,"EventID":"S1W-13586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total amount is of capital resources provided through all private finance initiative and public private partnership projects and what the average rate of intere","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total amount is of capital resources provided through all private finance initiative and public private partnership projects and what the average rate of interest paid to all lenders for the provision of that capital is.","AnswerText":"The total estimated capital value of Private Finance Initiative projects at signed and preferred bidder stage in cash terms is shown in the attached tables. An average rate of interest paid to all lenders for the provision of capital is not held centrally. Individual interest rates are matters of commercial confidentiality.<DIR><DIR><DIR><DIR><P>Table 1: Departmental Estimate of Capital Spending by the Private Sector (Signed Deals)</DIR></DIR></DIR></DIR><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=456><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>FE/HE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Health</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Water &amp; Sewerage</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">294.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive, NDPBs &amp; Nationalised Industries</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">404.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">172.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Local Authorities</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">135.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">116</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">539.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">288.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">78</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20.1</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Table 2: Estimated Capital Value of Projects at preferred Bidder<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=456><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Water &amp; Sewerage</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive, NDPBs &amp; Nationalised Industries</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150321,"EventID":"S1W-13587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all grant and relief schemes to the water industry which have been withdrawn in each of the last four years; what the total estimated value was of ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all grant and relief schemes to the water industry which have been withdrawn in each of the last four years; what the total estimated value was of each scheme, and what the total estimated overall loss is to those in receipt of such schemes.","AnswerText":"The Domestic Sewerage Relief Grant worth £89.7 million/£59.2 million/£29.7 million was paid to the water authorities in 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 respectively. This was a transitional scheme designed to assist domestic customers cope with the payment for the sewerage service received. It is the only grant paid to the water authorities which has been withdrawn in the past four years.<P>The withdrawal of relief to customer groups is a matter for the water authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150322,"EventID":"S1W-13588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the recently announced additional #20 million funding to Lothian and Borders Police it contributed, broken down by local authority area, when the first alloca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the recently announced additional #20 million funding to Lothian and Borders Police it contributed, broken down by local authority area, when the first allocation from its contribution will be made to the force and over what time period it will be paid.","AnswerText":"It is not clear as to which announcement Mr MacAskill is referring. On 20 February we announced the allocation of £25 million of capital consent to police forces for 2001-02, of which £5.1 million was allocated to Lothian and Borders. I would be happy to provide further information to Mr MacAskill if he would like to write to me.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150323,"EventID":"S1W-13589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why NHS waiting times in Glasgow are on average longer than elsewhere in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why NHS waiting times in Glasgow are on average longer than elsewhere in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A variety of factors affect waiting times. There is no evidence that inpatient and day case waiting times in Glasgow are poorer than those for Scotland as a whole. Across Scotland, almost 50% of patients wait less than a month for treatment, and over 80% of patients who go on to the waiting list are treated within three months.<P>The Scottish Executive's commitment to reducing waiting at every stage of the patient's journey and to ensuring that journey is as swift and responsive as possible is reaffirmed in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>. The NHS in Glasgow shares this commitment and is moving this agenda forward for the benefit of patients in its area.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150324,"EventID":"S1W-13590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether waiting times at the Glasgow Western Infirmary are three times as long as elsewhere in Scotland and, if so, what the reasons are for this position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether waiting times at the Glasgow Western Infirmary are three times as long as elsewhere in Scotland and, if so, what the reasons are for this position.","AnswerText":"Provisional figures for the year to 30 September 2000 show that the median waiting time for inpatient/day case treatment at Glasgow Western Infirmary was 28 days. This is a better performance than the corresponding all-Scotland median waiting time of 32 days. Over the same period, the median waiting time at Glasgow Western Infirmary for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant following referral was 47 days. The corresponding all-Scotland figure was 46 days.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150325,"EventID":"S1W-13591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many UK regulatory bodies have offices dispersed to Scotland, what these bodies are and how many staff are employed in their offices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many UK regulatory bodies have offices dispersed to Scotland, what these bodies are and how many staff are employed in their offices.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no general function in relation to the location of UK regulatory bodies in Scotland or the number of staff employed within their offices. The Executive does not hold records regarding the location of regulatory bodies sponsored by UK Government Departments.<P>One exception is in the case of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland (employing 57 staff in Aberdeen). Food safety and standards are devolved matters and legislation for Scotland is determined by the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150326,"EventID":"S1W-13592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the arrangements on entitlement to concessionary travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the arrangements on entitlement to concessionary travel.","AnswerText":"Yes. I intend to amend existing legislation to equalise eligibility for travel concessions for men in Scotland at the pension age for women.","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150327,"EventID":"S1W-13593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it plans to have with Scottish Gas on the impact on the Executive's fuel poverty strategy of Scottish Gas's decision to free'e electricity prices in Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it plans to have with Scottish Gas on the impact on the Executive's fuel poverty strategy of Scottish Gas's decision to free'e electricity prices in Scotland while cutting them by 3.7% in England and Wales and to increase gas prices in Scotland by 4.7% while not increasing them in England.","AnswerText":"Although responsibility for policy on energy pricing is a reserved matter, the Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Scottish Gas on a range of issues, including concerns about fuel poverty in Scotland. The current rise of 4.7% in the price of gas must be seen in the context of a fall in gas prices over the last five years of around 20% in real terms. The effect of the rise on domestic consumers will be to cause a marginal increase in fuel poverty, but this will be mitigated by a number of programmes across Government aimed at helping low-income households.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150328,"EventID":"S1W-13594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate the closure of the Millennium Cellular Services call centre at Rosemount Business Park, Royston, Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate the closure of the Millennium Cellular Services call centre at Rosemount Business Park, Royston, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive regrets the closure of Millennium Cellular Services. Our sympathies are with those who have lost their jobs. We understand that the decision to close in no way reflects on the quality or productivity of the workforce.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Following the closure the Executive has been in contact with Scottish Enterprise and the local economic development agency.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150329,"EventID":"S1W-13595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Millennium Cellular Services received any assistance from it in the current financial year or in 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Millennium Cellular Services received any assistance from it in the current financial year or in 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Millennium Cellular Services have received no financial assistance from the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150330,"EventID":"S1W-13596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much untreated sewage has entered the River Clyde in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much untreated sewage has entered the River Clyde in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"No untreated sewage is discharged into the River Clyde down to the Erskine Bridge except through combined sewer overflows (CSOs) which discharge dilute screened sewage at times of high rainfall. It is not possible to accurately quantify the volume of these intermittent discharges.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150331,"EventID":"S1W-13597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the River Clyde will cease to be used as a repository for (a) sewage and (b) rubbish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the River Clyde will cease to be used as a repository for (a) sewage and (b) rubbish.","AnswerText":"The water quality of the River Clyde has been improving year on year since the 1970s. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continuously monitors river water quality and sets discharge limits into watercourses. There is a multi-million pound programme of improvements to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sewage treatment works throughout the Clyde and its tributaries, and SEPA is confident of continued improvements in water quality.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150332,"EventID":"S1W-13598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on extending compulsory treatment of patients with mental health problems in the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on extending compulsory treatment of patients with mental health problems in the community.","AnswerText":"The Millan Committee, in its report <I>New Directions</I>, which was published on 25 January, recommends the introduction of a community order, where a patient meets the criteria for compulsory measures. The Executive is considering the report and proposes to publish a policy statement in the summer, setting out, as promised in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>, proposals for a modern legislative framework to meet the needs of people with a mental illness who require care and support, both in hospital and the community.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150333,"EventID":"S1W-13599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will eliminate postcode prescribing of the three Al'heimer's disease drugs, Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl following the National Institute for Clinical Excellenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will eliminate postcode prescribing of the three Al'heimer's disease drugs, Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl following the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's cessation of the practice in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland is currently working on a process to comment on all final appraisals from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Treatments for Alzheimer's disease will be the first topic to go through the process and their comment is expected in the next few weeks.<P>As an interim measure, the Scottish Executive has asked local Drug and Therapeutics Committees to re-examine their advice to their own clinicians about the use of their drugs, taking into account the NICE guidance.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150334,"EventID":"S1W-13600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to allocate additional resources to health boards to ensure that drugs effective in the treatment of Al'heimer's can be prescribed without impacting on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to allocate additional resources to health boards to ensure that drugs effective in the treatment of Al'heimer's can be prescribed without impacting on other services.","AnswerText":"Health boards' unified budgets include provision for the cost of prescribed drugs and are set to allow for the introduction of new drugs and the greater use of existing therapies. It is for health boards to agree with Primary Care Trusts the amount to be set aside for prescribing and the contingency arrangements for any unexpected expenditure fluctuations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150335,"EventID":"S1W-13601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that workers who lost their jobs at the Millennium Cellular Services in Glasgow receive outstan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that workers who lost their jobs at the Millennium Cellular Services in Glasgow receive outstanding wages and redundancy payments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including closures and redundancy policy.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150336,"EventID":"S1W-13602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a Tenement Law Bill and, if so, when.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a Tenement Law Bill and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Law Commission published its Report on the Law of the Tenement (Scot Law Com No 162) in 1998. Following the publication of the subsequent Report on Real Burdens (Scot Law Com No 181) in October 2000, the Executive asked the Commission to update its recommendations on the law of the tenement to take account of its subsequent work on real burdens and title conditions. This is because the management of tenements is governed by rules and conditions set out as rights and real burdens in the relevant title deeds. The modernisation and simplification of the law on real burdens will rationalise the application and enforcement of burdens on all property, including tenements. Reforming the law relating to real burdens and title conditions first will mean that reform of the law of the tenement should be more straightforward. A Tenement (Scotland) Bill will therefore be introduced after enactment of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill when an opportunity arises in the legislative programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150337,"EventID":"S1W-13603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it now plans to publish specific proposals regarding the #100 million ex-gratia payment to former employees of the Scottish Bus Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it now plans to publish specific proposals regarding the #100 million ex-gratia payment to former employees of the Scottish Bus Group.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are considering the basis for distribution and following the wind-up of the Scottish Transport Group we will be bringing forward proposals on distribution for the approval of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150338,"EventID":"S1W-13604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take in the light of the 2nd Report 2001 of the Rural Development Committee Impact of the Closure of the Islay Creamery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take in the light of the 2nd Report 2001 of the Rural Development Committee Impact of the Closure of the Islay Creamery.","AnswerText":"The report raises a number of detailed issues relating to factors affecting rural and island communities across Scotland. The Executive is giving the report's findings and recommendations careful consideration.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150339,"EventID":"S1W-13605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any initiatives or introduce any policy measures in the light of Recommendation C of the 2nd Report 2001 of the Rural Development Committee regarding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any initiatives or introduce any policy measures in the light of Recommendation C of the 2nd Report 2001 of the Rural Development Committee regarding subsidy of road and ferry transport costs for businesses operating in Scotland's most remote island communities.","AnswerText":"We are committed to providing support for transport to and within remote communities in the Highlands and Islands. In relation to lifeline ferry services, revenue support to Caledonian MacBrayne to support services to the Western Isles and on the Clyde is at a record £19.9 million in the current year. We are also paying £11 million in Block Subsidy to P&amp;O Scottish Ferries in respect of its services to the Northern Isles. In relation to roads, last year's Spending Review provided an additional £70 million over the next three years to tackle the backlog of repairs to local roads and bridge maintenance, as part of the single allocations to local authorities. £444 million is already committed to strengthening the trunk road network in 2000-02, and this will rise to £512 million for the period 2002-04. A significant proportion of this investment in both local and trunk roads will flow into the Highlands and Islands.<P>More generally, an extra £60 million is being made available over the next three years to enhance transport in the Highlands and Islands following the Spending Review. This figure includes additional provision for Caledonian MacBrayne, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, lifeline air services, grants for piers and harbours and the Rural Transport Fund.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150340,"EventID":"S1W-13606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12329 by Susan Deacon on 6 February 2001, how the contracted number of midwifery students at Glasgow Caledonian University was calc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12329 by Susan Deacon on 6 February 2001, how the contracted number of midwifery students at Glasgow Caledonian University was calculated.","AnswerText":"The annual Student Nurse Intake Planning exercise takes into account the overall supply and demand of nurses and midwives in Scotland through a workforce planning survey and modelling exercise. This informs the total number of places for nursing and midwifery students in contracted higher education institutions in Scotland.<P>The total is then divided between the seven institutions, following discussions between the Scottish Executive and the institutions themselves. Year-on-year changes in each institution's intake are usually minimised in the interests of continuity, but the allocations may also take account of factors such as the capacity of each institution and its local NHS partners to provide the education, local NHS demand for qualified nurses and midwives, and local application rates.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150341,"EventID":"S1W-13607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12330 by Susan Deacon on 6 February 2001, whether it has any plans to increase the number of student midwifery course intakes at Gl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12330 by Susan Deacon on 6 February 2001, whether it has any plans to increase the number of student midwifery course intakes at Glasgow Caledonian University after 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The annual Student Nurse Intake Planning (SNIP) exercise assesses the level of student intake required to provide the nursing and midwifery workforce which employers expect to need in five years' time. The SNIP2001 exercise is currently under way and will affect the pre-registration nursing and midwifery diploma course intakes for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150342,"EventID":"S1W-13608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make arrangements for a reduction from 40 mph to 30 mph in the speed limit on the section of the A830 in the Corpach area which includes the road crossin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make arrangements for a reduction from 40 mph to 30 mph in the speed limit on the section of the A830 in the Corpach area which includes the road crossing point used by children attending the Banavie Primary School; what assessment it has made of the risks to children using the crossing of the speed limit remaining at 40 mph, and what representations it has received on behalf of the constituents of Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, including from the Clerk to the Banavie Primary School Board, that the current speed restrictions on this road are too high given the volume of traffic including fish and timber lorries, tourists and local traffic.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to introduce a 30mph speed limit within the vicinity of the Banavie Primary School. The accident history, traffic flows and  pedestrian movements in the Corpach area together with the existence of a School Crossing Patroller and associated signage were all considered in the assessment process. The risk to children is considered to be low.<P>Scottish Executive is aware of representations made by the Kilmallie Community Council concerning this matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150343,"EventID":"S1W-13609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the introduction of grant aid to encourage householders to upgrade their septic tank systems to EU standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the introduction of grant aid to encourage householders to upgrade their septic tank systems to EU standards.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to introduce grants for upgrading septic tanks.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150344,"EventID":"S1W-13610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the introduction of grant aid for alternative sewerage schemes in rural areas where septic tank systems are the only current option.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the introduction of grant aid for alternative sewerage schemes in rural areas where septic tank systems are the only current option.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to introduce grants for alternative sewerage schemes in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150345,"EventID":"S1W-13611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10953 by Sarah Boyack on 5 February 2000, when the allocation will be made from the Rural Transport Fund in respect of each of its ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10953 by Sarah Boyack on 5 February 2000, when the allocation will be made from the Rural Transport Fund in respect of each of its three component parts and what amount will be allocated to the Rural Community Transport Scheme in 2001 and 2002.","AnswerText":"I announced details of the allocations from the increased Rural Transport Fund on 20 March. The allocations are broken down as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rural Public Passenger Transport</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4.300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4.700</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">5.100</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rural Community Transport</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.800</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.900</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1.000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rural Petrol Stations Grant Scheme</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.400</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.400</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.400</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">5.500</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">6.000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">6.500</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150346,"EventID":"S1W-13612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12738 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 February 2001, why 269 of the applications submitted to the end of December 2000 for Individual Le","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12738 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 February 2001, why 269 of the applications submitted to the end of December 2000 for Individual Learning Accounts were rejected and whether detailed explanations of the reasons for rejection can be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The total of Individual Learning Account applications rejected, to the end of December 2000, was 169 (0.4% of applications submitted). The most common reasons for rejection were failure to complete all mandatory sections of the application form (44%), ineligibility through not being resident in Scotland or not being a UK or EU national (34%) and the supply of inconsistent information (15%). Applicants are informed of the reasons for an application being rejected. In the majority of cases applicants will be able to reapply, providing the correct information.<P>Detailed explanations of the reasons for each individual rejection are not collated centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150347,"EventID":"S1W-13613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the abolition of advance corporation tax on pension funds has had on the budget of Scottish Enterprise and each local enterprise company in each year since it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the abolition of advance corporation tax on pension funds has had on the budget of Scottish Enterprise and each local enterprise company in each year since its introduction in July 1999.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I have asked the Chairman to respond to the member direct. A copy of the reply will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150348,"EventID":"S1W-13614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on compiling and publishing unemployment statistics on a more localised basis than the travel to work areas currently used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on compiling and publishing unemployment statistics on a more localised basis than the travel to work areas currently used.","AnswerText":"Currently, only claimant count unemployment figures are published below large unitary authority areas. Numbers of claimant unemployed in 1991 wards, or postcode sectors are already published monthly via the NOMIS database. This is available via the Parliament's Reference Centre, and the staff are happy to help get required figures.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Scottish Executive has plans to publish a claimant rate for local areas over the next year. In addition, the Scottish Executive will fund a neighbourhood statistics project. Over the years 2001-02 to 2003-04, the Executive will spend £7 million to develop statistics covering many aspects of society and the economy at a very local level. Planned here are many labour market statistics, including the internationally standard ILO measure of unemployment.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150349,"EventID":"S1W-13615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs intends to visit Lockerbie Primary School and Lockerbie Academy when he is next in Dumfries and Galloway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs intends to visit Lockerbie Primary School and Lockerbie Academy when he is next in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"I cannot, at this stage, give any commitment to visiting schools in Lockerbie, but I am considering the possibility of including them in a future programme of visits.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150350,"EventID":"S1W-13616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1786 by Sarah Boyack on 17 May 2000, why the Scottish Ministers did not lay before the Parliament in December 2000 their proposals ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1786 by Sarah Boyack on 17 May 2000, why the Scottish Ministers did not lay before the Parliament in December 2000 their proposals for the setting of a national road traffic reduction target as required by the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Act 1998.","AnswerText":"My previous answer was based on an expectation that research commissioned to inform the road traffic reduction report would have been completed. However, the research proved more complex than anticipated at that time and the final report is not yet ready. Once received, its conclusions will need to be analysed and a decision taken on whether further work is required.<P>The road traffic reduction report will now form an integral part of Scotland's Transport Delivery Plan which is expected to be published later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150351,"EventID":"S1W-13617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to establish abattoirs in rural locations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to establish abattoirs in rural locations.","AnswerText":"Those areas of rural Scotland producing prime stock are generally well served by abattoirs. For any areas which may be less well served, my department would be happy to consider viable proposals from commercial concerns for establishing such facilities under its capital and non-capital grant schemes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150352,"EventID":"S1W-13618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase the number of meat processing facilities so that livestock and carcasses do not have to be transported outwith Scotland for process","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase the number of meat processing facilities so that livestock and carcasses do not have to be transported outwith Scotland for processing.","AnswerText":"I agree that it would be desirable if more of our livestock were slaughtered and processed within Scotland and my department will consider as a priority any viable proposals to do so under its capital and non-capital grant schemes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150353,"EventID":"S1W-13619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what asbestos-related guidelines were in place in 1990 when the Scottish Office evacuated New St Andrews' House on the grounds of the presence of asbestos.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what asbestos-related guidelines were in place in 1990 when the Scottish Office evacuated New St Andrews' House on the grounds of the presence of asbestos.","AnswerText":"The guidelines on asbestos current in 1990 were contained in the Department of the Environment Booklet (Asbestos Materials in Buildings) issued in Scotland under Scottish Development Department Circular No 32 in 1986.<P>The asbestos present in New St Andrew's House was stable at the time staff moved to Victoria Quay in 1995. The projected cost of the removal of asbestos from New St Andrew's House was a factor in the decision to give up three central Edinburgh buildings (New St Andrew's House, Brandon Street/Perth Street and Jeffrey Street) with staff moving to a new building at Victoria Quay.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150354,"EventID":"S1W-13620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many warrant sales have been carried out on individuals in domestic residences by each local authority in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many warrant sales have been carried out on individuals in domestic residences by each local authority in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Warrant sales are normally conducted in auction houses. They can only be carried out in domestic premises where the occupier thereof and, if he is not the occupier, the debtor gives consent in writing. No records are kept centrally of the number of occasions such consent is given.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150355,"EventID":"S1W-13622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many poinding applications have been made by or on behalf of each local authority, in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many poinding applications have been made by or on behalf of each local authority, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Poindings proceed on the authority of the extracted warrant. No applications for poinding are therefore made. The table sets out the number of poindings effected under the summary warrant procedure for Council Tax arrears and Community Tax arrears for the years 1995 to 1999 in Scotland which are the latest available. The data collected does not specify the numbers of poindings effected by each local authority.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Council Tax:</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Poindings effected</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,115</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,850</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,046</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,260</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,029</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Community Charge<FONT SIZE=2>:</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Poindings effected</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,193</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">946</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">916</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">747</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">587</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150356,"EventID":"S1W-13623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether details of the environmental monitoring programme undertaken by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency into the impact of testing depleted uranium shells in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether details of the environmental monitoring programme undertaken by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency into the impact of testing depleted uranium shells in the Solway Firth have been made available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and whether such details have been, or will be, made publicly available.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150357,"EventID":"S1W-13624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ongoing involvement the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has in relation to the environmental monitoring programme conducted by the Defence Evaluation and Rese","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ongoing involvement the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has in relation to the environmental monitoring programme conducted by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency into the impact of depleted uranium shells in the Solway Firth.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150358,"EventID":"S1W-13625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for collating baseline data on the health of the marine environment and radioactivity levels in the Solway Firth and how often this data is updated and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for collating baseline data on the health of the marine environment and radioactivity levels in the Solway Firth and how often this data is updated and reviewed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department commissions Fisheries Research Services (FRS) to conduct routine and specific monitoring around the Scottish coast. One of the 18 Scottish stations in the National Monitoring Programme (NMP) is located off the Kirkcudbright coast.<I> </I>Within the NMP, measurements of water column chemistry, sediment chemistry and biology and of contaminant levels in fish are made annually, and the results for the period 1999 to 2001 are scheduled to be published in 2002. The results of similar measurements taken in a scoping exercise are contained in a report available through the FRS website (http://www.marlab.ac.uk/NMPR/SNMP/SNMP.htm). Arrangements are being made for copies of the report to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>In addition the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) undertakes a programme of environmental monitoring for radioactivity linked to authorised liquid and gaseous discharges of radioactive waste to the environment. Extensive monitoring under this programme is carried out in the Solway Firth. The data is updated and reviewed annually, and published in the joint SEPA/Food Standards Agency publication <I>Radioactivity in Food and the Environment</I>. Copies of the latest report are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150359,"EventID":"S1W-13626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) measles, mumps and rubella, (b) mumps and rubella, (c) single antigen measles, (d) single antigen rubella and (e) single antigen mumps vaccines were adminis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many (a) measles, mumps and rubella, (b) mumps and rubella, (c) single antigen measles, (d) single antigen rubella and (e) single antigen mumps vaccines were administered in each health board area in each year since 1979.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in entirety in the form requested. What is available is set out in the following tables. Neither a mumps and rubella combined vaccination nor single antigen mumps vaccine has been offered by the NHS in Scotland. In response to a measles outbreak in Scotland, there was a schools-based campaign providing measles and rubella combined vaccination in 1994-95 and it was estimated that 90.4% of the target population were vaccinated at that time.<P>No information has been collected centrally on single vaccinations that may have been provided by general practitioners privately, using imported vaccines.<P>Information is available by health board only in regard to MMR from 1995.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Table 1 (Numbers of children receiving MMR by 24 months of age in Scotland from 1989 to 2000 and by health board from 1995 to 2000):<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=3 WIDTH=573><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1989</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1991</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>191,027</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>116,206</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>80,073</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>67,185</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>68,868</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>59,222</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>&nbsp;<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=574><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58,612</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55,634</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55,781</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54,813</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54,100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53,620<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150360,"EventID":"S1W-13627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements and changes in the diagnosis of autism have occurred in each year since 1979, by what means and how GPs and other health officials were made aware of an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements and changes in the diagnosis of autism have occurred in each year since 1979, by what means and how GPs and other health officials were made aware of any such changes.","AnswerText":"The diagnosis of autism ultimately remains a clinical one, which may require input from a number of different disciplines.<P>Initial results from the Borders Multi-Agency Service for Children with Autism provide evidence that autism can be detected earlier in life through earlier screening. This service involved health visitors screening children before the age of two years and resulted in a 50% increase in the number of cases of autistic spectrum disorder detected.<P>Over the last decade, broadening the diagnostic criteria to encompass &quot;autistic spectrum disorders&quot; has become more common in Scotland.<P>General practitioners take responsibility for their own learning needs as part of the process of lifelong learning and maintenance of clinical skills. We would expect all GPs to keep up to date with current thinking and practice in all clinical areas, including autism, as part of their continuing professional development.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150361,"EventID":"S1W-13628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information has been collated on the current economic circumstances of the farmers who will be affected by the Knapdale Forest European Beaver re-introduction trial.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information has been collated on the current economic circumstances of the farmers who will be affected by the Knapdale Forest European Beaver re-introduction trial.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>I</B> understand that Scottish Natural Heritage has not collated information on the current economic circumstances of the farmers adjacent to the area at Knapdale they propose for a trial re-introduction of the European Beaver.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150362,"EventID":"S1W-13629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any research into the success or otherwise of beaver re-introduction schemes in other European Union countries such as Austria, Germany or Swit'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any research into the success or otherwise of beaver re-introduction schemes in other European Union countries such as Austria, Germany or Swit'erland and, if so, whether any of the research is relevant to the Knapdale environment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not carried out research into beaver re-introductions in other EU countries. I understand that Scottish Natural Heritage can provide details of all relevant research including work to consider specific aspects of the impact of beavers on their environment.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150363,"EventID":"S1W-13630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage will be able to provide financial compensation to farmers for damage to their income or land resulting from the reintroduction of beaver","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage will be able to provide financial compensation to farmers for damage to their income or land resulting from the reintroduction of beavers to the Knapdale Forest and, if so, what criteria will have to be met to trigger such payments.","AnswerText":"The trial re-introduction of beavers proposed by Scottish Natural Heritage is planned for Forest Enterprise land, on part of Knapdale Forest in Mid Argyll. I understand that Scottish Natural Heritage believes that farmers are unlikely to be adversely affected by the trial. Scottish Natural Heritage intend, however, to offer financial compensation and positive management agreements where economic damage is proved.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150364,"EventID":"S1W-13631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding arrangements are in place for Argyll College in the financial year 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding arrangements are in place for Argyll College in the financial year 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Funding for the development of further education in Argyll in financial year 2001-02 will be directed through Lews Castle College, in its capacity as the chosen partner college of Argyll College, as part of the grant-in-aid allocated by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150365,"EventID":"S1W-13632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice has been given by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to the Ministry of Defence on the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan in Kirkcud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice has been given by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to the Ministry of Defence on the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150366,"EventID":"S1W-13633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has any legal obligations and powers in relation to the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan in Kirkcud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has any legal obligations and powers in relation to the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"The Ministry of Defence has crown immunity from regulation under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) therefore has no legal obligation or powers to regulate any activity in relation to the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150367,"EventID":"S1W-13634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what scientific recommendations the cod recovery plan was based.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what scientific recommendations the cod recovery plan was based.","AnswerText":"The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), the scientific body which advises European Community fisheries managers, identified the need to establish cod recovery plans in their most recent advice. Two cod recovery plans have been established, in the North Sea and in waters to the West of Scotland. These initial measures are aimed at protecting spawning cod congregations. Further technical measures are currently being developed by the European Community in consultation with the fishing industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150368,"EventID":"S1W-13635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 21 February 2001 by Jack Straw of #10.6 million of additional funding to encourage regional police forces to apply the National Intell","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 21 February 2001 by Jack Straw of #10.6 million of additional funding to encourage regional police forces to apply the National Intelligence Model guidelines, what discussions it has had with police forces to ensure that they take advantage of the funding available.","AnswerText":"The announcement by the Home Secretary applies only to forces in England and Wales. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) has endorsed the National Intelligence Model (NIM) and an implementation team is considering the introduction of the model across the eight Scottish police forces and the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency. The decision to implement the NIM, which is connected to a new Scottish Intelligence Database, is an operational matter for chief constables. Last month, we announced an investment package of £8 million to take forward development work including that on a Scottish Intelligence Database.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150369,"EventID":"S1W-13636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be monitoring the progress of Camden Council's online transaction service for business rates, council tax and parking fines to assess the utility of a sim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be monitoring the progress of Camden Council's online transaction service for business rates, council tax and parking fines to assess the utility of a similar system for local authorities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Through the Central Local Government 21st Century Forum, the Scottish Executive is encouraging local authorities to deliver electronically all services for which this is feasible by 2005. To promote progress towards this target, the Scottish Executive monitors developments like the Camden scheme both north and south of the border.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150370,"EventID":"S1W-13637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what exploratory work has been or will be carried out on the upgrading of the M8 through the introduction of additional lanes; who is carrying out any such work, and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what exploratory work has been or will be carried out on the upgrading of the M8 through the introduction of additional lanes; who is carrying out any such work, and what the estimated costs of this exploratory work are, broken down by financial year.","AnswerText":"There are no proposals to upgrade the M8 through the introduction of additional lanes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150371,"EventID":"S1W-13638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to assist people with mental health problems gain employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to assist people with mental health problems gain employment.","AnswerText":"Employment is a matter reserved to the UK Government. The New Deal is delivered in Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Executive and other Scottish organisations. The New Deal for Disabled People, which will be extended nationally from July 2001, will offer new opportunities for people with mental health problems.<P>The Scottish Executive is committed to taking forward action in response to the Beattie Committee to improve the skills and employability of young people with additional support needs (including young people with mental health problems). <P>The Executive is also funding a project run by the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health to examine ways in which people with mental health problems can be helped to return to and remain in employment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150372,"EventID":"S1W-13639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it applies current legislation on the control of seagulls in urban environments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it applies current legislation on the control of seagulls in urban environments.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to take appropriate measures to control seagulls should this become necessary. Councils have full discretionary powers to do so. Licences are issued by the Scottish Executive to cover situations where lethal control is the only satisfactory solution available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150373,"EventID":"S1W-13640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a statutory duty on local authorities to control seagulls in urban environments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a statutory duty on local authorities to control seagulls in urban environments.","AnswerText":"Local authorities already have full discretionary powers to control seagulls where necessary. The Executive has no plans to impose a statutory duty on councils.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150374,"EventID":"S1W-13641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the early detection of dyslexia and other similar conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the early detection of dyslexia and other similar conditions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing over £5 million per year to local authorities for the development and training of classroom-based staff and trainee educational psychologists working with children with special educational needs, including dyslexia and other similar conditions. £1 million of this funding is directed towards early intervention, which addresses a wide variety of training requirements including accreditation such as the Certificate in Dyslexia.<P>The Scottish Executive Education Department has worked jointly with the Scottish Dyslexia Trust to train teachers in dyslexia awareness and early identification. The Executive is currently funding the Trust to run a national seminar and to produce a report to highlight good practice and innovative approaches for teaching dyslexic pupils. This report will be issued to all education authorities in Scotland.<P>In addition, the 3-5 Curriculum guidelines for pre-school education cover the key aspects of children's development and learning. Differences in children's progress, and any need for extra support, are noted through observation and careful assessment.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150375,"EventID":"S1W-13642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making regarding the development of a science strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making regarding the development of a science strategy.","AnswerText":"Scotland's first integrated Science Strategy will be published soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150376,"EventID":"S1W-13643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consults with tourist businesses which are not members of their area tourist board and, if so, how.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consults with tourist businesses which are not members of their area tourist board and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"Yes. We consult with businesses through their representative organisations, either by correspondence or through meetings.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150377,"EventID":"S1W-13644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further steps it will be taking to assist local authorities develop Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) to rebuild and repair school buildings and, in particular, whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further steps it will be taking to assist local authorities develop Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) to rebuild and repair school buildings and, in particular, whether assistance will be available to them to bridge revenue gaps in PPP repayments.","AnswerText":"I have recently announced the allocation of £5 million amongst a number of authorities to take forward work on feasibility studies into possible further school Public/Private Partnership projects. We are currently giving consideration to the possibility of appropriate financial support for a stage beyond that where suitable projects have been identified. We shall make an announcement when that consideration has been completed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150378,"EventID":"S1W-13645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reverse depopulation in the Western Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reverse depopulation in the Western Isles.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to tackling the causes of population decline through initiatives targeted at rural communities across Scotland. In the Western Isles, the Executive supports economic development through Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Western Isles Enterprise. The range of specific measures taken by the Executive in the Western Isles include: support for the latest IT infrastructure; support for new businesses; and improving rural transport with substantial spending on infrastructure projects such as the Eriskay causeway. Wider programmes, such as Iomairt aig an Oir (the Initiative at the Edge) and grants for community land purchase, are also boosting the local economy and creating jobs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150379,"EventID":"S1W-13646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase inward investment in the Western Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase inward investment in the Western Isles.","AnswerText":"Locate in Scotland promotes the whole of Scotland as a location for inward investment. However, in recognition of the particular difficulties which rural areas face in attracting inward investment, Locate in Scotland established its Rural Inward Investment Team in the latter half of 1998. The Rural Investment team works closely with Scottish Enterprise the Local Enterprise Companies and Highlands & Islands Enterprise in order to highlight to investors the many benefits that rural Scotland has to offer.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150380,"EventID":"S1W-13647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to attract both overseas and domestic tourists to the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to attract both overseas and domestic tourists to the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The New Strategy for Scottish Tourism, which we published last February, includes actions that we believe will grow tourism in the Highlands and Islands. We have also increased the budget of visitscotland to a record level, which will enable it to increase its marketing effort both within the UK and overseas.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150381,"EventID":"S1W-13648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote Internet working from home in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote Internet working from home in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Internet working from home is already technically possible in the Highlands and Islands, as it is across the whole of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150382,"EventID":"S1W-13649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to diversify the economy of the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to diversify the economy of the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13664.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150383,"EventID":"S1W-13650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of the trunk roads budget will be spent in the Highlands and Islands in each of the next three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of the trunk roads budget will be spent in the Highlands and Islands in each of the next three financial years.","AnswerText":"Our initial estimate is that around 15% of the overall trunk road budget will be spent in the North-West Unit, which covers most of the Highland Council area. The percentage will vary from year to year depending on whether new construction is underway.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150384,"EventID":"S1W-13651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many kilometres of trunk roads there are in the Highlands and Islands and what this represents as a percentage of the overall trunk road network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many kilometres of trunk roads there are in the Highlands and Islands and what this represents as a percentage of the overall trunk road network.","AnswerText":"There are no trunk roads in the three Islands Council areas. In the area of Highland Council there are 978 kilometres of trunk road which represents 28% of the overall trunk road network in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150385,"EventID":"S1W-13652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to set up mobile dialysis units in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to set up mobile dialysis units in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the health boards and NHS Trusts which serve the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150386,"EventID":"S1W-13653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what potential it sees for precious mineral extraction in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what potential it sees for precious mineral extraction in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"A variety of precious minerals is found in the Highlands and Islands. It is for those involved in minerals prospecting and extraction to establish whether there are reserves which at some future date could be worked economically.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150387,"EventID":"S1W-13654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Caledonian MacBrayne and other ferry operators about extending ferry services within the islands and between the islands and the mainlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Caledonian MacBrayne and other ferry operators about extending ferry services within the islands and between the islands and the mainland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Caledonian MacBrayne and other ferry operators at both official and ministerial level on a wide range of ferry issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150388,"EventID":"S1W-13655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the anticipated 19.9% reduction in the population of Eilean Siar between 1998 and 2016, as detailed in the Registrar General for Scotland's Annual Report for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the anticipated 19.9% reduction in the population of Eilean Siar between 1998 and 2016, as detailed in the Registrar General for Scotland's Annual Report for 1999, will have on the long-term economic, cultural and social viability of the islands.","AnswerText":"The latest, 1998-based population projections produced by The Registrar General for Scotland, indicate that the population of the Western Isles will decline by 14.2% (3,960 people) over the period 1998 to 2016. Population projections provide an indication of future changes in population if assumptions about future levels of fertility, mortality and migration, based on past trends, are realised. These projections do not take into account potential economic or social changes which might impact on population decline or growth. As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-13645, the Scottish Executive is committed to addressing the causes of population decline in the Western Isles, together with local agencies and authorities, through a wide range of measures.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150389,"EventID":"S1W-13656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what health measures it will take to reduce the mortality rate in Eilean Siar to the Scottish average.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what health measures it will take to reduce the mortality rate in Eilean Siar to the Scottish average.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is dedicated to improving the health of all Scots and, in particular, to tackling health inequalities<I>. Our National Health: A plan for action; a plan for change</I>, published on 14 December 2000, sets out fully the policy framework which provides the focus for our work to tackle the root causes of ill health. Implementation of these policies at local level will lead to improvements in health with consequent improvements in mortality rates throughout the country. <P>The Scottish Executive has recognised the greater need for expenditure on health care in Eilean Siar in implementing the recommendations of <I>Fair Shares for All</I> (the Arbuthnott Report). This means that Western Isles Health Board will receive in 2001-02 an increase of 9% in its allocation for hospital and community health services, compared with an average increase of 6.5%.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150390,"EventID":"S1W-13657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to improve access to primary health care services in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to improve access to primary health care services in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is determined to improve access to primary care services across Scotland, and just some of its current initiatives are set out below:<UL><I><LI>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> sets out our commitment to ensure that patients in every part of Scotland can get access to an appropriate member of the primary care team in no more than 48 hours.</LI></UL><UL><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><LI>The development of Personal Medical Services will enable PCTs to employ salaried GPs to fill gaps in current service provision and enhance existing services, particularly in remote and rural areas. In addition, I announced on 19 February an additional £18.5 million over the next three years for PMS development, and Highland Health Board have been given a notional allocation of £228,078 to help provide greater access to its primary care services.</LI></UL><UL><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><LI>The development of NHS&nbsp;24, which will provide the public of Scotland with 24-hour access to advice and information, will ensure that patients are provided with direct access to the appropriate health or care service in one phone call. NHS&nbsp;24 will build links with GPs and their out-of-hours services, as well as other NHS services, to ensure that a fully integrated system is put in place.</LI></UL><P>We have set up a Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative with funding of £8 million over a three-year period. The initiative is looking at new and innovative ways of providing services in the less populated parts of Scotland and improving access to services will be a central theme in its work. <I>Our National Health </I>makes clear that health boards will be expected to start rolling out successful projects in their areas by April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150391,"EventID":"S1W-13658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional private sector investment it will encourage in installing fibre optic cables in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional private sector investment it will encourage in installing fibre optic cables in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is considering with the UK Government how best to extend broadband access as widely as possible, including the role of public sector procurement of broadband services in stimulating wider supply by the industry.<P>The Executive recognises that in remoter parts of Scotland, including parts of the Highland &amp; Islands, a different approach may be needed. In this context we welcome the work of the Highlands &amp; Islands Partnership under the special Transitional Programme which is considering the need for Public/Private Partnerships to encourage investment in remoter areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150392,"EventID":"S1W-13659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being undertaken into the catching and marketing of fish species of the northern waters which are as yet unharvested.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being undertaken into the catching and marketing of fish species of the northern waters which are as yet unharvested.","AnswerText":"The bulk of research effort is directed towards commercially exploited species. However, exploratory surveys are undertaken annually and all species caught, including those not currently harvested, are routinely recorded. <P>Market research is undertaken on emerging fisheries. For example the Seafish Industry Authority is currently engaged in an economic feasibility study of deep waters species for the Scottish Fish Processors Action Group.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150393,"EventID":"S1W-13660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas it has identified in the Highlands and Islands as priority areas in addressing social exclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas it has identified in the Highlands and Islands as priority areas in addressing social exclusion.","AnswerText":"There are 48 Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) in Scotland tackling social exclusion in priority areas and client groups. These include the Highlands &amp; Islands SIP, which addresses social exclusion in young people across a number of priority areas and the Argyll &amp; Bute SIP which addresses social exclusion on an area-based approach across a number of priority areas.<P>The priority areas were selected by the SIPs. The Highlands &amp; Islands SIP identified: Ormlie (Thurso); Westford/Milnafua (Alness); Merkinch (Inverness); Upper Fort William; Kinlochleven; Acharacle and the Initiative at the Edge Areas of North Sutherland; Ardnamurchan; Westray and Papa Westray in Orkney Islands; and Uig &amp; Bernera, the Bays of Harris, Lochboisdale and Eriskay within the Western Isles. The Argyll &amp; Bute SIP identified: Ardenslate, Ballochgoy, Dalintober, Kirkmichael and Soroba.<P>As well as the Highlands and Islands SIP and the Argyll &amp; Bute SIP, we are also providing funding to the Lochaber Working for Communities Pathfinder which covers Acharacle, Mallaig, Kilchoan, Kinlochleven, Lochaline, Duror, Fort William and Invergarry and the Western Isles Working for Communities Pathfinder and we announced recently that Eilean Siar would receive £1.35 million over three years to develop better neighbourhood services, in areas to be selected by the local authority.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150394,"EventID":"S1W-13661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to eliminate social exclusion in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to eliminate social exclusion in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Through our Social Justice Strategy, we are already delivering a range of polices and programmes which are aimed at tackling and eliminating social exclusion throughout Scotland, in both rural and urban communities. We have acknowledged that we need to improve our understanding of rural social exclusion, and established the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group to assist us in this task. I look forward to receiving the group's report and recommendations shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150395,"EventID":"S1W-13662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to upgrade the B8007 between Kilchoan and Acharacle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to upgrade the B8007 between Kilchoan and Acharacle.","AnswerText":"The upgrading of this road is a matter for the Highland Council as the local roads authority for the area.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150396,"EventID":"S1W-13663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government and airlines operating within the Highlands and Islands regarding a reduction in the cost of airfares to and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government and airlines operating within the Highlands and Islands regarding a reduction in the cost of airfares to and from the area.","AnswerText":"Under the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998, matters concerning the regulation of aviation and air transport are reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Executive is, however, in regular contact with the UK Government about a wide range of matters; and, through its contacts with airlines operating in the Highlands and Islands, has discussed the improvement of fare structures to encourage more discounted fares as a means of promoting greater use of air services.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150397,"EventID":"S1W-13664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the per capita income in the Highlands and Islands to (a) Scottish and (b) UK levels and when each of these targets will be achieved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the per capita income in the Highlands and Islands to (a) Scottish and (b) UK levels and when each of these targets will be achieved.","AnswerText":"The 1999 New Earnings Survey highlighted that average earnings in the Highlands &amp; Islands are below those earned in Scotland and Great Britain. This reflects the traditional narrow base of the economy of the Highlands &amp; Islands. The key thrust of the Scottish Executive to address this issue is the diversification of economic activity in the area through its agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise.<P>During the year 1999-2000, 80% of the jobs created through inward investment were in the knowledge sector, contributing to the broadening of opportunity in the area. The quality of employment is an explicit element of Highlands and Islands Enterprise's annual target framework, and the network has focused on bringing new opportunities to the fragile parts of the area, as evidenced in the attraction of the Stolt project to Harris in the Western Isles. <P>These activities will all help diversify employment in the Highlands and Islands and raise average per capita income. An output of this diversifying business portfolio is to reduce the differential between Highland and Island and Scottish/UK per capita income. As per capita income is constantly changing, continually eroding the differential is a more robust measure than a specific target date.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150398,"EventID":"S1W-13665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the re-introduction of wolves into the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the re-introduction of wolves into the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to re-introduce wolves into Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150399,"EventID":"S1W-13666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific support it will give to stimulate the rural economy of the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific support it will give to stimulate the rural economy of the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive declared its commitment to supporting rural economic development as a key priority with the publication in May 2000 of <I>Rural Scotland: A New Approach</I>. The particular opportunities and challenges facing rural Scotland were also fully recognised in <I>The Way Forward: A Framework for Economic Development in Scotland,</I> published in June 2000. The recent strategy for enterprise, <I>A Smart, Successful Scotland</I>, which provides a clear sense of direction and priorities for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, sets the foundation for successful and sustainable economic development across Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands.<P>Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and their networks of local enterprise companies are the Executive's main agencies for the promotion of economic development in rural areas, and are committed to pursuing a wide range of activities for this purpose, including the exploitation of advances in information and communications technology, support for business formation, development, and diversification, the encouragement of commercial application of scientific and technological research, enhancing learning and training opportunities, specific initiatives targeted upon the development of key sectors such as food and drink, forestry and tourism, and through ensuring that there is an adequate supply of sites and premises for business purposes.<P>The Scottish Executive is also committed to providing substantial support for traditional rural industries such as agriculture, fisheries, fish farming and crofting and to the improvement of rural transport through investment in infrastructure projects such as the Eriskay causeway. Specific initiatives such as Initiative at the Edge and the establishment of the Scottish Land Fund are aimed at promoting the development of remote and rural communities and facilitating social and economic development through community ownership and development of land.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150400,"EventID":"S1W-13667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in conjunction with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, local authorities and other agencies to attract new manufacturing and service industries to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in conjunction with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, local authorities and other agencies to attract new manufacturing and service industries to the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Through its agency Locate in Scotland, the Scottish Executive promotes the whole of Scotland as a location for inward investment. Any attempt to steer companies to particular areas would almost certainly be counter-productive, resulting in the loss of projects to Scotland.<P>However, in recognition of the particular difficulties which rural areas face in attracting inward investment, Locate in Scotland established its Rural Inward Investment Team in the latter half of 1998. The Rural Investment team works closely with Highlands and Island Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, the Local Enterprise Companies, local authorities and other local agencies in order to highlight to investors the many benefits that rural Scotland has to offer.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150401,"EventID":"S1W-13668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many inward investment manufacturing jobs were lost in (a) Scotland, (b) Argyll and Bute, (c) the Highlands and Islands, (d) Moray, (e) Orkney, (f) Shetland and (g) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many inward investment manufacturing jobs were lost in (a) Scotland, (b) Argyll and Bute, (c) the Highlands and Islands, (d) Moray, (e) Orkney, (f) Shetland and (g) the Western Isles in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Records of manufacturing jobs created by inward investors which have been lost over a five-year period are not held centrally and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.<P>The figures for parts (a) to (g) are presented in the table: <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=608><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Highlands &amp; Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Moray</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Western Isles</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">86</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The contraction of the Barmac fabrication yards at Nigg and Ardersier has resulted in significant job losses over the last 18 months. Such job losses have been addressed through a specialist job placement programme with only very limited numbers registering as unemployed.<P>Highlands and Islands Enterprise is very active in seeking to attract businesses to its area and works closely with Locate in Scotland in the overseas aspects of these efforts.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150402,"EventID":"S1W-13669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce crime in isolated rural communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce crime in isolated rural communities.","AnswerText":"We are supporting a number of initiatives aimed at addressing crime and fear of crime in rural areas. Examples of some of the measures we are taking are: promoting, with ACPOS and CoSLA, our joint community safety strategy which encourages community safety partnerships established in all Scottish councils to respond effectively to rural as well as urban crime problems; providing tangible funding to support the partnerships - £3 million in 2001-02 for urban and rural areas through the CCTV and Community Safety Challenge Competitions; the development of a strategy to address domestic abuse in Scotland which recognises the particular problems faced by women living in rural areas, with £5 million funding in 2001-02 to agencies to improve the service provision to women and children experiencing domestic abuse across the whole of Scotland and to improve prevention strategies. Action to reduce crime across Scotland depends on police forces being adequately funded and our plans provide for an additional £166 million current expenditure by police authorities over the next three years. It is for chief constables, in consultation with their authorities, to determine how their resources are used within authority areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150403,"EventID":"S1W-13670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact mink are having on the flora and fauna of the Western Isles and the Western Highland seaboard and what steps are being taken to eliminate mink in these areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact mink are having on the flora and fauna of the Western Isles and the Western Highland seaboard and what steps are being taken to eliminate mink in these areas.","AnswerText":"Feral mink are well established on Harris and Lewis and have also recently reached North Uist and Benbecula. Their most significant natural heritage impact affects ground nesting birds.<P>The Scottish Executive is supporting Scottish Natural Heritage's application for EU Life-Nature funding to assist with the first phase of a mink eradication programme for the Western Isles. If approved by the EU, this will start on 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150404,"EventID":"S1W-13671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage organic farming in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage organic farming in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Executive has taken a number of steps to encourage organic farming generally. These include significantly increased payment rates and hectarage limits for the Organic Aid Scheme; priority under the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department's Marketing and Development Scheme for those involved in organic production; and the funding of the organic helpline operated by the Scottish Agricultural College.<P>More specifically, applications are now being accepted for the department's Processing and Marketing Scheme for the Highlands and Islands under the revised special transitional arrangements for the area.<P>At the end of January 2001 there were 146 farmers/crofters from within the Highlands and Islands who have either participated, are currently participating or are awaiting approval into the scheme. This represents 22% of the Scottish total who have applied to join the scheme since its inception.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150405,"EventID":"S1W-13672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact its Housing (Scotland) Bill will have in each local authority area in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact its Housing (Scotland) Bill will have in each local authority area in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Housing (Scotland) Bill includes a number of measures designed to benefit both individual tenants and communities across Scotland including: enhanced rights for tenants; a new single regulatory framework with a single regulatory body to ensure a high level of housing management across the social rented sector; a strengthened strategic role for local authorities in planning and funding housing requirements in their area; and a number of measures to promote social inclusion and tackle homelessness. These measures will benefit each local authority area in the Highlands and Islands.<P>As part of their strategic role, councils will be given responsibility for producing local housing strategies which identify the housing needs in their areas. The long-term detailed effect of the Bill on each of the local authority areas in the Highlands and Islands will depend to a significant extent on the problems and solutions which local authorities identify in their local housing strategies.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150406,"EventID":"S1W-13673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its Housing (Scotland) Bill will improve access to socially rented housing in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its Housing (Scotland) Bill will improve access to socially rented housing in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Housing (Scotland) Bill contains measures intended to:<P>provide new and strengthened rights for homeless people needing accommodation, advice and assistance;<P>provide a right to register on a housing list for every one over the age of 16;<P>improve the quality and consistency of housing management including the allocation of housing;<P>put in place enhanced strategic arrangements for local authorities to plan and fund housing requirements in their area.<P>These and other measures contained in the Bill will benefit both rural and urban communities in all parts of Scotland. They are complementary to other policy initiatives, such as investment programmes to ensure that 20,000 new and improved homes are built across Scotland for affordable renting or low-cost home ownership over the three years 1999-2000 to 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150407,"EventID":"S1W-13674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage the formation, growth and survival of small businesses in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage the formation, growth and survival of small businesses in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises that the formation, growth and survival of small businesses is crucial to the economic success of the Highlands and Islands, and to Scotland as a whole. The way forward is set out in the publication <I>A Smart, Successful Scotland</I> - the first comprehensive statement by the Executive setting out the direction and priorities for the Enterprise Networks.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Executive is continuing to work closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to ensure easier access to public sector support for new and small businesses in the HIE area. A number of significant developments are in hand. For example, HIE will shortly be introducing HIE Starts, a flexible new programme which has support from the Highlands &amp; Islands Transitional Programme; it will provide information, advice, training and financial assistance to small business starts that have the potential to contribute to the growth of the local economy.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In addition, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise have developed The Greenhouse in Inverness which provides a range of office and laboratory incubator accommodation for technology based start-ups. The Outreach Incubator project complements The Greenhouse by providing support and guidance to technology start-ups throughout the Highlands and Islands.<P>In addition to these programmes, which are specific to start-ups, new businesses can also access the wide range of business and skills development programmes delivered by the HIE Network.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150408,"EventID":"S1W-13675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what specific steps have been taken to reduce the incidence of intravenous drug use in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what specific steps have been taken to reduce the incidence of intravenous drug use in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the relevant Drug Action Team (DAT) and its constituent agencies.<P>I understand, however, that a number of measures are currently being developed by the team. A Prevalence and Risk Assessment Study on injecting drug users has recently been completed and will inform the future planning of services.<P>The Executive has set a national target to reduce the proportion of drug misusers who inject by 20% by 2005 and DATs are required to set relevant local targets. We will be monitoring  progress in meeting targets through annual DAT Corporate Action Plans. Plans for 2001-02 are currently in preparation.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150409,"EventID":"S1W-13676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps have been taken, in conjunction with HM Customs and Excise, to reduce the smuggling of illicit drugs into the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps have been taken, in conjunction with HM Customs and Excise, to reduce the smuggling of illicit drugs into the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the relevant police forces in partnership with HM Customs and Excise Law Enforcement Directorate, the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Criminal Intelligence Service.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150410,"EventID":"S1W-13677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to secure the future of the otter, pine marten and wildcat populations in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to secure the future of the otter, pine marten and wildcat populations in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"<P><U>Otters</U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">A Biodiversity Action Plan has been developed to conserve and enhance the otter throughout the UK. In Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage provides advice on measures to conserve otter populations. An updated version of SNH's \"Otters and Development\" booklet is in production and will be available soon, and consideration is being given to undertaking a fourth otter survey of Scotland.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The otter is also listed in Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, which requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). As a result, 41 sites have been proposed in Scotland as Special Areas of Conservation for otter. Most of these sites are located in the Highlands and Islands. This means that appropriate steps must be taken to avoid deterioration of the habitats or significant disturbance of the species.<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Pine martens</U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">I understand that SNH is promoting management practices for the conservation of pine martens. These include the expansion of native woodland, provision of advice on resolving issues involving pine martens occupying buildings, advice on the design of artificial breeding boxes and the promotion of non-lethal solutions to conflicts between pine martens and game-rearing interests.<U><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Wildcats</U></FONT><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I understand that SNH, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, is currently developing an action plan and strategy for conservation of the species in Scotland.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150411,"EventID":"S1W-13678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide financial assistance towards the establishment of the proposed football academy being set up by Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County foot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide financial assistance towards the establishment of the proposed football academy being set up by Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County football clubs.","AnswerText":"Financial assistance for football academies is available from <B>sports</B>cotland. All Premier and Football League clubs have been informed of this and the criteria to be used in assessing applications.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150412,"EventID":"S1W-13679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it plans to have with local authorities in the Highlands and Islands regarding the teaching of Norse and Gaelic history in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it plans to have with local authorities in the Highlands and Islands regarding the teaching of Norse and Gaelic history in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to discuss this issue with local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150413,"EventID":"S1W-13680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what provision there is in the Highlands and Islands for the teaching of children with autistic spectrum disorder and what additional resources have been made available ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what provision there is in the Highlands and Islands for the teaching of children with autistic spectrum disorder and what additional resources have been made available in recent years to assist local authorities with the provision of services for autistic children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking forward a broad SEN Programme of Action to support education authorities meet their statutory duty to secure adequate and efficient educational provision throughout Scotland. This includes the provision of Grant Aided Expenditure for Special Educational Needs totalling £178 million in 2000-01 and £192 million for 2001-02, of which Highland Council's pro-rata share is £7.4 million and £7.9 million respectively. From April 2000, the Scottish Executive Inclusion Programme is providing £19 million over two years to assist local authorities to include children with SEN, including autism, in mainstream provision. Highland Council will receive a total of £793,112 based on the numbers of pupils aged 2 to 19. In addition, the Executive is providing £5 million per year to local authorities for the development and training of classroom-based staff and trainee educational psychologists working with children with special educational needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150414,"EventID":"S1W-13681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 February 2001 by Ms Wendy Alexander of an additional #2.5 million to fund ICT training for the unemployed, what percentage of this ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 February 2001 by Ms Wendy Alexander of an additional #2.5 million to fund ICT training for the unemployed, what percentage of this and what amount will go to Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"SE Dumfries and Galloway have identified an ambitious programme of activities under this initiative. Their activities will attract £212,500 in funding support from Scottish Enterprise (9.4% of the total) and are expected to deliver 215 European Computer Driving Licence qualifications leading directly to 85 jobs being secured by local people.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150415,"EventID":"S1W-13682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 February 2001 by Ms Wendy Alexander of an additional #2.5 million to fund ICT training for the unemployed, how many places on ICT t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 February 2001 by Ms Wendy Alexander of an additional #2.5 million to fund ICT training for the unemployed, how many places on ICT training schemes will be provided in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W - 13681.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150416,"EventID":"S1W-13683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 February 2001 by Ms Margaret Curran of #15 million additional funding for councils to help prepare for the introduction of the new ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 February 2001 by Ms Margaret Curran of #15 million additional funding for councils to help prepare for the introduction of the new \"Supporting People\" regime in April 2003, what percentage of this and what amount will go to Dumfries and Galloway and what this amount is in cash terms.","AnswerText":"We will announce the allocations to individual local authorities shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150417,"EventID":"S1W-13684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will arrange to visit and assess the 44 private training providers which were not visited as part of its Study of the Full-Time Education and Training Option in S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will arrange to visit and assess the 44 private training providers which were not visited as part of its Study of the Full-Time Education and Training Option in Scottish Colleges and Private Training Providers.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>There are no plans to extend the study to the 44 private training providers.<P>To build on the strengths identified in the Full-Time Education and Training (FTET) Report, three regional good practice dissemination events are being held in Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh this month to enable the expertise established by private training providers and FE colleges to be shared between New Deal specialist staff in both sectors. <P>These will be workshop-led events. Each workshop has an identified theme which will maximise the opportunity to highlight good practice in key areas related to the New Deal programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150418,"EventID":"S1W-13685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what control measures and monitoring processes have been put in place to ensure that existing agreed terms and conditions under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what control measures and monitoring processes have been put in place to ensure that existing agreed terms and conditions under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) legislation for transferred employees are adhered to during the term of the trunk road maintenance contracts.","AnswerText":"The contract conditions require the contractor to be responsible for bearing all costs, expenses, liabilities and obligations that arise from the TUPE Regulations where on any part of the contract there has been a Transfer of an Undertaking to the new operating company.<P>The Scottish Executive have powers to require the contractor at any time to provide information on the status of employees.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150419,"EventID":"S1W-13686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the new trunk roads maintenance contracts specify that pension schemes offered by the new contractors to transferred employees under Transfer of Undertakings (Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the new trunk roads maintenance contracts specify that pension schemes offered by the new contractors to transferred employees under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) legislation are final salary pension schemes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1F-910 on 15 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150420,"EventID":"S1W-13687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide additional funding to support the recommendations in its report A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide additional funding to support the recommendations in its report A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive allocates substantial resources to the NHS throughout Scotland, with every health board receiving at least 5.5% more this year. The NHS locally is best placed to decide how to use these resources most effectively to support national priorities, including those set out in the framework, taking account of local circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150421,"EventID":"S1W-13688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether maternity services will be considered as a special project under the Scottish Telemedicine Initiative and whether financing of such a project would come from the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether maternity services will be considered as a special project under the Scottish Telemedicine Initiative and whether financing of such a project would come from the #5 million which the Executive is investing in telemedicine.","AnswerText":"In <I>A Framework for maternity services in Scotland</I>, published in February the need for consideration to be given to the inclusion of maternity services as a specific project under the Scottish Telemedicine Initiative was recognised in the implementation strategy. The Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative (RARARI) has been invited to bring forward proposals to be considered by the Scottish Telemedicine Action Forum (STAF), which oversees the development of telemedicine. STAF has invited proposals from all professional groups and other appropriate parties (including patient representative groups working in collaboration with clinical teams). National funding is available to encourage collaborative projects bringing together professionals from two or more health board areas or across specialities, disciplines or sectors.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150422,"EventID":"S1W-13689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the public will be made aware of the changes to service delivery proposed in its report A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland and whether it will undertake ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the public will be made aware of the changes to service delivery proposed in its report A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland and whether it will undertake a public education programme in relation to these changes.","AnswerText":"A leaflet on the <I>Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland</I> has been produced and widely distributed for the public particularly in places where women access health information and advice.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150423,"EventID":"S1W-13690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what contact it has made with agencies involved in determining the school curriculum with regard to the inclusion of antenatal health promotion in personal and social de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what contact it has made with agencies involved in determining the school curriculum with regard to the inclusion of antenatal health promotion in personal and social development studies, as suggested in its report A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Authorities are encouraged to address health education within a comprehensive programme of personal and social education. This approach is designed to ensure that information is given, not in isolation, but as part of a programme aimed at helping young people to develop sound lifestyle choices and healthy living. Pre-conceptual, antenatal and post-natal care will all feature in an effective health education programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150424,"EventID":"S1W-13691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures the NHSiS has in place to rectify any overpayments the Common Services Agency has made to pharmacists for prescription costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures the NHSiS has in place to rectify any overpayments the Common Services Agency has made to pharmacists for prescription costs.","AnswerText":"Pharmacy contractors receive a monthly advance payment in respect of fees and reimbursement of drug costs. This is reconciled, normally in the following month, once all prescriptions are priced and either any shortfall in payment is made good or any overpayment is recovered. Any current overpayment to contractors will be recovered as soon as the pricing of the prescriptions to which it relates is completed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150425,"EventID":"S1W-13692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is sure that patient care has not been affected by the Common Service Agency's recent computer problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is sure that patient care has not been affected by the Common Service Agency's recent computer problems.","AnswerText":"Patient care has not been affected.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150426,"EventID":"S1W-13693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the budgets of the 14 Primary Care Trusts will be affected by any overpayment by the Common Services Agency of prescription costs to pharmacists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the budgets of the 14 Primary Care Trusts will be affected by any overpayment by the Common Services Agency of prescription costs to pharmacists.","AnswerText":"The budgets of Primary Care Trusts and Island Health Boards routinely carry the costs of the advance payments made to pharmacy contractors each month. These are reconciled in subsequent months and either extra payments are made to contractors to make good the total amount due or recovery in respect of any overpayments made. The budgets of the 14 Primary Care Trusts and the Island Health Boards will not be affected by any initial overpayments as these are temporary and recovery will be made once the precise amount due to be paid has been calculated.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150427,"EventID":"S1W-13694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 14 Primary Care Trusts will be required to cover the costs of any overpayment of pharmacists by the Common Services Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 14 Primary Care Trusts will be required to cover the costs of any overpayment of pharmacists by the Common Services Agency.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150428,"EventID":"S1W-13695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently a backlog of six million unprocessed prescription payments by the Common Services Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently a backlog of six million unprocessed prescription payments by the Common Services Agency.","AnswerText":"On average 3.25 million prescription forms are processed each month in Scotland. There is a processing backlog of approximately 6.5 million forms.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150429,"EventID":"S1W-13696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently a shortage of generic drugs and, if so, whether this has contributed to any backlog in processing prescription payments by the Common Services ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently a shortage of generic drugs and, if so, whether this has contributed to any backlog in processing prescription payments by the Common Services Agency.","AnswerText":"Currently, there are no significant supply issues for generic drugs.  Shortages of generic drugs during 1999/2000 resulted in considerable additional processing effort becoming necessary to price prescriptions. This created delays in processing prescriptions across the United Kingdom.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150430,"EventID":"S1W-13697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans and funding it has to support and promote ports as base or turn around ports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans and funding it has to support and promote ports as base or turn around ports.","AnswerText":"The Executive's future strategy for ports is set out in the ports policy paper,<I> Modern Ports</I>, published on 27 November 2000, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 9874). The paper provides a comprehensive statement of future policy on a wide range of issues relating to the ports industry, both devolved and reserved. It presents a strategy for devolved ports issues in the context of shared UK-wide policy aims, agreed between the Scottish Executive, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the devolved Administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland.<P>The paper sets out objectives for the departments concerned to achieve through working together with the industry, its users and other interests. It recognises the importance of the ports industry in Scotland to the local and national economy and integrated transport policy and for the ports industry to develop and promote its commercial opportunities.<P>Funding is available from the Executive for certain fishery related harbour development, for piers and harbours improvements in the Highlands and Islands and from the EC through European Funds in eligible areas. Freight Facility Grants can also be available for inland waterway projects which can include expenditure on ports and harbours.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150431,"EventID":"S1W-13698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the North Sea catches of industrial fishing boats were, by country and by tonnage, in each of the last five years and what progress is being made in limiting this ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the North Sea catches of industrial fishing boats were, by country and by tonnage, in each of the last five years and what progress is being made in limiting this activity.","AnswerText":"We have reached agreement with the Danes to examine the issue of industrial fishing with a view to reducing industrial species quotas and levels of by-catch.<P>The table shows landings of industrial species in the North Sea, in tonnes, by EU country. Figures for other countries are not readily available. Figures for sandeels are not available, except for the UK, before 1998 when a Total Allowable Catch was introduced.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=560><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">NS sandeels</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P>Denmark</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">509,403</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">502,119</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">485,849</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P>Netherlands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">818</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=14><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Sweden</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,039</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23,555</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29,278</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>UK</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,659</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26,592</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23,082</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,476</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,759</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Total EU</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">na</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">539,524</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">537,968</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">525,887</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">NS Norway pout</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Denmark</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">112,311</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">101,555</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32,056</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35,463</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">114,729</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Germany</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Netherlands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WID","AnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150432,"EventID":"S1W-13699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the new standard grade course in Technological Studies will proceed in the coming academic year and, if this matter is still under consideration, when a decision","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the new standard grade course in Technological Studies will proceed in the coming academic year and, if this matter is still under consideration, when a decision will be announced.","AnswerText":"SQA has developed new General and Credit Standard Grade courses in technological studies which will be available from session 2001-02. The Foundation level course will be discontinued and pupils directed into courses more appropriate for their needs. A letter was issued on 2 May to presenting centres informing them of these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150433,"EventID":"S1W-13700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will bring forward guidance to prevent electoral returning officers from appearing in press photographs featuring only one of the candidates in a forthcoming ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will bring forward guidance to prevent electoral returning officers from appearing in press photographs featuring only one of the candidates in a forthcoming election, or acting in any other way which could be seen to promote an election candidate.","AnswerText":"Arrangements relating to UK, European and Scottish Parliamentary elections are all reserved matters, while arrangements relating to local government elections are devolved matters. The Executive is not aware of any cases which suggest that Returning Officers act in an improper fashion when performing their electoral functions. Accordingly, the Executive does not at present see any need to issue specific guidance to Returning Officers in relation to local government elections.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150434,"EventID":"S1W-13701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include, in the guidance given to schools about their curriculum, guidance in support of lessons about personal financial planning and debt avoidance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include, in the guidance given to schools about their curriculum, guidance in support of lessons about personal financial planning and debt avoidance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive in partnership with Learning and Teaching Scotland, the Financial Services Authority and The Royal Bank of Scotland has already provided education authorities and schools with advice and teaching materials on a range of issues relating to personal finance, including financial planning and debt avoidance.<P>This existing guidance will be supplemented by the launch later this month of a CD-ROM, <I>Facing up to Finance, </I>for use in S3/S4 classes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150435,"EventID":"S1W-13702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the Scottish Office issued guidance relating to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to parallel the guidance issued in England by the Home Office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the Scottish Office issued guidance relating to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to parallel the guidance issued in England by the Home Office.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office issued guidance on the Scottish provisions on racially aggravated offences in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 in September 1998, prior to the Act coming into force. Further guidance on the main Scottish provisions in the Act was issued in October 1998.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150436,"EventID":"S1W-13703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to legislate to treat incitement to sectarian violence as a crime in the same way as incitement to racial violence is dealt with in the Crime and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to legislate to treat incitement to sectarian violence as a crime in the same way as incitement to racial violence is dealt with in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.","AnswerText":"No. Existing criminal law is sufficiently robust and flexible to respond to crimes of violence and incitement to violence. In addition, guidance has been issued that any evidence of religious motivation or hostility should be brought to the attention of the Procurator Fiscal and the court. The court can consider this as an aggravating factor in sentencing.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150437,"EventID":"S1W-13704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why local authorities in Scotland collected an average of 88.3% of council tax in 1999-2000 compared with an average in England of 96.1%, as set out in the Audit Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why local authorities in Scotland collected an average of 88.3% of council tax in 1999-2000 compared with an average in England of 96.1%, as set out in the Audit Scotland Performance Indicators Report, Comparing the Performance of Scottish Councils, and what action it proposes to take to improve collection rates.","AnswerText":"Research commissioned for the joint Scottish Executive and CoSLA <I>It Pays to Pay</I> report on council tax collection identified a range of factors which influence the collection rates in Scotland compared with England, including legislative differences. For 2001-02 we have introduced legislative changes to give councils in Scotland the same powers as those available to councils in England to bill earlier and to issue joint reminder and final notices. We are working with local government and other relevant organisations, through the <I>It</I> <I>Pays to Pay</I> Implementation Group, to assist and encourage councils to improve their council tax collection levels and efficiency.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150438,"EventID":"S1W-13706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many general practitioners retired in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many general practitioners retired in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Robust information on the number of general practitioners who retire is not available. Information is collected on the number of GPs who cease to practise as principals in Scotland. However, a significant percentage do not supply a reason for leaving, and the number of those who have retired cannot be estimated with any accuracy.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150439,"EventID":"S1W-13707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many general practitioners were employed in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many general practitioners were employed in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The number of general practitioners employed in each year since 1996 for which there is firm data is shown in the following table. The table should be read in conjunction with the notes below.<P>General medical practitioners contracted to NHSScotland<P>Headcount at 1 October<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=198><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number<SUP>2</SUP></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1996</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3 877</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3 942</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4 026</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4 073</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Notes:</FONT><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1. Source: ISD Scotland, General Medical Practitioner Database; Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education.</FONT><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2. Number comprises principals, assistants, GP registrars, associates and salaried doctors.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150440,"EventID":"S1W-13708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many general practitioners it anticipates will be recruited in each year to 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many general practitioners it anticipates will be recruited in each year to 2004.","AnswerText":"Robust information on the expected number of general medical practitioners that will be recruited is not currently available. The General Practitioner sub-committee of the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Medical Workforce is currently working with ISD Scotland to develop a statistical model to project supply and demand of the GP workforce in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150441,"EventID":"S1W-13709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people are currently in training to be general practitioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people are currently in training to be general practitioners.","AnswerText":"The number of GP Registrars employed in general medical practices in NHSScotland at 1 October 2000 was 261. This is the latest information available for those who can be identified as being in training to become general practitioners.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150442,"EventID":"S1W-13710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11191 by Susan Deacon on 30 November 2000, how many general practitioners were recruited in 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11191 by Susan Deacon on 30 November 2000, how many general practitioners were recruited in 2000.","AnswerText":"Robust information on the number of general medical practitioners recruited in any year is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150443,"EventID":"S1W-13711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Joint Ministerial Committees on pensioner poverty and child poverty; on what dates the committees have met, and on what dates they are next sch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Joint Ministerial Committees on pensioner poverty and child poverty; on what dates the committees have met, and on what dates they are next scheduled to meet.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Committee on Poverty has met twice, on 9 December 1999 and 26 May 2000. Membership includes Ministers from each of the devolved administrations as well as the UK Government. No further meetings are scheduled at present.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150444,"EventID":"S1W-13712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to supermarkets in respect of the impact which their policies and practices regarding timeous payment of invoices from suppliers h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to supermarkets in respect of the impact which their policies and practices regarding timeous payment of invoices from suppliers have upon the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive meets with supermarket representatives regularly to discuss a wide range of issues. The Scottish Executive also supports the Better Payment Practice Group's code of practice on payment of commercial debt and would encourage all firms to comply with its principles.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150445,"EventID":"S1W-13713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support heritage initiatives in Kilmarnock and Loudoun.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support heritage initiatives in Kilmarnock and Loudoun.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland, to answer. His response is as follows:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Historic Scotland, an Agency within the Scottish Executive, is supporting a number of projects which conserve the built heritage in Kilmarnock and Loudoun. It is providing repair grants for work being undertaken as part of a Townscape Heritage Initiative in Newmilns partly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as providing substantial grants towards the repair of Riccarton Parish Church in Kilmarnock and St Sophia's Parish Church in Galston. The agency is also responsible for looking after Rowallan Old Castle which is in the Guardianship of Scottish Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150446,"EventID":"S1W-13714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  by how much it will increase investment in health and education services in real terms in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  by how much it will increase investment in health and education services in real terms in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The record real terms increases in expenditure in health and education over the next three years are set out in the Executive's draft budget document <I>Making a difference for Scotland</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150447,"EventID":"S1W-13715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support mortgage rescue schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support mortgage rescue schemes.","AnswerText":"Mortgage rescue provides support to homeowners in mortgage difficulties and can help families to remain in their homes and avoid the negative effects of repossession. We are aware of a number of mortgage rescue schemes operating in Scotland with support from some of the major lenders. By building on their experience, we are keen to consider the merits of a national mortgage rescue or mortgage to rent scheme to extend the availability of such support throughout Scotland. We are working closely with lenders, housing associations and Scottish Homes in considering the detail of a possible national scheme and I hope to make further announcements in the coming months.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150448,"EventID":"S1W-13716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proposals it has for developing teacher training to meet the demand for new teachers arising out of the McCrone settlement. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proposals it has for developing teacher training to meet the demand for new teachers arising out of the McCrone settlement. ","AnswerText":"We have consulted with all of the main stakeholders on the scope and shape of the review of initial teacher education which the agreement asks the Executive to take forward. I announced the details of the review on Thursday 15 March 2001. Details are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. <P>We are working with those involved in teacher workforce planning to refine estimates of the number of additional teachers who would be required in future, taking account of the agreement on teachers' conditions and pay and other factors, such as the trends in pupils numbers; and to put in place the necessary steps to recruit and train them.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150449,"EventID":"S1W-13717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increases in the pensions of teachers and their dependants will be applied in the coming year, taking into account the impact of the McCrone settlement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increases in the pensions of teachers and their dependants will be applied in the coming year, taking into account the impact of the McCrone settlement.","AnswerText":"The pensions of retired teachers and their dependants are increased under the powers in the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 and the Social Security Act 1975. Pensions in payment for a year or more will increase by 3.3% from 9 April 2001. Any pension in payment for less than a year will increase by a proportionate amount, depending on the number of months it has been in payment.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150450,"EventID":"S1W-13718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the First Minster or the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning have any plans to meet Governor Gilmore of the US State of Virginia when he is in Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the First Minster or the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning have any plans to meet Governor Gilmore of the US State of Virginia when he is in Scotland in April to discuss digital communications opportunities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150451,"EventID":"S1W-13719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has asked Dumfries and Galloway Council to carry out a \"manageable rationalisation of school buildings\"; what is meant by this expression, and whether it has h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has asked Dumfries and Galloway Council to carry out a \"manageable rationalisation of school buildings\"; what is meant by this expression, and whether it has held any discussions with the council on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not held discussions with Dumfries and Galloway Council on school rationalisation and has made no specific requests of the council in that regard.<P>I understand, however, that the council are reviewing school provision in the context of the possible development of a Public/Private Partnership for refurbishment of school buildings in their area. I announced on 20 February 2001 the distribution of a total of £5 million to 21 education authorities to enable them to take forward work on feasibility studies into possible further school Ppp projects. This included an allocation of £466,000 to Dumfries and Galloway Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150452,"EventID":"S1W-13720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will be spent on Hillhead High School.","AnswerText":"All of the secondary schools managed by Glasgow City Council are being replaced, extended and/or refurbished, according to the needs of each school, under an existing Public/Private Partnership into which the council has already entered, with some financial support guaranteed by the Scottish Executive under an arrangement announced in November 1998.<P>The allocation of £150,000 to Glasgow City Council which I announced on 20 February 2001 is for a different purpose. It is to enable the council, and 20 other authorities who were allocated a share of a total of £5 million, to take forward work on feasibility studies into possible further school PPP projects.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150453,"EventID":"S1W-13721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will be spent on Hyndland Secondary School.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S1W-13720.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150454,"EventID":"S1W-13722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will be spent on Notre Dame High School.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13720.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150455,"EventID":"S1W-13723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs on 20 February 2001 for school Public/Private Partnerships in Glasgow will be spent on St Thomas Aquinas High School.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13720.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150456,"EventID":"S1W-13724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social firms or emerging social firms exist in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Glasgow Kelvin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social firms or emerging social firms exist in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Glasgow Kelvin.","AnswerText":"In Scotland it is estimated that there are 10 social firms and 15 emerging social firms.<P>There are three emerging social firms in Glasgow, one of which is located in Glasgow Kelvin.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150457,"EventID":"S1W-13725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving for setting up social firms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving for setting up social firms.","AnswerText":"Support for setting up social firms is available through the European Social Fund, administered in Scotland by the Scottish Executive.<P>Scottish Enterprise (SEn) has a key role in supporting the social economy by providing quality information and business development support.<P>SEn are currently part-funding a Social Firms Scotland pilot which will assist new and developing projects throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150458,"EventID":"S1W-13726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what partnership work Scottish Enterprise Glasgow is undertaking to support emerging and existing social firms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what partnership work Scottish Enterprise Glasgow is undertaking to support emerging and existing social firms.","AnswerText":"Our strategy document <I>A Smart Successful Scotland</I> sets out that Scottish Enterprise has a key role in supporting the social economy by providing quality information and business development support.<P>Scottish Enterprise Glasgow co-funded Social Firms UK's annual conference in Glasgow in November 2000.<P>It also co-ordinated meetings on behalf of Social Firms Scotland with the Joint Employment Unit/Greater Glasgow Health Board and voluntary sector representatives to develop a proposal to support social firms' work of job creation. This proposal was approved under the new European Community Initiative, EQUAL, and funding is being provided by Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150459,"EventID":"S1W-13727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital funding it will be giving to East Dunbartonshire Council to accelerate the implementation of \"Ed's Diners\" in its schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital funding it will be giving to East Dunbartonshire Council to accelerate the implementation of \"Ed's Diners\" in its schools.","AnswerText":"The annual allocation to local authorities of consent to incur capital expenditure is a general consent for expenditure on their non-housing capital programmes, including education. The consent is distributed amongst authorities on the basis of a formula agreed with CoSLA, and is neither programme nor project specific. Within that framework, it is for East Dunbartonshire to decide on the level of capital expenditure on facilities for the provision of school meals.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150460,"EventID":"S1W-13728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on school meals and schoolchildren's nutrition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on school meals and schoolchildren's nutrition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diet Action Plan, <I>Eating for Health</I>, made a number of recommendations, including the nutritional guidelines for catering specifications for the public sector, which are specifically aimed at schools and local authorities.<P>In recent months, the Social Justice Annual Report 2000, <I>Our National Health: A</I> <I>plan for action, a plan for change</I> and <I>Working Together for Scotland - A</I> <I>Programme for Government</I> have each reiterated the role schools can play in improving children's diet through the commitment to supporting, through the Health Improvement Fund, the provision of breakfast clubs and fruit/salad bars in school settings.<P>In addition, advice provided by the Scottish Executive gives health education, including nutritional education, a secure place within the curriculum and seeks to ensure that it is provided in all schools. <P>The primary responsibility for the delivery and management of nutritional education within the curriculum, the quality of school meals, and the provision of any additional services such as breakfast clubs rests with education authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150461,"EventID":"S1W-13729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of its recent report An Evaluation of the Empty Homes Initiative, it will reallocate money earmarked for the Empty Homes Initiative in this coming f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of its recent report An Evaluation of the Empty Homes Initiative, it will reallocate money earmarked for the Empty Homes Initiative in this coming financial year to alternative measures to tackle homelessness.","AnswerText":"Funds earmarked for the Empty Homes Initiative in this coming financial year have already been allocated to local authorities and there is currently no scope to reallocate these funds. However, we will be monitoring progress during the year.<P>In terms of making funding available to tackle homelessness we have increased the funding for the Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI) for the five years from 1997-2002 to £42 million. In addition to this, over the next three years we have backed the legislative proposals<B> </B>on homelessness with £27 million and made a further £12.5 million<B> </B>available to decommission Glasgow's large hostels.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150462,"EventID":"S1W-13732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11809 by Angus MacKay on 22 January 2001, when it expects to make an announcement on new independent assessors to oversee the publi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11809 by Angus MacKay on 22 January 2001, when it expects to make an announcement on new independent assessors to oversee the public appointments system.","AnswerText":"Following consideration of the nominations put forward by the main parties represented in Parliament and by the Convener of the Equal Opportunities Committee, I am pleased to announce that eight new Independent Assessors have been appointed for a period of one year. Brief details of the individuals concerned are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Maire Whitehead</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Primary School Head Teacher, Glasgow</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Anne MacLean</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Community Councillor, Chair of Albyn Housing Association, Grantown-on-Spey </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Maureen Watt</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Former member of the McIntosh and Kerley Committees, Banchory</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Marcia Campbell</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>General Manager, Standard Life, Edinburgh</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Lesley Quirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Business &amp; Management Development Consultant, Aberfoyle</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Selma Rahman</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Director of Fife Racial Equality Council, Edinburgh</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Irene Kitson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ex-EIS Official, Edinburgh</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Rev Eric Cramb</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Head of the Industrial Mission of Churches in Scotland, Dundee</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150463,"EventID":"S1W-13733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of all capital assets used by its core and associated departments and its agencies which will be included in the assessment of capital charges under the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of all capital assets used by its core and associated departments and its agencies which will be included in the assessment of capital charges under the new resource account budgeting system, broken down to as low a level as the information is available.","AnswerText":"The value of fixed assets as at 31 March 2000 which would be included in the assessment of capital charges as reported in the resource accounts is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=601><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Department/Agency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Net Book Value as at 31 March 2000 (£000)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Tangible</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Intangible</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Investments</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Total </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Core Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,550,634</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,117</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,480,957</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,042,708</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>National Archives of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,577</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,610</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>General Register Office for Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,810</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">82</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,892</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fisheries Research Services</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26,358</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26,358</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Prison Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">398,994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">398,994</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Historic Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,061</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,061</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,795</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,795</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Public Pensions Agency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,082</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,082</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Agricultural Science Agency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,813</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,813</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Student Awards Agency Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,262</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,262</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Court Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">298,609</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">298,609</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The 1999-2000 annual accounts of the agencies have been laid before Parliament and published. The resource accounts for the core department and associated departments will be published shortly. All these accounts will provide some additional information.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150464,"EventID":"S1W-13734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it has cost to value all of the capital assets of its core and associated departments and its agencies in preparation for the introduction of a resource account","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it has cost to value all of the capital assets of its core and associated departments and its agencies in preparation for the introduction of a resource account budgeting system and what the estimated ongoing costs will be of assessing the value of these assets.","AnswerText":"Preparation for resource accounting and budgeting began some 5 years ago. <P>For the core and associated departments the initial set-up costs amounted to £170k, and estimated annualised ongoing costs amount to c£40k.<P>Agencies have been producing annual accounts for several years and have not incurred any additional cost in preparation for the introduction of the resource account budgeting system. Their estimated annualised ongoing costs are of the order of £30k.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150465,"EventID":"S1W-13735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the capital assets of its core and associated departments and its agencies which appear in the National Asset Register.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the capital assets of its core and associated departments and its agencies which appear in the National Asset Register.","AnswerText":"The first National Asset Register was published in November 1997 to inform on the assets owned by central Government departments, associated departments and their executive agencies. A second National Asset Register has been prepared and is due to be published this month. It will include a listing of all the properties and other assets owned by the core Scottish Executive and associated departments and its agencies as at 31 March 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150466,"EventID":"S1W-13736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was to its core and associated departments and its agencies of making employers' contributions to staff pensions in each year for which figures are availabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was to its core and associated departments and its agencies of making employers' contributions to staff pensions in each year for which figures are available and how much it estimates will be spent in any future years for which projections are available.","AnswerText":"The following table provides details of the Scottish Executive Accruing Superannuation Liability Charges to the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme for its core, Associated Departments and Agencies for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 and the estimated figures for 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=625><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">ASLC COSTS FOR FINANCIAL YEARS 99-00 - 03-04</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-2001*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-2002</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-2003</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-2004</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>SE Core </TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£12,958,752</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£14,197,437</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£14,943,300</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£15,764,900</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£16,875,100</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Other Agencies and Associated Departments</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£4,599,644</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£4,888,315</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£5,158,286</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£5,398,473</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£5,696,227</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Scottish Courts Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£1,700,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£1,840,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£1,900,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£1,950,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£2,020,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Registers of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£2,548,008</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£2,550,179</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£2,852,911</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£2,964,742</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£3,077,402</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service **</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£3,188,365</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£3,301,859</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£3,672,056</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£3,782,218</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£3,895,684</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Scottish Prison Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£14,709,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£14,268,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>£14,494,000</TD><","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150467,"EventID":"S1W-13737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments its core and associated departments and its agencies made for the rental or lease of properties in each year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments its core and associated departments and its agencies made for the rental or lease of properties in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"In 1999-2000 the Scottish Executive paid £11,274,000 and in 2000-01 the Executive will pay £11,619,000 (estimated) in rental and lease payments. These figures are inclusive of VAT where payable.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150468,"EventID":"S1W-13738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the amount of value added tax paid from the Scottish budget was in each year for which figures are available, in total and broken into the amount paid by each of its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the amount of value added tax paid from the Scottish budget was in each year for which figures are available, in total and broken into the amount paid by each of its core and associated departments and each of its agencies.","AnswerText":"VAT was paid (net of recoveries) in the financial year 1999-2000 by the following:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Amount £000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>The Scottish Office/Scottish Executive (including agencies not shown separately below)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,633</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Prison Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,729</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Courts Administration</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,962</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Registers of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">625</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Historic Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">364</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>National Archives of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">256</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"70%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>General Register Office for Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">167</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Information for the Crown Office is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150469,"EventID":"S1W-13739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the contingent liabilities entered into by its core and associated departments and its agencies, specifying the amount involved in each.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the contingent liabilities entered into by its core and associated departments and its agencies, specifying the amount involved in each.","AnswerText":"The annual accounts of the core Scottish Executive, its associated departments and its agencies, provide details on quantifiable contingent liabilities. At 31 March 2000, these are:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=40><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=40><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Description</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=40><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Amount<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Indemnity cover to owners of objects lent under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">&nbsp;<P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">824,300</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Housing Act guarantees</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,700</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>NHS overdraft guarantees</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,800</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Local Government Act - overdraft guarantees for Water Authorities</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Indemnity on St Andrew's bus station title</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,500</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Road Claims in respect of the M77 and M80</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">269</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>National Archives of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Indemnity cover on various collections held on deposit by the National Archives of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,490</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Prison Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Compensation Claims in respect of staff, prisoners and third parties</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">564</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Courts Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Employers liability claim </TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Courts Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Public liability claim </TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">130</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Courts Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lockerbie Trial Relocation costs at Camp Zeist</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Courts Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lockerbie Trial Dilapidation costs at Camp Zeist</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,000</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150470,"EventID":"S1W-13740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will facilitate schemes for owners to voluntarily lease vacant domestic properties to local authorities in order to assist in ending homelessness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will facilitate schemes for owners to voluntarily lease vacant domestic properties to local authorities in order to assist in ending homelessness.","AnswerText":"Owners of vacant domestic properties who wish to lease their property to assist in ending homelessness can approach local authorities who currently have the power under section 2(1)(c) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 to acquire such housing by leasing.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150471,"EventID":"S1W-13741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the Housing (Scotland) Bill to allow local authorities more powers to rent or lease vacant domestic property to assist in ending homelessness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the Housing (Scotland) Bill to allow local authorities more powers to rent or lease vacant domestic property to assist in ending homelessness.","AnswerText":"Local authorities currently have the power under section 2(1)(c) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 to acquire housing by leasing. This could include renting or leasing vacant domestic property to assist in ending homelessness.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150472,"EventID":"S1W-13742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it provides members of the press with the text of minister's opening answers to oral parliamentary questions and, if so, at what time these are made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it provides members of the press with the text of minister's opening answers to oral parliamentary questions and, if so, at what time these are made available.","AnswerText":"Copies of Ministers' proposed opening answers are made available to media representatives in the gallery, to facilitate their reporting of proceedings, once Question Time has begun. However, the Executive is open to suggestions and comments on this process, which has arisen from custom and practice rather than in response to any particular requirement, either from the media or from the Executive. The Executive has an open mind on whether the practice continues or not, though it would want, as a matter of courtesy, to consult media representatives before making any changes. I would be happy to discuss it with Mr Rumbles if that would be helpful, in the first instance<FONT SIZE=2>.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150473,"EventID":"S1W-13743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contracts it has with Eglinton Management Centre at present.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contracts it has with Eglinton Management Centre at present.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has two contracts with Eglinton Management Centre at present. The first is to undertake a development needs analysis of the senior executives in NHSScotland. The other is for a management and organisational review of the support structures to pre-school nursery education.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150474,"EventID":"S1W-13744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contraventions of Article 9 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order 1992 have resulted in criminal proceedings in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contraventions of Article 9 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order 1992 have resulted in criminal proceedings in each year from 1995 to present, in total and broken down by Sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"Figures on the number of prosecutions for the relevant offence under section 23 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 cannot, from the information held centrally, be separately identified from those for other offences under Town and Country Planning Acts in the Scottish Executive Justice Department classification of crimes and offences.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150475,"EventID":"S1W-13745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the guidance in place across health bodies, local authority education and social work departments and any other relevant bodies to ensure a cohesi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the guidance in place across health bodies, local authority education and social work departments and any other relevant bodies to ensure a cohesive approach to those diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","AnswerText":"No specific guidance has been issued on provision for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. General guidance on Special Educational Needs (SEN) is contained in the Scottish Executive Manual of Good Practice for all staff and professionals involved with children and young people with special educational needs. Further advice on good practice can be found in the Scottish Executive publications, 'Taking a Closer Look at Promoting Social Competence', 'Sharing Good Practice' and Circular 4/96: Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs-Assessment and Recording.<P>Circular 4/96 provides advice to education authorities on the assessment and recording arrangements in Scotland for children and young people with learning needs across the full range of special educational needs. The National SEN Advisory Forum is conducting a review of these statutory arrangements and Circular 4/96 will be updated in light of any proposed changes.<P>The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is currently developing a clinical guideline on Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People, which is due to be published later this year. The guideline will be disseminated to a range of interests including NHS Trusts and Health Boards.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150476,"EventID":"S1W-13746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to extend the life expectancy of males in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to extend the life expectancy of males in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is dedicated to improving the health of all Scots and, in particular, to tackling health inequalities. <I>Our National Health: A plan for action; a plan for change</I>, published on 14 December 2000, sets out fully the policy framework which provides the focus for our work to tackle the root causes of ill health. Implementation of these policies at local level will lead to improvements in health with consequent improvements in life expectancy rates for both men and women. <P>Greater Glasgow Health Board (GGHB) is involved with partner organisations in a wide variety of initiatives aimed at improving the health of all of its population. Information about the specific actions being taken by the board can be obtained from their Health Promotion Department.<P>The Executive has recognised the high levels of morbidity and deprivation in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area in implementing the recommendation of <I>Fair Shares for All</I>. This means that GGHB will receive in 2001-02 an increase of 7.7% in its allocation for hospital and community health services, compared with an average increase of 6.5%.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150477,"EventID":"S1W-13747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10745 by Susan Deacon on 27 November 2000, what further progress has been made on the Joint Review of Section 24 of the General Whi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10745 by Susan Deacon on 27 November 2000, what further progress has been made on the Joint Review of Section 24 of the General Whitley Council Handbook, covering mileage and travelling allowances for all staff.","AnswerText":"The Joint Review is still ongoing.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150478,"EventID":"S1W-13748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to make the current system of funding for area tourist boards more effective.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to make the current system of funding for area tourist boards more effective.","AnswerText":"We have ensured that the core funding that visitscotland provides to ATBs is guaranteed for a three-year-period. We are monitoring closely local authority funding decisions as we promised to do in <I>A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism</I> published in February 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150479,"EventID":"S1W-13749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the #7.5 million funding for the redevelopment of the Partick interchange.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the #7.5 million funding for the redevelopment of the Partick interchange.","AnswerText":"The Partick Interchange project is a matter for the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPTA).  SPTA was awarded £3.5 million from the Public Transport Fund with the remainder of the funding to be met by SPTA and Railtrack.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150480,"EventID":"S1W-13750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has had in the discussions between Railtrack plc and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority over the legal ownership of the Partick interchange.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has had in the discussions between Railtrack plc and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority over the legal ownership of the Partick interchange.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no role in the discussions between Railtrack PLC and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority about ownership of the Partick Interchange, which is entirely a matter for the two parties concerned.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150481,"EventID":"S1W-13751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the development of the Partick interchange remains on target for completion by the end of 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the development of the Partick interchange remains on target for completion by the end of 2002.","AnswerText":"The development of the Partick Interchange is a matter for Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPTA). SPTA currently estimates that the project will be completed in December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150482,"EventID":"S1W-13752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken or plans to take to ensure that car parking at Glasgow Royal Infirmary does not desecrate in any way the North Burial Ground.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken or plans to take to ensure that car parking at Glasgow Royal Infirmary does not desecrate in any way the North Burial Ground.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150483,"EventID":"S1W-13753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much each holder of a concessionary bus pass has to pay annually for this pass in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much each holder of a concessionary bus pass has to pay annually for this pass in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13568 on 9 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150484,"EventID":"S1W-13754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that every teacher in pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary education is given training in epilepsy awareness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that every teacher in pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary education is given training in epilepsy awareness.","AnswerText":"Guidelines for initial teacher education in Scotland, revised in 1998, require that courses prepare teachers entering the pre-school, primary and secondary sectors to be responsive to the needs of all pupils in respect of health and general well being.<P>While these guidelines offer the scope to address the issue of epilepsy awareness, the breadth of initial teacher education programmes limits the time available for consideration of any one specific topic. The guidelines are not prescriptive and each training institution develops their own course programme. Good practice guidance on the administration of medicine in schools is being prepared. The guidance recommends that school staff should have general awareness training of a number of medical conditions including epilepsy.<P>It is the responsibility of local authorities, as employers, to ensure a wide range of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities is available for teachers.  The CPD needs of teachers will be assessed annually and will reflect national priorities as well as the priorities of the schools and teacher. This should include a range of activities that ensures teachers are well prepared to deal with pupils' health issues.<P>A teaching qualification is not a prerequisite for tertiary education and training in epilepsy awareness would be a matter for the employer.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150485,"EventID":"S1W-13755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12353 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 21 January 2001, when it last met the Health and Safety Executive and European Commission to discuss t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12353 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 21 January 2001, when it last met the Health and Safety Executive and European Commission to discuss the extension of the ban on lead solder in domestic plumbing and what progress was made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not met the Health and Safety Executive and the European Union to discuss the extension of the ban on lead solder and, although there has been written representation to both, no progress has been made. We are continuing to peruse this matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150486,"EventID":"S1W-13756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will consider compensation payments for fishermen who tie up their boats in order to protect stocks of juvenile haddock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will consider compensation payments for fishermen who tie up their boats in order to protect stocks of juvenile haddock.","AnswerText":"I announced on 8 March a £27 million package of support for the industry including up to £25 million for decommissioning during the coming financial year, to bring whitefish capacity more closely into line with available fishing opportunities and help put the remainder of the fleet on a sounder financial footing for the future.<P>We believe that decommissioning, coupled with a robust conservation approach, is the right approach in the interests of long-term sustainability and viability of the industry. The Executive remains opposed to a compensated tie-up scheme on the basis that it is of limited effectiveness in relation to discards and that it represents poor value for money.<P>I agreed at the meeting I held with the fishing industry on 18 March to explore the scope for a modest re-balancing of the package to allocate some additional resources to the partnership between scientists and fishermen.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150487,"EventID":"S1W-13757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or is making to Her Majesty's Government and the EU Commission on the provision of compensation in the aftermath of the foot and mouth ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or is making to Her Majesty's Government and the EU Commission on the provision of compensation in the aftermath of the foot and mouth outbreak.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive like the UK Government has announced that any farmer who has animals slaughtered to control disease will be compensated at full market value.<P>The Scottish Executive has agreed with the UK Government that representation should be made to the EU to draw down additional, optional agrimoney payments worth approximately £24 million to the industry in Scotland. This has been taken forward.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150488,"EventID":"S1W-13758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings have so far been held as part of the public meetings exercise involving the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and where and when any such meeting","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings have so far been held as part of the public meetings exercise involving the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and where and when any such meetings took place.","AnswerText":"One, in Inverness on Monday 11 December 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150489,"EventID":"S1W-13759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any future meetings are planned as part of the public meetings exercise involving the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and when any such meetings will tak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any future meetings are planned as part of the public meetings exercise involving the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and when any such meetings will take place.","AnswerText":"A series of meetings is planned but specific locations and dates have yet to be identified.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150490,"EventID":"S1W-13760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter of 22 December 2000 regarding treatment of mesothelioma.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter of 22 December 2000 regarding treatment of mesothelioma.","AnswerText":"A reply to this letter was issued on 2 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150491,"EventID":"S1W-13761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why this year's annual Scottish dental epidemiological survey has been cancelled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why this year's annual Scottish dental epidemiological survey has been cancelled.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Dental Epidemiological Survey was not completed this year due to difficulties in the interpretation by some local authorities of the Data Protection Act. This has led to a potential decrease in the accuracy and quality of the data obtained from this survey.<P>These surveys are an essential part of the planning of dental services in Scotland and it was considered inappropriate to publish data of doubtful accuracy and quality.  It is anticipated that these issues will be resolved and that future surveys will continue.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150492,"EventID":"S1W-13762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its draft Freedom of Information Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its draft Freedom of Information Bill.","AnswerText":"I can today announce the publication of the Executive's consultation paper <I>Freedom of Information - Consultation on Draft Legislation </I>as the next stage in bringing forward a distinctive and effective Scottish freedom of information regime.<P>The consultation period will run until 25 May and the Executive intends introducing a Bill to the Parliament later this year.<P>At the heart of the draft Bill is a new legal right of access to information held by a wide range of Scottish public authorities, underpinned by a powerful, independent Scottish Information Commissioner.<P>The draft Bill will be laid before Parliament and circulated for wide consultation. Copies will also be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. I hope there will be an opportunity for the Parliament to debate these proposals in early course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150493,"EventID":"S1W-13763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the payments made from the Scottish budget to Her Majesty's Treasury in each year for which figures are available, specifying in each case the type ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the payments made from the Scottish budget to Her Majesty's Treasury in each year for which figures are available, specifying in each case the type of payment and the amount of the payment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150494,"EventID":"S1W-13764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on new capital investment in and refurbishment of Scottish Executive property in each year for which figures are available, specifying the amount spen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent on new capital investment in and refurbishment of Scottish Executive property in each year for which figures are available, specifying the amount spent in each year on each project.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for property, including refurbishments, was delegated to the Scottish Office from Property Holdings (an Agency of the Cabinet Office) on 1 April 1996. These responsibilities were assumed by the Scottish Executive on 1 July 1999.<P>The cost of refurbishment (excluding maintenance, repairs and minor works) since 1 April 1996 is shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Project</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">*Estimated</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>St Andrew's House Refurbishment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1.47m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£7.07m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£4.94m</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Saughton House<P>Conversion of areas to provide additional staff accommodation</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.06m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.04m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.12m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£0.02m</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Expenditure on refurbishment projects comprises both capital and current expenditure under the present accounting rules.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150495,"EventID":"S1W-13765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much cash was moved within the Scottish budget in each financial year for which figures are available (a) in total, (b) due to inter-departmental transfers, (c) due ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much cash was moved within the Scottish budget in each financial year for which figures are available (a) in total, (b) due to inter-departmental transfers, (c) due to new resources being added in, (d) due to resources being transferred out and (e) for any other reason.","AnswerText":"In-year changes to the Scottish Budget for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01 are set out in the Autumn, Winter and Spring Revisions for both years.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150496,"EventID":"S1W-13766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the amount of (a) employers' and (b) employees' National Insurance contributions paid from the Scottish budget was in each year for which figures are available, in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the amount of (a) employers' and (b) employees' National Insurance contributions paid from the Scottish budget was in each year for which figures are available, in total and broken down into the amount paid from the budgets of each of its core and associated departments and each of its agencies.","AnswerText":"The table sets out the employers' and employees' National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for the core Scottish Executive, Associated Departments and Agencies.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=612><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01 (estimate)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Employees NICs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Employers NICs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total NICs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Employees NICs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Employers NICs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total NICs</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Executive Core</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£4,173</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£5,859</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£10,032</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£4,896</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,979</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£11,875</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Other Agencies and Associated Departments<B>*</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,483</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,776</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£3,259</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,561</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,934</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£3,495</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Court Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£864</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£919</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,783</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£918</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,031</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,949</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Prison Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,662</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,947</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£13,609</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,859</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,265</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£13,124</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Historic Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£760</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£859</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,619</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£751</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£882</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,633</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,256</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,670</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2,926</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,343</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,750</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£3,093</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Registers of Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,366</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£1,476</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£2,842</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RI","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150497,"EventID":"S1W-13767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list any taxes and charges paid from resources from the Scottish budget other than value added tax and National Insurance contributions which return to H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list any taxes and charges paid from resources from the Scottish budget other than value added tax and National Insurance contributions which return to Her Majesty's Treasury and whether it will estimate the amount paid from the Scottish budget in respect of each such tax or charge in each year for which figures are available, including any future years for which projections are available.","AnswerText":"There are no significant charges or taxes other than VAT and NICs that are paid to HM Treasury directly from the Scottish Budget.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150498,"EventID":"S1W-13768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the banding arrangements for council tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the banding arrangements for council tax.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans at present. However, these matters fall within the remit of the current inquiry by the Local Government Committee into local government finance. We will give careful consideration to any recommendation the committee makes about them.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150499,"EventID":"S1W-13769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a revaluation of properties for council tax purposes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a revaluation of properties for council tax purposes.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13768.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150500,"EventID":"S1W-13770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2561 by Mr Jack McConnell on 23 November 2000, what proportion of the candidates who sat Higher Mathematics in each of the last fiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2561 by Mr Jack McConnell on 23 November 2000, what proportion of the candidates who sat Higher Mathematics in each of the last five years were sitting the exam for the first time.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5><P>Proportion of Higher Maths Candidates Sitting Exam for the First Time</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>83%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>83%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>84%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>83%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Not yet available</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Data for 1999-2000 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150501,"EventID":"S1W-13771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of candidates sitting Higher exams sat (a) SCE Higher physics in (i) 1997-98 and (ii) 1998-99 and (b) either SCE Higher physics or National Qualification ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of candidates sitting Higher exams sat (a) SCE Higher physics in (i) 1997-98 and (ii) 1998-99 and (b) either SCE Higher physics or National Qualification Higher level physics in 1999-2000 and, in each case, what proportion of the candidates sitting physics were sitting it for the first time.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Proportion of all Higher candidates Sitting Higher Physics</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">19%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">18%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">17%</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Proportion of Higher Physics Candidates Sitting Exam for the First Time</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">86%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">87%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Not yet available</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The figures for 1999-2000 are taken from provisional pre-appeal data, and, at this time, the proportion of first time candidates is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150502,"EventID":"S1W-13772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the facilities in Scotland which provide supported accommodation for people with learning difficulties who need full-time permanent care, broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the facilities in Scotland which provide supported accommodation for people with learning difficulties who need full-time permanent care, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Homes produced a supported accommodation database, SCOTSPEN, in March 1999 reflecting the provision of supported accommodation as at 31 March 1998. The database is the result of a national census of supported accommodation providers. It provides information about the type and nature of housing and support provision for a broad range of adults with community care needs.<P>The document is available from Scottish Homes Research and Information, Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150503,"EventID":"S1W-13773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools employ a full-time nurse during school hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools employ a full-time nurse during school hours.","AnswerText":"School nurses are not employed directly by schools, but by the NHS.<P>Deployment of school nurses is a matter for NHS Boards to decide locally on the basis of assessed needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150504,"EventID":"S1W-13774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations were made to it regarding an application for capital consent in 2001-02 for a new police station in Irvine and why it did not give such consent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations were made to it regarding an application for capital consent in 2001-02 for a new police station in Irvine and why it did not give such consent.","AnswerText":"Under new arrangements used to determine capital consents for police forces for 2001-02, three quarters of the total available was allocated according to an agreed formula based on population. The balance was set aside for projects costing over £1 million.<P>Bids were invited from all forces and five projects were submitted. Two projects were submitted by Strathclyde Police, one for a new police station in Irvine and the other for a new Divisional Headquarters in Motherwell. The total value of the bids submitted exceeded the amount available for allocation. A panel drawn from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and CoSLA considered each project on its merits and recommended to Ministers that funding be made available for three of these - for the Motherwell project and projects submitted by Lothian and Borders Police and Northern Constabulary. The panel's recommendations were accepted.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150505,"EventID":"S1W-13775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used in 2001-02 to determine the capital consents for police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used in 2001-02 to determine the capital consents for police forces.","AnswerText":"New, more transparent, arrangements were used to determine capital consents for police forces for 2001-02 following recommendations in a report by the Accounts Commission and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary. Under the new arrangements, three quarters of the total available was allocated across forces using an agreed formula based on population adjusted for sparsity. The balance was set aside for projects costing over £1 million. Bids were invited from all forces and five projects were submitted. A panel drawn from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and CoSLA considered each project on its merits and made recommendations to Ministers. These recommendations were accepted and the projected expenditures for the three successful projects (submitted by Strathclyde Police, Lothian and Borders Police and Northern Constabulary) were added to individual allocations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150506,"EventID":"S1W-13776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given in the future, when awarding grant allocations to police forces, to the effect on operational policing of capital projects being funded o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given in the future, when awarding grant allocations to police forces, to the effect on operational policing of capital projects being funded other than by capital consents.","AnswerText":"Police grant represents Scottish Ministers' view of the total level of funding required to maintain an effective police service throughout Scotland. It is for chief constables, in consultation with police authorities, to decide how to apply the resources available to them.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150507,"EventID":"S1W-13777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by police force of the capital consent distribution in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01, showing the population served by each force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by police force of the capital consent distribution in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01, showing the population served by each force.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Force</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Capital allocation<SUP>1</SUP><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Population served<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">by each Force<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">502</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,920</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">277,600</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">776</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">888</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">146,800</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">885</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">349,200</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,617</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,324</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">525,300</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian &amp; Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,782</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,443</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">884,900</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Northern</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,711</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,347</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">278,500</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,732</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,076</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,268,600</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">907</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">777</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">388,300</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19,017</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20,660</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,119,2000</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Notes:<P>1. Includes 51% grant paid on Capital from Current Revenue.<P>2. Latest available population estimates are at 30 June 1999","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150508,"EventID":"S1W-13778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12809 by Susan Deacon on 7 February 2001, in what ways student nurses receive more financial support than students studying other d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12809 by Susan Deacon on 7 February 2001, in what ways student nurses receive more financial support than students studying other disciplines.","AnswerText":"Student nurses receive funding support by way of a non-means tested bursary and other allowances where appropriate. Generally other students in higher education are eligible to apply for support in the form of paid tuition fees and a partly means tested repayable loan.<P>The main difference, therefore, is that some higher education students may get less support for living costs than others because their level of funding is dependent on family and personal circumstances; and that living costs support is partly repayable. By contrast the student nurses receive the fixed rate of bursary (lower and higher dependent on age) and paid tuition fees irrespective of circumstances.<P>Arrangements for student nurse financial support are currently being reviewed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150509,"EventID":"S1W-13779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase checks on imported meat in the light of concerns that the foot and mouth virus came to the UK from imported meat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase checks on imported meat in the light of concerns that the foot and mouth virus came to the UK from imported meat.","AnswerText":"Checks on imports of meat are agreed at EU level and any changes to these arrangements must be similarly agreed.<P>Within the EU all animals are subject to both ante mortem and post mortem veterinary checks at point of slaughter. Meat passed for human consumption is health marked, at which point it can be freely traded within the EU. This does not apply where restrictions such as those under the current foot and mouth emergency or any other animal health problem are in force.<P>Meat coming into the EU from third countries must be slaughtered in an approved premises and enter the EU via a border inspection post. At this point it undergoes 100% identity and documentary checks along with physical checks where these are required. The checks concerned are carried out by official veterinary surgeons. In the event of any disease outbreak in third countries import bans would be imposed.<P>A range of issues arising from the outbreak of foot and mouth disease will be considered as part of the normal review process once the outbreak is properly contained.<P>I understand that the Food Standards Agency are ensuring that food safety checks on imported meat are being stepped up to cope with any increased level of imports resulting from FMD restrictions in the UK.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150510,"EventID":"S1W-13780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to identify the original source of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to identify the original source of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"The State Veterinary Service is looking at all relevant epidemiological issues including the original source of the outbreak. In the meantime all possible steps are being taken to contain and eradicate the disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150511,"EventID":"S1W-13781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make widely available to farmers pictures of what to look for when checking stock for the symptoms of foot and mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make widely available to farmers pictures of what to look for when checking stock for the symptoms of foot and mouth disease.","AnswerText":"Every livestock farmer in Scotland has been issued with text and accompanying pictures of how to identify foot and mouth disease. The same material is available on the Scottish Executive and MAFF websites.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150512,"EventID":"S1W-13782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list by name the 200 one-stop clinics referred to on page 46 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list by name the 200 one-stop clinics referred to on page 46 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"Details of the one-stop clinics operated by NHSScotland are given in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=3 WIDTH=617><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>No.</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Location</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Diabetes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Raigmore Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Breast Clinic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Victoria Infirmary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Chest Pain</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Victoria Infirmary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Rectal Bleeding</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Southern General Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>GU Medicine</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Southern General Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Urology</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Southern General Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Vascular</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Southern General Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Orthopaedics Injections</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Southern General Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Breast Clinic</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Monklands General Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Haematuria</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Monklands General Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Chest Pain</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT F","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150513,"EventID":"S1W-13783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients there were on the deferred waiting list as at December 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients there were on the deferred waiting list as at December 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13507.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150514,"EventID":"S1W-13784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value was, in both monetary terms and in terms of number of treatment episodes, of contracts for private clinical care purchased by Forth Valley Health Board or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value was, in both monetary terms and in terms of number of treatment episodes, of contracts for private clinical care purchased by Forth Valley Health Board or NHS Trusts in its area in each year from 1995-96 to 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Forth Valley Health Board. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150515,"EventID":"S1W-13785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value was, in both monetary terms and in terms of number of treatment episodes, of contracts for private medical care purchased by Fife Health Board or NHS Trus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value was, in both monetary terms and in terms of number of treatment episodes, of contracts for private medical care purchased by Fife Health Board or NHS Trusts in its area in each year from 1995-96 to 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Fife Health Board. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150516,"EventID":"S1W-13786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value was, in both monetary terms and in terms of number of treatment episodes, of contracts for private medical care purchased by Tayside Health Board or NHS T","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the value was, in both monetary terms and in terms of number of treatment episodes, of contracts for private medical care purchased by Tayside Health Board or NHS Trusts in its area in each year from 1995-96 to 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Tayside Health Board. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150517,"EventID":"S1W-13787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many annual subscriptions to Official Report - Meetings of the Parliament have been taken out.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many annual subscriptions to Official Report - Meetings of the Parliament have been taken out.","AnswerText":"178","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150518,"EventID":"S1W-13788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many annual subscriptions to What's Happening In The Scottish Parliament have been taken out.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many annual subscriptions to What's Happening In The Scottish Parliament have been taken out.","AnswerText":"266","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150519,"EventID":"S1W-13789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many annual subscriptions to Official Report - Written Answers have been taken out.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many annual subscriptions to Official Report - Written Answers have been taken out.","AnswerText":"182","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150520,"EventID":"S1W-13790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to provide support for young people after they have been involved in a court case about violence or abuse which affected them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to provide support for young people after they have been involved in a court case about violence or abuse which affected them.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds Victim Support Scotland to provide practical and emotional support to all victims of crime, through specially trained volunteers.<P>In addition, the Crown Office, the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, social work departments, health boards and child welfare organisations in consultation with the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates are developing a code of practice which will include guidance on the provision of therapy before children give evidence. It will also assist in ensuring that the appropriate agencies provide the necessary help to those children who need it either before, or after, court proceedings.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150521,"EventID":"S1W-13791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to legislate to widen the definition of rape.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to legislate to widen the definition of rape.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to change the definition of rape. There is a sufficient range of sexual offences at common law, for all of which the maximum penalty on indictment in the High Court is life imprisonment.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150522,"EventID":"S1W-13792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which NHS Trusts are re-categorising day case patients as outpatients in order to reduce waiting lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which NHS Trusts are re-categorising day case patients as outpatients in order to reduce waiting lists.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS Trusts, and in particular for hospital consultants, to determine the most appropriate setting for the treatment of individual patients. We are not aware of any instances of NHS Trusts re-categorising day cases as outpatients in order to reduce waiting lists.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150523,"EventID":"S1W-13793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many day case patients have been re-categorised as outpatients in the last 12 months in order to reduce waiting lists, broken down by NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many day case patients have been re-categorised as outpatients in the last 12 months in order to reduce waiting lists, broken down by NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13792.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150524,"EventID":"S1W-13794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review and modernise planning law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review and modernise planning law.","AnswerText":"Yes. We will consult during 2001 on proposals to modernise the planning system including: the overall planning framework; more public involvement in the planning process, and getting better quality development in urban and rural Scotland. Any legislative changes that are necessary to give effect to changes made to the planning system will follow.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150525,"EventID":"S1W-13795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage local authorities to allow access to facilities in their area on an equal basis regardless of place of residence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage local authorities to allow access to facilities in their area on an equal basis regardless of place of residence.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are independent corporate bodies responsible for their own charging structures.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150526,"EventID":"S1W-13796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in establishing a dental training link between Dundee Dental School and the Grampian Health Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in establishing a dental training link between Dundee Dental School and the Grampian Health Board area.","AnswerText":"Outreach dental student education from Dundee Dental School has been established as a pilot in Tayside. Once the success of this pilot has been confirmed this initiative will be extended to Grampian and Highland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150527,"EventID":"S1W-13797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific progress it is making in getting more dentists into the Grampian Health Board area from Dundee Dental School.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific progress it is making in getting more dentists into the Grampian Health Board area from Dundee Dental School.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, in liaison with representatives from Grampian Health Board, Grampian Primary Care Trust, Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education and Dundee Dental School, are continuing to encourage dental practitioners into Grampian. This year there will be 10 vocational trainees (one year) places in Grampian. A general professional training scheme (two years) is being developed in Grampian with an extra four places identified to start in August 2002. Outreach dental student education from Dundee Dental School has been established as a pilot in Tayside and once arrangements are in place this initiative will be extended to Grampian and Highland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150528,"EventID":"S1W-13798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (SI 1992/1501) was classified as a \"local and private non-print\" with its effect desc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (SI 1992/1501) was classified as a \"local and private non-print\" with its effect described as \"none\".","AnswerText":"Certification as a local instrument reflected the fact that the impact of the 1992 Toll Order was confined to the Skye Bridge crossing. The Appeal Court, High Court of Justiciary, in its decision dated 16 December 1999, rejected the submission that the Order required to be printed and sold in terms of the relevant legislation. Public notice was given of both the proposal to make, and the making of, the Order, and of the general effect of the Order.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150529,"EventID":"S1W-13799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there was any type of bridge in place between Skye and Eilan Ban or the UK mainland in June 1992 when the notice required by Schedule 2 to the Roads (Scotland) A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there was any type of bridge in place between Skye and Eilan Ban or the UK mainland in June 1992 when the notice required by Schedule 2 to the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, concerning the validity and date of operation of toll orders and schemes, was published in accordance with section 27(3) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150530,"EventID":"S1W-13800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the public were advised that the effect of the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme Order 1992 (SI 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the public were advised that the effect of the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme Order 1992 (SI 1992/1499), the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road (Side Roads) Order 1992 (SI 1992/1500) and the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 (SI 1992/1501) were subject to a civil suspension clause in the Concession Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Skye Bridge Tolls Limited.","AnswerText":"The Concession Agreement between the then Secretary of State for Scotland, now Scottish Ministers, and the Concessionaire forms part of the contract documentation relating to the Skye Bridge crossing. It is subject to provisions regarding confidentiality, as is normal in commercial contracts of this kind. Details of the provisions of the Agreement have not been published.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150531,"EventID":"S1W-13801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the public were advised that the concessionaire under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, who was authorised to charge and collect tolls, had changed its na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the public were advised that the concessionaire under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, who was authorised to charge and collect tolls, had changed its name in 1993 and, if so, how and when.","AnswerText":"The change of the concessionaire's name from Skye Bridge Tolls Limited to Skye Bridge Limited in 1993 did not otherwise affect the rights or obligations of either party to the Concession Agreement. No formal notice of this change was therefore published.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150532,"EventID":"S1W-13802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the alternative route described in the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road (Side Roads) Order 1992 (SI 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the alternative route described in the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road (Side Roads) Order 1992 (SI 1992/1500) has been completed.","AnswerText":"No alternative route is described in the Order. All of the works specified in that Order have been completed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150533,"EventID":"S1W-13803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance on whether all local authorities are now required to act in accordance with Lord Hardie's judgement in the case of MacGregor v South Lanark","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance on whether all local authorities are now required to act in accordance with Lord Hardie's judgement in the case of MacGregor v South Lanarkshire Council and what implications it expects the judgement to have for local authorities.","AnswerText":"South Lanarkshire Council have indicated that they intend to appeal Lord Hardie's decision and, thus, it would not be appropriate to comment directly on the case in the meantime. The Scottish Executive will decide whether or not councils require additional guidance in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150534,"EventID":"S1W-13804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional funding it will provide to local authorities to enable them to make places available immediately to all those people who have been assessed as requiring ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what additional funding it will provide to local authorities to enable them to make places available immediately to all those people who have been assessed as requiring long-term nursing or residential care and who are currently on local authority waiting lists.","AnswerText":"The local government settlement allocations we announced in December provided for a 6.4% increase in total Scottish Executive grant support for local authority expenditure on services between 2000-01 and 2001-02 with further above-inflation increases for the following two years. The Grant Aided Expenditure allowances for social work services for adults, including residential and nursing home care, increased by 10% to over £1 billion this year. It is for authorities to determine how these resources are used consistent with legislative requirements, government priorities and achieving best value. In advance of these increases, we have provided local authorities with an additional £15 million in 2000-01 for community-based services which help reduce pressure on hospital beds. We have provided health boards with an additional £19 million for similar purposes.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150535,"EventID":"S1W-13805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13209 by Ross Finnie on 22 February 2001, why it considers that there is no need for specific research into the impact of farmers' ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13209 by Ross Finnie on 22 February 2001, why it considers that there is no need for specific research into the impact of farmers' markets and whether the work done by its Rural Affairs Department, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society in supporting the formation of the Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets is having a positive impact and providing value for money.","AnswerText":"My answer to question S1W-13209 on 22 February said that we do not consider that there is a need for specific research into the impact of farmers' markets at the present time. It did not rule out such research in the future.<P>The Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets, whose formation we supported, has only been in existence for a few months. They will need time to develop a number of initiatives, and it would be more appropriate to examine the impact of these on the markets at a later stage.<P>Similarly, it is too early to say whether the assistance provided in supporting the formation of the association is having a positive impact.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150536,"EventID":"S1W-13806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the NHSiS has adequate resources to meet any increased demand for services resulting from the expected rise in diabetes sufferers to three million by the year 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the NHSiS has adequate resources to meet any increased demand for services resulting from the expected rise in diabetes sufferers to three million by the year 2010, as highlighted in the British Medical Journal on 15 April 2000.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to increasing the resources of NHS Scotland. However, it is up to each local health board to decide on the allocation of resources to meet the needs of its area.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150537,"EventID":"S1W-13807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to initiate preventative measures to tackle diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to initiate preventative measures to tackle diabetes.","AnswerText":"Type 2 diabetes, previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, usually occurs after the age of 35 years and is more common in people who are overweight. Type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90% of all cases of diabetes.<P>Risk Factors for Type 2 diabetes include obesity (insulin resistance increases with body weight), a high-fat diet (a key cause of obesity) and a sedentary lifestyle.<P>The Scottish Executive has introduced a range of initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles. These initiatives, set out in <I>Towards a Healthier Scotland</I>, <I>Eating for</I> <I>Health</I> and <I>Our National Health</I>, introduce measures such as the appointment of a National Diet Action Co-ordinator and the establishment of a Physical Activity Task Force. Such measures will help to prevent obesity and, thus, the development of Type 2 diabetes in later life.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150538,"EventID":"S1W-13808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives exist for local authorities and schools to promote diabetes prevention, in particular through healthier meals and daily exercise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives exist for local authorities and schools to promote diabetes prevention, in particular through healthier meals and daily exercise.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diet Action Plan <I>Eating for Health</I> and the White Paper <I>Towards a Healthier Scotland</I> provide the framework for action to promote healthy eating and physical activity.<I><P>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> reiterated the role of local authorities and schools through the commitment to support, via the Health Improvement Fund, the provision of fruit for infants, and breakfast clubs and fruit/salad bars in school settings. In addition, the Physical Activity Task Force will be tasked with producing a strategy to increase physical activity in all age groups in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150539,"EventID":"S1W-13809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research is being carried out in relation to diabetes, with particular regard to how to prevent people from being in an \"at risk\" group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research is being carried out in relation to diabetes, with particular regard to how to prevent people from being in an \"at risk\" group.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) is currently funding six projects related to diabetes. Two of these are looking at potential risk factors: \"The influence of pre-natal growth, genetic and socio-economic factors on risk factors for coronary heart disease, hypertension and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: a study in adult twins\" and \"Early life origins of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome: follow up of children born to women in controlled trials of weight manipulation during pregnancy\".","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150540,"EventID":"S1W-13810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is taking any initiatives to decrease the promotion of food and drinks which could contribute to the development of diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is taking any initiatives to decrease the promotion of food and drinks which could contribute to the development of diabetes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diet Action Plan, <I>Eating for Health</I>, promotes the provision of healthy food choices and health education in order to encourage individuals to choose a balanced diet. This, along with physical exercise, helps to prevent obesity and, thus, the development of non-insulin dependent diabetes in later life.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150541,"EventID":"S1W-13811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review the criteria for assessing the maximum number of pupils which schools can accommodate in the light of any increased space requirements","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review the criteria for assessing the maximum number of pupils which schools can accommodate in the light of any increased space requirements flowing from, for example, increasing use of IT in classrooms.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of individual authorities to determine the capacities of their schools. However, during the passage of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000, Ministers agreed to review issues relating to school capacity in the light of the new provisions on placing requests. This review will include the effects of increasing use of IT equipment in schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150542,"EventID":"S1W-13812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are any plans to assist home owners with the costs of removing white asbestos from their homes and whether applications for this purpose can be made throug","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are any plans to assist home owners with the costs of removing white asbestos from their homes and whether applications for this purpose can be made through home improvement grant schemes.","AnswerText":"It is for owners to undertake any necessary works to their homes. Removing asbestos may qualify for assistance under the improvement and repairs grant system. However, local authorities administer the system and it is for them to decide whether to offer grant.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150543,"EventID":"S1W-13813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current objectives are of the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current objectives are of the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The aim of the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland (NRIS) is to become the national centre for excellence for Scotland-wide research into direct patient care. Current objectives will focus on research into stroke (a health priority area where nurses and Professions Allied to Medicine have major impact), Practitioner Decision-Making, Practitioner Interventions and Patient Centred Outcomes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150544,"EventID":"S1W-13815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the publications of the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland from its establishment to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the publications of the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland from its establishment to date.","AnswerText":"Details of five publications by NRIS are listed below.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Author</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Title</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Publisher</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Brannan E, Curzio J, Hunt J</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Stress and quality of life among carers of the adult learning disabled: a review of the literature</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A NRIS publication. January 1997</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>O'Henley A, Curzio J, Hunt J</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>How to design a questionnaire</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A NRIS publication. January 1997</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Hagen S, Hanley J, Capewell A, Miller V</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>An evaluation of outcome measures for use in urinary incontinence</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Final report to CSO, September 1998</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Sinclair L</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>An evaluation of the impact of employing experienced mental health nurses in accident and emergency (A&amp;E) departments without an on-site psychiatric service</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>CSO Progress report, December 1998</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Curzio J</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland at the Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust: A report of activities from January 1996 to February 1997</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A NRIS publication.<P>April 1997</TD></TR></TABLE><P>A further 84 articles, reports and publications have been published in non-NRIS medical journals and publications.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150545,"EventID":"S1W-13816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland has, as part of its remit, a duty to assess the impact of its research, or of the application of its research findin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland has, as part of its remit, a duty to assess the impact of its research, or of the application of its research findings, on patient care in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The remit of Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland is to carry out high quality research into direct patient care. As with all the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) research units, the impact of its activity is evaluated by the Unit Advisory Group and at the formal review of the unit carried out by a panel of independent experts chaired by the CSO.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150546,"EventID":"S1W-13817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the full costs were of launching, publishing and distributing its document Freedom of Information - Consultation Draft Legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the full costs were of launching, publishing and distributing its document Freedom of Information - Consultation Draft Legislation.","AnswerText":"The publication and distribution of the Executive's draft Freedom of Information Bill cost £5,564. There was no additional cost associated with the launch.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150547,"EventID":"S1W-13818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the work of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools and whether the findings of any monitoring process are made public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the work of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools and whether the findings of any monitoring process are made public.","AnswerText":"At present, Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools are an integral part of the Scottish Executive Education Department and their work is monitored by senior management and Ministers in the same way as the rest of the department's activity. Some of the work of the Inspectorate is carried out under contract to external bodies who are responsible for their own monitoring arrangements. Various aspects of the Inspectorate's performance are a matter of public record.<P>As I announced to the Parliament on 23 November 2000, the Inspectorate will be established as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Executive from 1 April 2001. As part of that process, I shall put in place arrangements for agreeing performance targets with the agency, and to monitor and report to Parliament on the work of the agency. These arrangements will be set out in a Framework Document covering this and other aspects of the agency, which will be made available to Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150548,"EventID":"S1W-13819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what academic qualifications are required of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what academic qualifications are required of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools (HMI) are normally required to have an honours degree or an equivalent qualification. In exceptional circumstances, proven success in a relevant educational sector may be taken into account in assessing eligibility for particular posts. HMI working in the pre-school, primary and secondary sectors are required to hold a relevant teaching qualification. Many HMI also have other post-graduate qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150549,"EventID":"S1W-13820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how individual Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools are appraised in their work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how individual Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools are appraised in their work.","AnswerText":"As Scottish Executive staff, Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools (HMI) are subject to established Scottish Executive appraisal procedures. All HMI have a job description with personal objectives to be overtaken each year. Their performance is evaluated on an ongoing basis. Formal reviews are undertaken every six months, with an annual appraisal report determining overall performance markings.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150550,"EventID":"S1W-13821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what grant funding, and from which funding bodies, the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland received in 2000 and what funding it will receive in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what grant funding, and from which funding bodies, the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland received in 2000 and what funding it will receive in 2001.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO, core funding for Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland (NRIS) in year to 31 March 2001 will be approximately £398,000. The budget for year to 31 March 2002 is £407,000. In addition to funding the NRIS, CSO funds specific research projects administered by the unit. £297,000 and £300,000 was awarded to them for projects in 2000-01 and 2001-02 respectively.<P>Additionally NRIS received external funding from the following sources in 2000.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=538><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Funding Body</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>CRAG</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,200</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ethicon Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">600</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32,000</TD></TR></TABLE><P>And will receive external funding from the following sources in 2001.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=538><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Funding Body</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tyco Healthcare UK/RCN A&amp;E Nursing Association</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,250 **</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>European Society &amp; Contraception</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ethicon Ltd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">600</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">32,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>NBS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">3796</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>NIH</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">230,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>European Society &amp; Contraception</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">10,000 *</TD></TR></TABLE><P>** New funding in 2001.<P>*  New funding 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150551,"EventID":"S1W-13822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current occupancy rate is for beds in psychiatric wards in the NHSiS. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current occupancy rate is for beds in psychiatric wards in the NHSiS. ","AnswerText":"The bed occupancy rate for psychiatric specialties in Scotland was 84.2% for the year ending 31 December 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150552,"EventID":"S1W-13823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average length of occupation for psychiatric ward beds in the NHSiS was in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average length of occupation for psychiatric ward beds in the NHSiS was in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The median length of stay for all psychiatric specialties was 16 days in 1997-98, 17 days in 1998-99 and 17 days in 1999-2000. Lengths of stay for psychiatric inpatients vary considerably across and within specialties.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150553,"EventID":"S1W-13824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, where a patient has been admitted to a psychiatric ward on more than one occasion in the last five years, what the average length of time was between admissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, where a patient has been admitted to a psychiatric ward on more than one occasion in the last five years, what the average length of time was between admissions.","AnswerText":"The average length of time between admissions, for patients admitted to a psychiatric ward on more than one occasion in the five year period 1995-1999, was 174 days.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150554,"EventID":"S1W-13825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in implementing the Land Reform Action Plan published in August 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in implementing the Land Reform Action Plan published in August 1999.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the latest progress report of action to implement our wide-ranging <I>Land Reform Action Plan</I> is published today. All MSPs are receiving copies, and the report is also available on the Scottish Executive website and in the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>Members should note that, since the last progress report:<P> - legislation to reform leasehold casualties received Stage 1 approval on 10 January 2001 and Stage 2 was passed on 14 February 2001;<P> - the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and the draft Scottish Outdoor Access Code were issued for consultation on 22 February 2001;<P> - the Scottish Land Fund was launched on 26 February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150555,"EventID":"S1W-13826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost will be of the Scottish-Nordic Council meeting at Skibo Castle and from which budget these costs will be met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost will be of the Scottish-Nordic Council meeting at Skibo Castle and from which budget these costs will be met.","AnswerText":"The total organisational cost of the Nordic-Scottish Co-operation conference is £45,000. This is being met from the budget for External Relations initiatives of the Scottish Executive (£26,500); Highlands &amp; Islands enterprise (£15,500); and Scottish Enterprise (£3000).","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150556,"EventID":"S1W-13828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what other venues were considered for the Scottish-Nordic Council meeting and why they were not selected.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what other venues were considered for the Scottish-Nordic Council meeting and why they were not selected.","AnswerText":"In summer 2000, Highlands &amp; Island Enterprise recommended Skibo Castle as the venue for the conference. The conference rate negotiated was comparable with other venues when all costs were taken into account. Of the venues available, Skibo Castle best met the specifications required for a conference involving some 35 senior Nordic officials and 20 of their Scottish counterparts.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150557,"EventID":"S1W-13829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11313 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 February 2001, whether it will detail any funding provided towards each of the oil and gas trade ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11313 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 February 2001, whether it will detail any funding provided towards each of the oil and gas trade fairs listed.","AnswerText":"Scottish Trade International and Scottish Enterprise provided funding as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore Technology Conference</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Houston, USA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£35,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore Northern Seas</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Stavanger, Norway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£25,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rio Oil &amp; Gas </TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil </TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£10,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore South East Asia</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Singapore</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£25,000</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Australasian Oil &amp; Gas</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Perth, Australia</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£15,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore Technology Conference</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Houston, USA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£40,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argentina Oil &amp; Gas</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Buenos Aires, Argentina </TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£5,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore Europe</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen, UK</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£85,000</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore Technology Conference</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Houston, USA</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£40,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>National Petroleum Show</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Calgary, Canada</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£20,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore Northern Seas</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Stavanger, Norway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£25,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rio Oil &amp; Gas</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£10,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Offshore South East Asia</TD><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Singapore</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£25,000</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150558,"EventID":"S1W-13830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment was made of the likely changes to water charge levels for Band D households in Fife as a result of the proposed restructuring of the water authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment was made of the likely changes to water charge levels for Band D households in Fife as a result of the proposed restructuring of the water authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's initial assessment is that the efficiencies gained through merging the activities of the three water authorities should offset the increases that will fall on customers in the East of Scotland Water area from averaging charges across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150559,"EventID":"S1W-13831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely changes to water charge levels for Band D households in the Lothians as a result of the proposed restructuring of the water auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely changes to water charge levels for Band D households in the Lothians as a result of the proposed restructuring of the water authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's initial assessment is that the efficiencies gained through merging the activities of the three water authorities should offset the increases that will fall on customers in the East of Scotland Water area from averaging charges across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150560,"EventID":"S1W-13832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Treasury regarding the categories of comparable expenditure which will be used in assessing the annual changes in funding ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Treasury regarding the categories of comparable expenditure which will be used in assessing the annual changes in funding to accommodate capital charge payments from the Scottish budget.","AnswerText":"Capital charges are currently classified as Annually Managed Expenditure (AME). The main component of AME comprises the Resource Accounting and Budgeting (RAB) adjustments such as capital charges, etc. AME is not subject to the Barnett formula and funding is agreed annually in discussion with HM Treasury.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150561,"EventID":"S1W-13833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9636 by Angus MacKay on 20 November 2000, whether it will detail the budget of each of the bodies listed in each year for which fig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9636 by Angus MacKay on 20 November 2000, whether it will detail the budget of each of the bodies listed in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Non-departmental public bodies vary in their accounting procedures and many, such as Advisory NDPBs, have no budget responsibilities. Annual reports and accounts are the main vehicles by which NDPBs discharge their accountability functions to enable the Parliament, the taxpayer and customers to judge whether the NDPB is securing value-for-money in its operations. Annual reports and accounts are not held centrally. A compilation of NDPB financial information, including total gross expenditure and amount funded by Government can be found in the annual publication <I>Public Bodies</I>, the latest version of which was released in December 2000. This edition of <I>Public Bodies</I> is available from the Parliament's Reference  Centre and this and previous editions are available from the Cabinet Office website at <A HREF=\"http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango/index/pubs.htm\">www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango/index/pubs.htm</A>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150562,"EventID":"S1W-13834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specific amendments were made to its budget within the course of the budget in the last full year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specific amendments were made to its budget within the course of the budget in the last full year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Amendments to the 2000-01 Scottish Budget are set out in the Autumn, Winter and Spring Revisions documents.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150563,"EventID":"S1W-13835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the specific sources of revenue and income available to each of its core and associated departments in the latest year for which figures are availab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list the specific sources of revenue and income available to each of its core and associated departments in the latest year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150564,"EventID":"S1W-13836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what files it, its Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies hold on Mr Peter Cherbi and whether it will disclose the contents of these files to him.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what files it, its Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies hold on Mr Peter Cherbi and whether it will disclose the contents of these files to him.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, any information on whether or not files are held on Mr Cherbi and, if they are, whether contents would be disclosed, would need to be considered in response to a subject access request submitted by Mr Cherbi.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150565,"EventID":"S1W-13837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the substantive answer to question S1W-13110 will be given prior to the Stage 1 debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill on 14 March 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the substantive answer to question S1W-13110 will be given prior to the Stage 1 debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill on 14 March 2001.","AnswerText":"This question was answered on 6 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150566,"EventID":"S1W-13838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and the Deputy Minister for Sport and Culture will reply to my letters of 21 July 2000 regarding my constituent Dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and the Deputy Minister for Sport and Culture will reply to my letters of 21 July 2000 regarding my constituent Dr Mike Langran.","AnswerText":"Dr Langran received a response to his own approaches to the Executive direct from officials on 9 March. A copy of this response has been sent to you.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150567,"EventID":"S1W-13839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13337 by Sarah Boyack on 28 February 2001, how it plans to compare accident rates on the trunk road network which are attributable ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13337 by Sarah Boyack on 28 February 2001, how it plans to compare accident rates on the trunk road network which are attributable to winter weather conditions between the years when local authorities carried out road maintenance, snow clearance and gritting and those when private contractors carried out such work.","AnswerText":"Road accident statistics for the trunk road network in Scotland are recorded on an annual basis enabling any change in the number of accidents attributable to any particular cause, such as winter weather conditions, to be identified.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150568,"EventID":"S1W-13840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the annual water charges for domestic users were in each water authority area for each year since 1994.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the annual water charges for domestic users were in each water authority area for each year since 1994.","AnswerText":"The information is given in the following table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=605><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=8 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Band D Domestic Water Charges (£/year)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1994-95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000-01</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=8 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>East of Scotland Water Area</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">95.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">104.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">104.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124.50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">54.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75.50</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124.50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">64.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">93.50</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">95.50</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124.50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">78.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">104.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">104.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124.50</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"T","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150569,"EventID":"S1W-13841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact which the current classification of ben'odia'epines under the Misuse of Dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact which the current classification of ben'odia'epines under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 has on the number of people who misuse these substances.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to make representations to the UK Government about the current classification of benzodiazepines under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Benzodiazepines are controlled under the 1971 Act to protect against the misuse of these drugs. Most benzodiazepines are Class C drugs. All of them are classified as Prescription Only Medicines under the Medicines Act 1968. The responsibility for prescribing benzodiazepines rests with individual GPs.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150570,"EventID":"S1W-13842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse practitioners there are within the Greater Glasgow Health Board area, broken down by NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse practitioners there are within the Greater Glasgow Health Board area, broken down by NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150571,"EventID":"S1W-13843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is prepared in principle to assist the funding of a new south side hospital in Glasgow by making available a significant part of the funds required for such a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is prepared in principle to assist the funding of a new south side hospital in Glasgow by making available a significant part of the funds required for such a project through direct capital grant.","AnswerText":"I welcome the prospect of a redesign of south side hospitals services in Glasgow. The Scottish Executive Health Department will play its full part in ensuring that the plans eventually agreed are pursued.<P>The Health Department will assess any Business Case received from Greater Glasgow Health Board for the provision of redesigned hospital services on the south side of the city.<P>Current guidelines indicate that all available funding routes should be fully explored at the capital planning stage.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150572,"EventID":"S1W-13844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much capital funding was allocated to the NHS in Scotland in each of the last three years and how much will be allocated in each of the next three years, broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much capital funding was allocated to the NHS in Scotland in each of the last three years and how much will be allocated in each of the next three years, broken down by health board area in each case.","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the capital allocations issued to the NHSScotland on a health board area basis for the period 1998-99 to 2000-01:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=491><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=48><P>Health Boards</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=48><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Allocation<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=48><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-00<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Allocation<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=48><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Allocation<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,200</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,750</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,812</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P>Ayr &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,335</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,411</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,369</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,352</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,943</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,238</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,969</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,423</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,882</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,266</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,837</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=26><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,251</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,951</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,178</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,929</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,343</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,167</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,869</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27,535</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45,341</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59,884</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,726</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,371</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,137</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19,960</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,525</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16,718</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33,616</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39,173</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32,083</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,353</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,474</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=27><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,385</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,052</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=28><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,279<","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150573,"EventID":"S1W-13845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what arrangements are in place to co-ordinate different programmes designed to help young people in disadvantaged areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what arrangements are in place to co-ordinate different programmes designed to help young people in disadvantaged areas.","AnswerText":"The main means of co-ordination is the preparation of Children's Services Plans, which is a requirement of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The Executive is currently taking forward a review of planning requirements for children's services in conjunction with representatives from ADES, ADSW, CoSLA and the voluntary sector. The Executive has also established an Action Team on Joint Working in Children's Services. The team is to prepare an Action Plan which will detail how organisations could work together to provide integrated services for children and young people. The Action Plan will be produced in the autumn. In addition, the Changing Children's Services Fund, launched by the First Minister last November, will further promote better integration of services.<P>In Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) local agencies combine to focus resources on the problems faced by young people and other excluded groups in areas of deprivation and exclusion.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150574,"EventID":"S1W-13846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient doctors are being trained to meet future needs as outlined in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient doctors are being trained to meet future needs as outlined in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"Current training programmes are expected to produce sufficient trained staff to meet the projected increases in the number of consultants outlined in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action; a plan for change</I>. The Executive will also shortly undertake a fundamental review of medical workforce planning that will look at the many complex areas surrounding the supply of trained doctors to NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150575,"EventID":"S1W-13847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in future some training for undergraduate dentists will be carried out in individual dental practices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in future some training for undergraduate dentists will be carried out in individual dental practices.","AnswerText":"Dental schools in both Scotland and the rest of the UK see considerable educational benefit to undergraduate dentists visiting and working in a range of primary care dental services. Outreach education has already been established within the community dental service by Glasgow Dental School and Dundee Dental School are exploring how this could be extended to the General Dental Services through piloting such a development this year within Tayside. If this is successful Dundee will make recommendations on how such schemes could be used more widely in the education and training of both dental students and students of dental hygiene throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150576,"EventID":"S1W-13848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the expected increase is in students entering  medical training in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 (c) 2003-04 and (d) 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the expected increase is in students entering  medical training in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 (c) 2003-04 and (d) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to increasing the number of doctors in Scotland. We are examining the most effective way to achieve this, and increasing the student intake in Scotland is one of several options.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150577,"EventID":"S1W-13849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why dentists who do not achieve #25,000 gross earnings per annum due to working in remote and rural areas are excluded from commitment payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why dentists who do not achieve #25,000 gross earnings per annum due to working in remote and rural areas are excluded from commitment payments.","AnswerText":"The commitment scheme has been developed between the UK Health Departments and the British Dental Association, in a response to a recommendation by the independent Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB). In making its recommendation on commitment payments, the DDRB considered that the scheme should: reward past and present commitment to the NHS; require a high threshold of NHS gross fee earnings; commence the first payments to general dental practitioners after about 10 years service in the NHS; and provide a further boost to NHS earnings at a later stage in GDPs' careers once again based on length of service criteria.<P>The NHS gross fee earnings threshold of £25,000 was set following discussions between the Health Departments and the British Dental Association.<P>I am aware that there have been some concerns about whether the commitment scheme is achieving its underlying purpose in areas where there is limited population, and have asked officials to review this during the coming financial year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150578,"EventID":"S1W-13850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding package is available to dentists in remote and rural areas and whether this package will be re-examined in the light of any shortage of dentists and problems","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding package is available to dentists in remote and rural areas and whether this package will be re-examined in the light of any shortage of dentists and problems encountered in accessing a local dentist in such areas.","AnswerText":"Measures include:<P>Scottish Dental Access Initiative grants to encourage practitioners to set up or expand NHS practices in areas of unmet patient demand or high oral health need, including rural and remote areas where pro rata grant may be offered for opening a part-time branch practice, and<P>a scheme whereby fees may be paid to dentists travelling to remote or rural areas for loss of remunerative time spent on travel and to compensate the dentist where visits are cancelled at short notice.<P>In areas of sparse population and in other areas where there are difficulties in attracting NHS dentists, health boards or primary care NHS trusts may apply to Scottish Ministers to approve the appointment of one or more dentists directly salaried by the NHS to provide dental services. The problems of NHS dental access in remote and rural areas are currently under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150579,"EventID":"S1W-13851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is on the progress being made by the Health Technology Board for Scotland in the evaluation of recommendations on the use of beta interferon for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is on the progress being made by the Health Technology Board for Scotland in the evaluation of recommendations on the use of beta interferon for MS sufferers and when the Board will issue guidance on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-11383 on 23 February.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150580,"EventID":"S1W-13852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a scheme, similar to the graduate entry scheme in England, for a \"top-up\" degree in order to train more doctors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a scheme, similar to the graduate entry scheme in England, for a \"top-up\" degree in order to train more doctors.","AnswerText":"As indicated in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action; a plan for change</I>, the Executive will shortly undertake a fundamental review of medical workforce planning. This review will address the possibility of establishing fast-track graduate-entry medical degree courses in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150581,"EventID":"S1W-13853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many junior doctors currently work within the 56-hour limit set out in the Working Time Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many junior doctors currently work within the 56-hour limit set out in the Working Time Directive.","AnswerText":"The latest information and a full analysis of the current position on junior doctors' hours of work is given in the report of the joint Scottish Executive and British Medical Association New Deal Implementation Support Group report which was published on 26 April. Copies are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150582,"EventID":"S1W-13854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the cost is to the NHS of junior doctors working beyond the 56-hour limit set out in the Working Time Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the cost is to the NHS of junior doctors working beyond the 56-hour limit set out in the Working Time Directive.","AnswerText":"Any increased costs associated with the new junior doctors' contract reflect not just the numbers of junior doctors exceeding New Deal hours limits but also payments made in recognition of work intensity. It is not possible to calculate the cost of junior doctors working beyond hours limits alone.<P>The new contract is intended to provide a strong financial incentive for NHS Trusts to reduce the hours worked by their doctors. Costs will reduce as trusts take action to achieve greater compliance with New Deal targets. <P>Health boards were recently given their revenue allocations for 2001-02. The average increase in unified budgets is 6.5%. This is on top of significant increases in funding during 2000-01. It is the responsibility of health boards to determine local priorities for the use of funds including meeting the targets and standards of the New Deal for Junior Doctors.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150583,"EventID":"S1W-13855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS Trusts are developing a cost-effective approach for recycling domestic waste in order to reduce the amount sent to landfill sites as suggested in the Audit Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS Trusts are developing a cost-effective approach for recycling domestic waste in order to reduce the amount sent to landfill sites as suggested in the Audit Scotland Report, Waste Management in Scotland's Hospitals.","AnswerText":"The NHSScotland Clinical Waste Steering Group is considering the Audit Scotland Report and will prepare an Action Plan which will address this issue, amongst others, in collaboration with the NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum. The outline objectives of the Action Plan will be to produce further waste training/education guidance to encourage waste segregation and promote minimisation.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150584,"EventID":"S1W-13856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS Trusts ensure that clinical waste is properly and efficiently segregated, stored, transported and disposed of, in line with its Health Department's document Safe ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS Trusts ensure that clinical waste is properly and efficiently segregated, stored, transported and disposed of, in line with its Health Department's document Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste and with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's National Waste Management Strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"As set out in the January 2001 Audit Scotland report, <I>Waste Management in Scottish Hospitals</I>, the performance of NHS Trusts in adhering to the fundamental principles of good waste management is generally very good albeit that examples of poor practice were identified in various areas including training, staff compliance with safety standards and the monitoring of uplift and disposal of clinical waste.<P>The NHSScotland Clinical Waste Steering Group in collaboration with the NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum has issued specific guidance to NHS Trusts, in the form of Scottish Hospital Technical Note 3 - version: 3 August 2000. It is also considering the Audit Scotland Report and will prepare an Action Plan which will address the issues raised in the Report. The opportunity to underline the importance of not only complying with statutory requirements, and following codes of practice and best practice guidance specific to arrangements in Scotland, will be taken.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150585,"EventID":"S1W-13857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Heart Transplant Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary is now fully staffed and operational; when heart transplant surgery will recommence there, and how many trans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Heart Transplant Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary is now fully staffed and operational; when heart transplant surgery will recommence there, and how many transplants are planned in the next 12 months.","AnswerText":"I am currently considering the position of the Scottish Heart Transplant Unit and intend to make an announcement in the near future. It will cover the points raised in the question.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150586,"EventID":"S1W-13858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Care Development Group will redefine the Sutherland Commission definition of 'personal care' as set out in Chapter 6 of the Commission's Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Care Development Group will redefine the Sutherland Commission definition of 'personal care' as set out in Chapter 6 of the Commission's Report.","AnswerText":"The Care Development Group has been asked to provide a clear definition of what is meant by personal care as part of its terms of reference. The group will decide how best to fulfil its remit and will report in August 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150587,"EventID":"S1W-13859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in the light of the survey by the British Medical Association Scotland which reported a decline in morale among general practitioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in the light of the survey by the British Medical Association Scotland which reported a decline in morale among general practitioners.","AnswerText":"GP morale is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond the scope of Government. However, the Scottish Executive values the work of all health professionals and is working closely with professional groups to ensure that their needs are addressed. A range of measures is set out in the Scottish Health Plan, <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>, which was published in December.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150588,"EventID":"S1W-13860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any risk to patients during surgery through tipping operating tables.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any risk to patients during surgery through tipping operating tables.","AnswerText":"Medical devices, including operating theatre tables, are regulated at UK level by the Medical Devices Agency. Scottish Healthcare Supplies, which is a division of the Common Services Agency, acts on behalf of the Health Department to monitor the safety of medical devices in Scotland. I understand that Scottish Healthcare Supplies is currently investigating reports of a small number of recent incidents involving malfunctions of operating tables. No conclusion has yet been reached on potential risks to patients.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150589,"EventID":"S1W-13861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is of (a) a heart by-pass and (b) a hip replacement operation in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is of (a) a heart by-pass and (b) a hip replacement operation in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not collect routine information centrally on the costs of specific operations in the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150590,"EventID":"S1W-13862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, whether the winter examination diet in 2001-02 will include examinations in all subject","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, whether the winter examination diet in 2001-02 will include examinations in all subjects and at all levels for which examinations are set in the summer diet and whether there will be any restrictions on which candidates are able to sit examinations in the winter diet.","AnswerText":"The subjects which will be examined in the 2001-02 winter examination diet are Care, English and Communication, Biology, Administration and Mathematics. The winter diet is aimed primarily at further education students, but schools may enter candidates if they wish to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150591,"EventID":"S1W-13863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, when the winter 2001-02 diet of examinations is scheduled to take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, when the winter 2001-02 diet of examinations is scheduled to take place.","AnswerText":"Between 14 and 18 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150592,"EventID":"S1W-13864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, when the timetable for the winter 2001-02 diet of examinations will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, when the timetable for the winter 2001-02 diet of examinations will be available.","AnswerText":"Following a consultation exercise, the Scottish Qualifications Authority issued the exam timetable for the winter diet to College Principals, Directors of Education and the Scottish Council of Independent Schools on 1 March this year. Printed copies will be available shortly. Details are also on the SQA website.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150593,"EventID":"S1W-13865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, by what date the names of candidates who intend to sit examinations during the 2001-02 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10428 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, by what date the names of candidates who intend to sit examinations during the 2001-02 winter diet will require to be notified to the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Authority will contact centres advising them of administrative and operational arrangements for the winter diet following the summer diet.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150594,"EventID":"S1W-13866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each university will receive in total under the Scottish Science Research Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each university will receive in total under the Scottish Science Research Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"A total of £64.6 million will be allocated to higher education institutions in Scotland by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. The allocations to individual higher education institutions over the two years 2002-03 and 2003-04 are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">&nbsp;<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Institution</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Scottish Science Research Investment Fund</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03 to 2003-04</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Aberdeen, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,371,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Abertay Dundee, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">243,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Dundee, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,098,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Edinburgh College of Art</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">89,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Edinburgh, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19,499,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Glasgow Caledonian University</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">640,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Glasgow School of Art</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Glasgow, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,561,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Heriot-Watt University</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,587,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Napier University</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">604,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Northern College of Education</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Paisley, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">222,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Queen Margaret University College</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">265,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Robert Gordon University</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">319,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">St, Andrews, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,299,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Stirling, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,933,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Strathclyde, University of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,792,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Total:</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\"","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150595,"EventID":"S1W-13867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology was used to calculate the distribution amongst universities of funding from the Scottish Science Research Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology was used to calculate the distribution amongst universities of funding from the Scottish Science Research Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"The methodology used to calculate the distribution of funding of the Scottish Science Research Investment Fund was described in a Circular Letter issued to higher education institutions by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) on 1 March 2001 (HE/05/2001).<P>Allocations to higher education institutions were calculated using a straightforward formula agreed by the UK higher education funding councils. The allocations were linked to research excellence and the volume of research. 50% of the funding was calculated on the basis of the funding from the SHEFC Research Assessment Exercise-based grant. The other 50% of the funding was calculated on the basis of the total external research income received by institutions. There is a minimum allocation of £25,000 for institutions that are eligible to receive funding through SRIF. <P>The calculations were based on those areas of the science research base falling within the remit of the Office of Science and Technology.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150596,"EventID":"S1W-13868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the working group on a replacement for poindings and warrant sales will be able to make recommendations regarding the system of diligence as a whole, including i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the working group on a replacement for poindings and warrant sales will be able to make recommendations regarding the system of diligence as a whole, including issues such as a comprehensive system of debt counselling.","AnswerText":"The remit and details of the work of the working group are available on the Scottish Executive website. The full address can be obtained from the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Deputy First Minister announced on 8 June 2000 that, in addition to the work on poinding and warrant sale, the Executive would review the law of diligence as a whole; and made clear that representations would be welcome from anyone. In any event, any proposals for reform will be the subject of consultation. It is, of course, open to the working group to make known any concerns which it may have as a result of its deliberations but which lie beyond its own remit.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150597,"EventID":"S1W-13869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the total amount of unpaid council tax for 1999-2000 unpaid water and sewerage charges represent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the total amount of unpaid council tax for 1999-2000 unpaid water and sewerage charges represent.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150598,"EventID":"S1W-13870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Ambulance Service about the provision of ambulance services in the Langholm and Eskdale areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Ambulance Service about the provision of ambulance services in the Langholm and Eskdale areas.","AnswerText":"None. It is for the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure the provision of satisfactory ambulance services throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150599,"EventID":"S1W-13871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any plans to close Langholm Ambulance Station and, if so, what action it proposes to take and what criteria are used to determine how far an ambula","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any plans to close Langholm Ambulance Station and, if so, what action it proposes to take and what criteria are used to determine how far an ambulance station should be located from the communities which it serves.","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service has confirmed that there are no plans to close the Langholm Ambulance Station.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150600,"EventID":"S1W-13872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Scottish Ambulance Service is making in implementing the EU Working Time Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Scottish Ambulance Service is making in implementing the EU Working Time Directive.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13873.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150601,"EventID":"S1W-13873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact on the provision of ambulance services in rural areas is anticipated from the implementation of the EU Working Time Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact on the provision of ambulance services in rural areas is anticipated from the implementation of the EU Working Time Directive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service working through its Partnership Forum has already implemented many of the requirements of the Directive. Discussions are continuing in relation to the implications for the service's on-call working arrangements, in particular in remote and rural areas. The Ambulance Service is fully aware of the need to maintain services in rural areas, while complying with the terms of the Directive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150602,"EventID":"S1W-13874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12216 by Susan Deacon on 21 February 2001, when the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland will set out the service standards on inf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12216 by Susan Deacon on 21 February 2001, when the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland will set out the service standards on infection control, cleanliness and other matters.","AnswerText":"Work by an expert group to develop draft standards on infection control, decontamination of medical devices and environmental hygiene is currently under way. We expect draft standards to be produced shortly. The drafts will be reviewed by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland and will then be released for consultation, piloting and implementation by NHSScotland in the course of this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150603,"EventID":"S1W-13875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consider the arrangements made for the transportation of livestock with a view to minimising vectors for the transmission of disease and enhancing an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consider the arrangements made for the transportation of livestock with a view to minimising vectors for the transmission of disease and enhancing animal welfare.","AnswerText":"Containment and eradication of Foot and Mouth disease in Scotland is the Scottish Executive's first priority and we are taking all steps necessary to achieve this. Guidance has been issued which makes clear the requirement to thoroughly disinfect all transport used for authorised livestock movements. <P>Lessons can be learnt from all disease outbreaks and the Scottish Executive will carefully review the circumstances of this outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150604,"EventID":"S1W-13876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all sales of Forestry Commission Land since 1 January 1999, showing the location, acreage and selling price in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all sales of Forestry Commission Land since 1 January 1999, showing the location, acreage and selling price in each case.","AnswerText":"The table gives details of all the forest land (i.e. the forests, woods, associated unplanted land and land originally acquired for planting) that was sold by the Forestry Commission between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2000, the latest date for which information is available. The table gives the name, location and area of each sale. In each case, the commission sought the purchaser's permission to disclose the price paid, and this is included whenever such permission was given.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=593><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Location and Name of Wood</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Area (hectares)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Sale Price</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=40><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdeenshire</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Haremoss</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£21,650</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>New Pitsligo Lot 11 (part)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>New Pitsligo Lot 2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£11,250</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Peelie Belt, Glassel</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,000</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=40><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Argyll and Bute</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Bullwood Quarry</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Drimsynie Leisure Centre (adjacent plantation)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£28,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Glenfinart (land at)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Kinloch Plantation (formerly Carsaig)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">488.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£455,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scoor Plantation Lot 5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">360.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£220,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Stronhullin (land at)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><P></TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=40><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Clackmannanshire</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Aberdona and Meeks Park</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=24><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48.0","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150605,"EventID":"S1W-13877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times in 2000 procurators fiscal consulted with the relatives of those killed in road accidents prior to deciding whether or not to seek a fatal accident inquiry","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times in 2000 procurators fiscal consulted with the relatives of those killed in road accidents prior to deciding whether or not to seek a fatal accident inquiry.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not recorded and is therefore not available. However, Procurators Fiscal are subject to an instruction in the following terms: <P>&quot;Where a death is reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and<P>(a) there is likely to be a prosecution whether solemn or summary, or<P>(b) the death has resulted from a road traffic accident, or<P>(c) there is the possibility that a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held,<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">a relative of the deceased should be seen by the Procurator Fiscal or a member of his staff.&quot;<P>Procurators Fiscal are further instructed that it is important, at that interview, to ascertain the attitude of the next of kin vis-&agrave;-vis a Fatal Accident Inquiry and that those views should be included in the report to Crown Office.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150606,"EventID":"S1W-13878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many road deaths there were in Scotland; (b) how many of these were the subject of a mandatory fatal accident inquiry; (c) how many resulted in a discretionary re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many road deaths there were in Scotland; (b) how many of these were the subject of a mandatory fatal accident inquiry; (c) how many resulted in a discretionary referral to the Crown Office by the Procurator Fiscal for a fatal accident inquiry, and (d) of these referrals, how many resulted in a fatal accident inquiry, in each year since 1993.","AnswerText":"The statistical information requested is not available. Crown Office do not record road deaths as a separate category of death. However, every death investigated by the Procurator Fiscal is reported to Crown Office and the question of the need for a Fatal Accident Inquiry is canvassed in that report.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150607,"EventID":"S1W-13879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it proposes to take to strengthen the existing provisions on the confiscation and recovery of the proceeds of crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it proposes to take to strengthen the existing provisions on the confiscation and recovery of the proceeds of crime.","AnswerText":"The UK Government and the Scottish Executive are today issuing proposals to unify the powers of criminal confiscation, create new powers of civil recovery, strengthen existing money laundering powers, and introduce new arrangements to enable tax to be levied on income believed to derive from criminal activity. We are inviting comments from a wide range of interests. The consultation period closes on 25 May.<P>Many of these proposals are reserved - for example, confiscation of the proceeds of drug trafficking, money laundering, and taxation - while others are devolved. We aim to strengthen public confidence in the justice system; undermine harmful role models and deprive criminals of working capital. We have taken the view that comprehensive, UK legislation will be more workable and effective than complex, complementary legislation in both Parliaments, and will avoid loopholes that could create of safe havens for criminals either side of the Border.<P>The Bill will contain separate Scottish clauses to ensure that the new powers are fully consistent with Scots law and procedures.<P>We will, of course, be seeking the agreement of the Scottish Parliament in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150608,"EventID":"S1W-13880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its policy on the availability through general practitioner prescription of nicotine replacement therapy, following the conclusion in January 2001 o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its policy on the availability through general practitioner prescription of nicotine replacement therapy, following the conclusion in January 2001 of the consultation exercise.","AnswerText":"I announced on 14 March that nicotine replacement therapy will be available on NHS prescription from April 2001. This requires an amendment to Schedule 10 to the NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150609,"EventID":"S1W-13881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what performance management and best practice criteria it has put in place in relation to the #26 million tobacco money to be applied to health promotion; how much of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what performance management and best practice criteria it has put in place in relation to the #26 million tobacco money to be applied to health promotion; how much of this money is being spent on tobacco-related initiatives, and whether it will list these initiatives.","AnswerText":"As with all initiatives to improve health, the operational arrangements for those supported by the Health Improvement Fund depend on their nature. The bulk of the fund's resources are being channelled through health boards. Boards have been advised to give a full public account of how the resources are being invested, including an account of what they have helped local people to achieve, through their annual reports and the accountability review process. Boards have also been asked to provide a brief interim report to Ministers on how Health Improvement Fund resources are being applied in their local areas.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">A range of media exist which facilitate the dissemination and utilisation of best practice. At national level, these media include the Healthy Scotland Convention (which is next to meet on 1 June), HEBSWeb (www.hebs.scot.nhs.uk) and SHOW (www.show.scot.nhs.uk) with the <I>FORUM</I> newsletter.<P>Health boards have been advised that, in determining how to invest their Health Improvement Fund allocations, they should give a high priority to tobacco-related initiatives. However, in order to best reflect local priorities, Boards have also been given considerable flexibility in making investment decisions and at this stage, therefore, it is not possible to detail the tobacco-related initiatives that are being undertaken.<P>In addition to work being undertaken by the health boards, the Health Improvement Fund is also enabling tobacco-related initiatives to be undertaken by the Health Education Board for Scotland.<P>The initiatives supported by the Health Improvement Fund are additional to the range of work already being undertaken. For example, in addition to the Health Improvement Fund monies, health boards were allocated an additional £1 million in each of the three years from April 1999 to spend on smoking cessation services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150610,"EventID":"S1W-13882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of qualified teachers in technical education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of qualified teachers in technical education.","AnswerText":"A report has been sent to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee detailing the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751). The answer to your question can be found at paragraphs 26-38 of the report.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150611,"EventID":"S1W-13883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which universities have offered a Btech Ed course since 1997 and how many students enrolled in each course.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which universities have offered a Btech Ed course since 1997 and how many students enrolled in each course.","AnswerText":"The number of students enrolled on Secondary Teacher Training Courses with Technological Education as their main subject, 1997-98 to 1999-2000, by institution and year, is given in the table: <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=559><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">237</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">201</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">165</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P>Moray House Institute of Education<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Northern College of Education </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>The University of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">74</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>The University of Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">77</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>The University of Strathclyde </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency).<P>Notes:<P>1. Moray House Institute of Education merged with University of Edinburgh on 01 August 1998.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150612,"EventID":"S1W-13884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated loss to the economy is of smuggling spirits into Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated loss to the economy is of smuggling spirits into Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Excise duties and the enforcement of them are a reserved matter and therefore the responsibility of HM Customs and Excise. I understand that Customs and Excise do not make separate assessments of the extent of smuggling into Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150613,"EventID":"S1W-13885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions for the smuggling of spirits have taken place in each year since 1997; what sentences were imposed, and what quantities of spirits were involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions for the smuggling of spirits have taken place in each year since 1997; what sentences were imposed, and what quantities of spirits were involved.","AnswerText":"Smuggling cases are prosecuted under the Customs and Excise Acts and are not broken down for recording purposes according to the nature of the contraband.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150614,"EventID":"S1W-13886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the consultation exercise on the fluoridation of the water supply will commence; how the exercise will be conducted, and who will be consulted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the consultation exercise on the fluoridation of the water supply will commence; how the exercise will be conducted, and who will be consulted.","AnswerText":"As stated in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change </I>the Executive proposes a wide-ranging consultation on children's oral health, which will seek views on a range of measures, including ways in which the benefit of fluoride can be made available, for example through the fluoridation of public water supplies or by means of fluoridated drinks or tablets. A draft consultation paper and arrangements for the consultation are currently being developed and will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150615,"EventID":"S1W-13888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assistance is currently available to support groups helping individuals suffering from the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assistance is currently available to support groups helping individuals suffering from the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.","AnswerText":"It is open to national voluntary organisations involved in health-related activities, which complement those provided by the NHS, to apply for funding assistance under section 16B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978. Health boards also have delegated authority to provide grants under section 16B to local voluntary groups, where appropriate. Each application received is carefully considered on its merits, alongside competing demands. I understand that the Executive has not received an application for section 16B funding from any group supporting those suffering from the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150616,"EventID":"S1W-13889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that consideration is given to the safety implications of telecommunication masts being sited within close proximity to general hospi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that consideration is given to the safety implications of telecommunication masts being sited within close proximity to general hospitals.","AnswerText":"Mobile phone operators have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure that the public are not exposed to risks to their health and safety from mobile phone masts. In the case of radiofrequency radiation the Health and Safety Executive expects operators to carry out that duty by complying with guidelines produced by the National Radiological Protection Board designed to prevent known thermal effects.<P>Operators have, in addition, agreed that their masts should also comply with more stringent guidelines on public exposure issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection<P>Regarding issues relating to interference with hospital equipment, the issue of the compatibility of medical devices with electromagnetic emissions from other sources is overseen by the UK Medical Devices Agency (MDA). Their 1997 report on this subject, which covered a large number of different models of medical device, found no significant levels of interference from cellular base stations, which include mobile phone masts. The MDA also records all UK incidents of malfunction or other problem affecting the safety of all medical devices and I understand that no incident attributable to interference from cellular base stations has yet been recorded.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150617,"EventID":"S1W-13890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the promotion of the Highlands and Islands tourist information brochure since the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning met ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the promotion of the Highlands and Islands tourist information brochure since the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning met tourist operators in Fort William on 10 February 2001.","AnswerText":"Visitscotland are currently considering proposals from Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board for increased destination marketing for the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150618,"EventID":"S1W-13891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Local Health Care Co-operatives will be supported in promoting and advising on disease prevention and health promotion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Local Health Care Co-operatives will be supported in promoting and advising on disease prevention and health promotion.","AnswerText":"Many LHCCs already carry out extensive health promotion activities. We wish to build on this work. We will set out the next steps in the development of LHCCs, over the next few months, following the submission of the LHCC Best Practice Group's report. The new unified health boards will also have a key role to play in developing primary care services and strengthening the role of LHCCs. In addition, I announced on 12 March as part of the Review of the Contribution of Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors to improving the Public's Health that each LHCC will receive funding for a Public Health Practitioner to lead and co-ordinate better health in the country.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150619,"EventID":"S1W-13892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change will encourage and bring about innovation and the delivery of better health care by Local Health Care Co-ope","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change will encourage and bring about innovation and the delivery of better health care by Local Health Care Co-operatives.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13891.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150620,"EventID":"S1W-13893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Local Health Care Co-operatives will be consulted on the allocation of NHS resources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Local Health Care Co-operatives will be consulted on the allocation of NHS resources.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-13891.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150621,"EventID":"S1W-13894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS staff will be allocated to assist with home births where this is the preferred option chosen by parents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS staff will be allocated to assist with home births where this is the preferred option chosen by parents.","AnswerText":"Women have the right to choose how and where they give birth, having been given the information to allow them to make informed decisions by balancing risks.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Maternity Services, in line with the <I>Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland</I>, should provide a fully integrated childbirth service responsive to the needs of mothers and their new-born babies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150622,"EventID":"S1W-13898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authority and (b) housing association houses have central heating systems which are more than 15 years old.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authority and (b) housing association houses have central heating systems which are more than 15 years old.","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150623,"EventID":"S1W-13899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority houses have (a) electric, (b) gas, (c) solid fuel central heating and (d) no central heating, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority houses have (a) electric, (b) gas, (c) solid fuel central heating and (d) no central heating, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested at (a), (b) and (c) is not held centrally. We estimate that about 85,000 local authority tenants lack central heating systems. The Scottish Executive Development Department has written to local authorities asking for further information on this point and other information relevant to the programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150624,"EventID":"S1W-13900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many housing association houses have (a) electric, (b) gas, (c) solid fuel central heating and (d) no central heating.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many housing association houses have (a) electric, (b) gas, (c) solid fuel central heating and (d) no central heating.","AnswerText":"The information requested at (a), (b) and (c) is not held centrally. We estimate that 16,000 housing association tenants lack central heating systems. Scottish Homes has written to housing associations asking for further information on this point and other information relevant to the programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150625,"EventID":"S1W-13901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to determine whether a home in the socially rented sector is eligible for free central heating installation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to determine whether a home in the socially rented sector is eligible for free central heating installation.","AnswerText":"The house must lack any form of central heating system and not be scheduled for demolition within the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150626,"EventID":"S1W-13902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many positron emission tomography scanners are currently in use in the NHSiS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many positron emission tomography scanners are currently in use in the NHSiS.","AnswerText":"There is one Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner sited in the Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen which is used for research purposes, for example in hip replacement and assessing how bones heal.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The use of PET scanning in cancer will be one of the first assessments undertaken by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) during the coming year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150627,"EventID":"S1W-13903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many health trusts provide taxane treatments for ovarian cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many health trusts provide taxane treatments for ovarian cancer.","AnswerText":"Taxol and Taxotere are recommended for hospital use only. Centrally collected data relates to items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors. Information about the number of women prescribed Taxol and Taxotere as part of their treatment is not therefore available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150628,"EventID":"S1W-13904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps can be taken to ensure that local authorities give elderly people and their families the choice of care in council or private residential care homes in accord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps can be taken to ensure that local authorities give elderly people and their families the choice of care in council or private residential care homes in accordance with the Community Care Act 1993.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required by the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (Choice of Accommodation) Directions 1993 to take measures to ensure that people have a genuine choice over where they receive residential care. In conjunction, the Accounts Commission's, <I>Commissioning Community Care Services for Older People: Applying a Best Value Framework</I>, provides councils with a framework for commissioning to secure best value care for older people, regardless of whether this is in council or private residential care homes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150629,"EventID":"S1W-13908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to include biomedical scientists in the scope of the pay review body mechanism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to include biomedical scientists in the scope of the pay review body mechanism.","AnswerText":"The issue of extended coverage of the Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine Pay Review Body (NPRB) is being considered in discussions on <I>Agenda for Change: Modernising the NHS Pay System</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150630,"EventID":"S1W-13909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any decision has been taken on the location of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any decision has been taken on the location of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council.","AnswerText":"Subject to Parliament approving the principles of the Regulation of Care Bill, it is proposed to co-locate the Scottish Social Services Council and the headquarters of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care in Dundee<B>.</B> The headquarters building will also serve as the Commission's regional office for that region.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150631,"EventID":"S1W-13910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the publication by the Health Education Board for Scotland and Glasgow Healthy City Partnership of Understanding the Policy Ma'e - A guide to Social an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the publication by the Health Education Board for Scotland and Glasgow Healthy City Partnership of Understanding the Policy Ma'e - A guide to Social and Health Policy in Scotland, it will set out comprehensively its own strategies and guidelines in these areas.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>Understanding the Policy Maze </I>itself<I> </I>gives a useful overview of the field. More recent Executive policy documents are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150632,"EventID":"S1W-13911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to clarify the repayment arrangements under section 17 of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to clarify the repayment arrangements under section 17 of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986.","AnswerText":"An issue has been identified by the Scottish Legal Aid Board regarding its powers under the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 to aggregate expenditure on certain kinds of legal aid case. This is a very technical matter but between 1991 and 1999, the board deducted too much money from the awards of people who had been supported by civil legal aid. This money will now be refunded. The board will be placing adverts in the press for those people who may have been affected by this issue to contact their own solicitor. They will issue guidance to the legal profession on how to handle claims. The Law Society will also be writing to the profession giving guidance.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150633,"EventID":"S1W-13912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to improve the nature conservation system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to improve the nature conservation system.","AnswerText":"Our programme for government, <I>Working Together for</I> <I>Scotland</I>, committed the Scottish Executive to improve the system of nature conservation to work with local communities to achieve effective protection for nature.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">I am today publishing <I>The Nature of Scotland: A Policy Statement</I>, which sets out our proposals to achieve this. It proposes important reforms to the way in which we work with people to protect Scotland's most special places for nature. It also proposes important changes to the way we protect nature, and deter wildlife crime, throughout Scotland.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">I am consulting widely on these proposals, and have set up a working group involving the key stakeholders to consider their further development.<P>I have placed copies of <I>The Nature of Scotland</I> in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150634,"EventID":"S1W-13914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide financial aid to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to enable it to continue to fulfil its national conservation, education, research a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide financial aid to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to enable it to continue to fulfil its national conservation, education, research and economic roles at Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park following their closure due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"I announced on 8 March that work would begin to assess the wider element impacts arising from the present foot and mouth outbreak. The priority is to assess the immediate implications and I expect an initial assessment to be available in the near future. It is too early therefore to reach any decision on compensation in individual cases.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150635,"EventID":"S1W-13915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing, or will provide, to current conservation, education and research programmes of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland which assist Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing, or will provide, to current conservation, education and research programmes of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland which assist Scotland and the United Kingdom to meet obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.","AnswerText":"No support for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland for conservation, education or research programmes to meet obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity is either in process or intended by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150636,"EventID":"S1W-13916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland sustains directly and indirectly and how much money it generates for the local economy through Edinburgh Zoo and th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland sustains directly and indirectly and how much money it generates for the local economy through Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park.","AnswerText":"Data on the employment and turnover of companies and institutions are held by the Inter-Departmental Business Register, to which the Scottish Executive has access. However, the Executive is not able to publish individual record data.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150637,"EventID":"S1W-13917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or any other body, has conducted any research into the environmental impact of the application by West of Scotland Water Authority to release sewerage effluen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or any other body, has conducted any research into the environmental impact of the application by West of Scotland Water Authority to release sewerage effluent into the River Clyde and, if so, what the results were of this research and which bodies or experts were consulted.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, the West of Scotland Water Authority must obtain a consent from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for each individual discharge it makes to the River Clyde. The agency issues consents subject to conditions to protect the environment which are set individually for each discharge, on the basis of local circumstances. The agency and the water authority are co-operating to ensure that the great improvements to the water quality of the River Clyde, which have been observed year-on-year since the 1970s, continue.<P>The issue of consents and the setting of relevant conditions, together with the scientific work undertaken to establish those conditions, is a matter for the agency.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150638,"EventID":"S1W-13918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it can provide to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to safeguard the Scottish National Zoological Collection during the current foot-and-mouth dise","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it can provide to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to safeguard the Scottish National Zoological Collection during the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and beyond.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided authoritative veterinary advice on foot-and-mouth disease through its website and a link to the MAFF website. Specific advice where required can also be provided to bodies such as the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland on request.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150639,"EventID":"S1W-13919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what measures will be taken to ensure that the four water features opposite the entrance to the new Parliament building at Holyrood will not be occupied by water fowl such","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what measures will be taken to ensure that the four water features opposite the entrance to the new Parliament building at Holyrood will not be occupied by water fowl such as Canadian geese, swans and ducks which currently inhabit St Margaret's Loch in the Queen's Park.","AnswerText":"The possibility of wildfowl inhabiting the &quot;water feature&quot; pools at the Parliament buildings' public entrance has been anticipated by the landscape Architects, and is a common problem to be overcome when designing water features. The Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that at the moment the intention is for an underwater pumping system to be installed to discourage any wildfowl from attempting to settle in the water, which will be extremely shallow. However further advice will be taken at the appropriate time.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150640,"EventID":"S1W-13920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will ensure that the four water features opposite the entrance to the new Parliament building at Holyrood are maintained at a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will ensure that the four water features opposite the entrance to the new Parliament building at Holyrood are maintained at a clean and attractive standard and that the growth of algae and discoloration of the surrounding stonework is prevented.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that it is intended for the water contained in the &quot;water-feature&quot; pools, at the Parliament buildings' public entrance, to be re-circulated on a regular basis. This process prevents water becoming stagnant and the build up of algae. Routine maintenance will also ensure that the quality of finish is maintained.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150641,"EventID":"S1W-13921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer which gla'ed areas of the new Parliament building at Holyrood will use security glass able to withstand external explosions or penetration from projectiles, such as rocks ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer which gla'ed areas of the new Parliament building at Holyrood will use security glass able to withstand external explosions or penetration from projectiles, such as rocks or bricks.","AnswerText":"Government guidelines exist which set out physical security requirements for the construction of certain &quot;politically sensitive&quot; public buildings. The guidelines include glazing specifications. The Holyrood Project Group has informed me that these have been incorporated into the design for the Parliament building complex.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150642,"EventID":"S1W-13922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder are currently being prescribed Ritalin, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder are currently being prescribed Ritalin, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150643,"EventID":"S1W-13923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of a recent instance when a child came across unsuitable material on a computer in a Glasgow library, it will ask local authorities to check that In","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of a recent instance when a child came across unsuitable material on a computer in a Glasgow library, it will ask local authorities to check that Internet access in all public libraries is permanently screened to prevent access to pornographic, racist or other offensive material and, in particular, that such systems as do exist are fully utilised until any new systems being developed are fully installed.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for public libraries in Scotland lies with local authorities and it is for Glasgow City Council to consider the action required. If the proper safeguards are in place e.g. filtering, then the incidents should be minimal. Public libraries are being asked under the People's Network Implementation to demonstrate how such issues are to be tackled.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150644,"EventID":"S1W-13924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any police forces in Scotland are currently understaffed; if so, how many officers of each rank any such forces are short of and how long each such force has been","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any police forces in Scotland are currently understaffed; if so, how many officers of each rank any such forces are short of and how long each such force has been understaffed.","AnswerText":"The information sought is not held centrally. From 1 April 1996 the controls previously exercised by Ministers over police force numbers were removed. Since then it has been entirely for chief constables in consultation with police authorities to decide on staffing levels within the resources available to them. As a result of sustained increases in police funding, police numbers are expected to reach record levels by 2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150645,"EventID":"S1W-13926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many exam results are still under appeal to the Scottish Qualifications Authority from the 2000 diet and what the estimated timescale is for dealing with these appea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many exam results are still under appeal to the Scottish Qualifications Authority from the 2000 diet and what the estimated timescale is for dealing with these appeals.","AnswerText":"I have been informed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority that of the 87,000 appeals submitted as part of the usual appeals process following the 2000 Diet, no appeals remain outstanding.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150646,"EventID":"S1W-13928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million for the support of renewable energy technologies announced by the Prime Minister on 6 March 2001 it will receive through the Barnett Formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million for the support of renewable energy technologies announced by the Prime Minister on 6 March 2001 it will receive through the Barnett Formula.","AnswerText":"The allocation of the £100 million for renewable energy announced by the Prime Minister has yet to be decided, and will be the subject of a report due in the autumn from the UK Government's Performance and Innovation Unit. We will stay in close touch with HM Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150647,"EventID":"S1W-13929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the terms of the Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector regarding the protection of occupational pensions were included in the contracts f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the terms of the Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector regarding the protection of occupational pensions were included in the contracts for maintenance and management of trunk roads.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given on 22 March 2001 to question S1O-3171 and the supplementary questions.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150648,"EventID":"S1W-13930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it has taken in relation to recent reports that BEAR Scotland Ltd may not be acting in accordance with the terms of the Statement of Practice on Staff Transf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it has taken in relation to recent reports that BEAR Scotland Ltd may not be acting in accordance with the terms of the Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector regarding the protection of occupational pensions of staff transferring employers as a result of the recent tendering exercise for the maintenance and management of trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The First Minister's answer to your question S1F-910 explained the position on occupational pensions under the new contracts. My earlier answer to Murray Tosh (question S1W-8984) explained the Executive's view on the Statement of Practice in general, and the steps which would be taken in the context of the new maintenance contracts. The provision of pensions is a matter for the contractor to determine.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150649,"EventID":"S1W-13931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the haulage industry regarding compensation or other forms of financial support in connection with the loss of income ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the haulage industry regarding compensation or other forms of financial support in connection with the loss of income resulting from restrictions on the movement of livestock caused by the current outbreak of foot-and mouth-disease.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had discussions with the Road Haulage Association. The situation for hauliers will have eased somewhat as a result of the licensing scheme for slaughter which came into effect on 2 March. This licence permits the movement of animals direct from the farm to approved slaughterhouses under strict controls.<P>I have commissioned work to assess the immediate economic consequences of foot and mouth to allow me to consider the most effective way of helping rural areas and businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150650,"EventID":"S1W-13932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the study by the National Radiological Protection Board linking high-voltage electricity pylons with childhood leukaemia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the study by the National Radiological Protection Board linking high-voltage electricity pylons with childhood leukaemia.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1O-03093 on 15 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150651,"EventID":"S1W-13933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to structure the BCG vaccination programme to ensure that all appropriate pupils are vaccinated as soon as possible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to structure the BCG vaccination programme to ensure that all appropriate pupils are vaccinated as soon as possible.","AnswerText":"We expect discussions regarding the restored supply of the BCG vaccine to be concluded shortly.<P>The Executive wrote to health board immunisation co-ordinators in Scotland on 15 March to establish how many secondary school children are currently eligible to be vaccinated but who remain unvaccinated. Priority will be given to those pupils due to leave school this summer.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150652,"EventID":"S1W-13934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Association of Medical Directors will receive terms and conditions of service for Medical Directors in order that their contracts of employment can be agreed wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the Association of Medical Directors will receive terms and conditions of service for Medical Directors in order that their contracts of employment can be agreed with NHS Trusts.","AnswerText":"Trust Medical Directors are currently employed on Trust terms and conditions of service. Discussions have been held with the Scottish Association of Medical Directors to bring Trust Medical Directors under ministerial direction similar to other executive directors and a letter about that issued on 4 May.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150653,"EventID":"S1W-13935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any computer virus problems in the Common Services Agency and, if so, how it will ensure accurate payments to health professionals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any computer virus problems in the Common Services Agency and, if so, how it will ensure accurate payments to health professionals.","AnswerText":"The Common Services Agency (CSA) has no current computer virus problems. The CSA's networks are fully protected by high quality firewalls and individual systems have additional virus checking software installed. All virus checking software is regularly updated.<P>These procedures are designed to ensure that all systems including those calculating payments to health professionals are secure.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150654,"EventID":"S1W-13936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it plans to have with Scottish Borders Council arising from the recent failure by Scottish Power to maintain power supplies to the Borders area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it plans to have with Scottish Borders Council arising from the recent failure by Scottish Power to maintain power supplies to the Borders area.","AnswerText":"None. Scottish Borders Council initiated its local emergency plan and acted upon this in conjunction with Scottish Power, Lothian and Borders Police and other emergency services. Throughout the emergency, officials kept in close touch with Scottish Power and submitted regular reports to ministers to keep them apprised of the overall response to the emergency situation. It will be a matter for Scottish Borders Council to review their emergency planning arrangements to see what, if anything, might be improved.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150655,"EventID":"S1W-13937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it plans to make to Scottish Power arising from the recent failure to maintain power supplies in the Scottish Borders area due to adverse weather con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it plans to make to Scottish Power arising from the recent failure to maintain power supplies in the Scottish Borders area due to adverse weather conditions.","AnswerText":"None. Throughout the emergency, Scottish Power kept Ministers fully informed about its strenuous efforts to reconnect customers who had lost power as a result of the recent appalling weather conditions which caused such severe damage to the electricity network in the Borders. The company has announced its intention to deal sympathetically with compensation claims from customers who were badly affected.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150656,"EventID":"S1W-13938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency powers it has and which of these it invoked in the recent power cuts in the Scottish Borders area due to adverse weather conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency powers it has and which of these it invoked in the recent power cuts in the Scottish Borders area due to adverse weather conditions.","AnswerText":"Throughout the emergency, the Executive worked closely with agencies such as Lothians and Borders Police, the Scottish Borders Council emergency planning team and Scottish Power in the areas worst affected to restore power as soon as possible. We will consider carefully the lessons and whether we need to conduct a review of the arrangements used. Responses to emergencies of this type are led locally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150657,"EventID":"S1W-13939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what difference de-trunking the A7 and A68 has made to snow clearing operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what difference de-trunking the A7 and A68 has made to snow clearing operations.","AnswerText":"The A7 in Scotland north of Galashiels was de-trunked in 1996. The A7 south of Galashiels and the A68 have not been detrunked.<P>Trunk roads are given priority for winter maintenance treatment. The de-trunked section of the A7 may therefore be expected to receive slightly lower priority than the trunked section.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150658,"EventID":"S1W-13940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency powers it had and which of these it invoked with regard to reopening the A7 and A68 which were closed for four days due to snow blockage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency powers it had and which of these it invoked with regard to reopening the A7 and A68 which were closed for four days due to snow blockage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not need emergency powers to reopen roads previously closed by snow blockages. Roads are reopened in consultation with the police when it is considered safe to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150659,"EventID":"S1W-13941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take arising from the recent failure to maintain power supplies in the Scottish Borders area due to adverse weather conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take arising from the recent failure to maintain power supplies in the Scottish Borders area due to adverse weather conditions.","AnswerText":"As is standard in the aftermath of any such event, emergency plans will be reviewed to discover if there are any lessons to be learned.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150660,"EventID":"S1W-13942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture on 28 February 2001 regarding the future structure of the water industry, whether it antic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture on 28 February 2001 regarding the future structure of the water industry, whether it anticipates any delays in the procurement of any construction work planned by the water authorities as a result of these proposed changes and what steps it is taking to avert or minimise any such anticipated delays.","AnswerText":"No delays are anticipated.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150661,"EventID":"S1W-13943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what construction projects with a value of over #1 million are currently expected to be procured by the three water authorities over the next nine months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what construction projects with a value of over #1 million are currently expected to be procured by the three water authorities over the next nine months.","AnswerText":"I have asked the water authorities to provide a list of those construction contracts in excess of £1 million they expect to award in the next nine months. These are as follows:<U><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">North of Scotland Water Authority</U><P>Achiltibuie Water Supply<P>Cromarty Wastewater Treatment Plant<P>Munlochy Wastewater Treatment Plant<P>Stemster, Dunn, Haster, Reiss - new trunk main<P>Lochaber Mains Renewals<P>East Coast Mains Renewals<P>Balrobert to Oldtown Mains Renewal<P>Lochcarron Wastewater Treatment Plant<P>Inverness Sewer Rehabilitation<P>40\" Mains Lintrathen to Clatto<P>Tayside Area Mains Renewals<P>Dundee (Clatto ) Water Treatment Works<P>Kirkwall Wastewater secondary treatment<P>Keith Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade &amp; Newmill Wastewater Treatment Plant<P>Cruden Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant &amp; Combined Sewer Overflow<P>Grampian Mains Renewal Programme - 00/01 + 01/02<P>Grampian Combined Sewer Overflow Programme <P>Water Quality Improvements - Distribution Systems<P>Stornoway Water Treatment Works &amp; Distribution<P>Forehill Water Treatment Works &amp; Distribution<P>Mainland Augmentation - Boardhouse Ph 3<P>Invercannie Water Treatment Works &amp; Distribution<P>Turriff Water Treatment Works &amp; Distribution<P>North Coast Regional Scheme<B><U><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"></B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">West of Scotland Water Authority</U><P>Glasgow - Acre Road Sewer<P>Meadowhead - Gailes Storm Water Outfall Sewer <P>Maidens Kirkoswald Turnberry Sewerage Scheme <P>Milton, Bowling to Castlegreen (Dumbarton) Sewer <P>Old Kilpatrick to Dalmuir Sewer <P>Newton Stewart Wastewater Treatment Works<P>Stranraer Wastewater Treatment Works <P>Carradale Wastewater Treatment Facilities<P>Cove and Kilcreggan Wastewater Treatment Facilities<P>Inveraray Wastewater Treatment Facilities<P>Kames and Tighnabruaich Wastewater Treatment Facilities<P>Machrihanish Drumlemble Wastewater Treatment Facilities<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Millport Wastewater Treatment Facilities<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Cairndow Water Supply<P>Taynuilt Water Supply<P>Peden Water Supply<U><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East of Scotland Water Authority</U><P>ESW Orthophosphate dosing<P>Stirling Lovers Walk Pumping Station<P>Culross Main Drainage<P>Figgate Burn Drainage Upgrade<P>Burntisland MDS PH 3A<P>Penicuik Wastewater Treatment Works<P>Penicuik/N.Borders Water Supply<P>Dunfermline Trunk Sewer Duplication<P>Alloa West Sewers<P>Cupar Sludge Treatment Centre","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150662,"EventID":"S1W-13944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13110 by Jackie Baillie on 6 March 2001, whether it will, prior to the Stage 1 debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill, expand upon i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13110 by Jackie Baillie on 6 March 2001, whether it will, prior to the Stage 1 debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill, expand upon its definition of \"affordable housing options\".","AnswerText":"&quot;Affordable housing options&quot; are properties which are available, for rent or for purchase, at reasonable cost within the context of the overall resources available to the household.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150663,"EventID":"S1W-13945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to look at the emergency planning procedures used in other European countries and, in particular, the procedures used in Scandinavian countries i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to look at the emergency planning procedures used in other European countries and, in particular, the procedures used in Scandinavian countries in relation to maintaining power supplies during adverse weather conditions.","AnswerText":"Emergency planning across Europe and elsewhere reflects the particular threats, risks, hazards and possibility of occurrence relative to the country in question. We already have excellent emergency planning liaison with our European neighbours, including Sweden in particular, exchanging experience and expertise with them.<FONT SIZE=2> <P>Ownership of the electricity grid in Scotland lies in the hands of the electricity companies. Consideration of the procedures adopted in other countries for maintaining power supplies in adverse weather is clearly a matter for these utilities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150664,"EventID":"S1W-13946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the (a) projected and (b) actual savings were resulting from the centralising of payments by the Common Services Agency (CSA) for doctors, dentists, opticians and p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the (a) projected and (b) actual savings were resulting from the centralising of payments by the Common Services Agency (CSA) for doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacists and how much money was taken from health boards to enable the CSA to set up this new system.","AnswerText":"CSA running costs for the functions transferred were estimated to be £7.3 million per annum as compared to the £8.7 million running costs incurred by health boards. Projected savings, therefore, were £1.4 million per annum. The estimated timing of these savings, however, was difficult to judge as a significant part were in fixed overheads rather than transferable revenues and so, in recognition of this, the amounts transferred from health boards was abated by £1.3 million to £6 million. This meant the value of the savings was passed immediately to the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150665,"EventID":"S1W-13947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of the Common Services Agency overpaying or underpaying dentists, opticians, doctors and pharmacists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of the Common Services Agency overpaying or underpaying dentists, opticians, doctors and pharmacists.","AnswerText":"In making payments to over 8,000 primary care contractors each month it is inevitable that occasional errors or estimates will result in over or underpayments. Normally such items are corrected immediately following payment. Other than this there is no evidence of over or underpayments for opticians or doctors.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>For dentists, the recently introduced Commitment Payment is currently calculated on an estimated basis and as a result of this a number of dentists may have been temporarily over or underpaid by a small amount. Commitment payments comprise less that 2% of total payments to dentists. <P>For pharmacists, delays resulting from the commissioning of the new computer system mean that all contractors are paid estimates, which will be more or less than the correct payment. However, all over or underpayments are currently being corrected within three months.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150666,"EventID":"S1W-13948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prescribing Analysis data is in arrears and, if so, by how much and how primary care trusts can check practitioners' compliance with prescribing poli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prescribing Analysis data is in arrears and, if so, by how much and how primary care trusts can check practitioners' compliance with prescribing policies.","AnswerText":"Scottish Prescribing Analysis reports are normally provided quarterly to individual prescribers and Primary Care Trusts. The provision of this information is currently two quarters behind normal schedules. This is due to a delay in the processing of prescriptions. Production of the first of the outstanding reports is planned for the end of March.<P>The routine issue of good practice guidance, which is not affected by the delay in prescription processing, should continue to influence prescriber behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150667,"EventID":"S1W-13949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS Trusts have a projected overspend in their budget for 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many NHS Trusts have a projected overspend in their budget for 2000-01.","AnswerText":"As at 31 December 2000, 13 Trusts projected a year-end overspend. Of those Trusts forecasting overspends, six Trusts forecast overspends greater than £1 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150668,"EventID":"S1W-13950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Mental Welfare Commission's spending plans are reducing in real terms from #1.5 million in the current financial year to #1.4 million in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Mental Welfare Commission's spending plans are reducing in real terms from #1.5 million in the current financial year to #1.4 million in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"In December, when the Budget Documents were being prepared, the Executive had not completed consideration of the allocations to individual health bodies. Since then the Executive has decided to allocate £1,981,000 to the Mental Welfare Commission in 2001-02, an increase of over 31%.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150669,"EventID":"S1W-13951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Food Standards Agency plans to monitor imports of meat to ensure that it meets the standards required of home grown meat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Food Standards Agency plans to monitor imports of meat to ensure that it meets the standards required of home grown meat.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advises that all imported meat must conform to the same European hygiene standards as UK production. In accordance with European Single Market rules imports from other member states are not checked on import but the EU Food and Veterinary Office make inspection visits in all member states to ensure compliance with single market rules.<P>Third country imports all come from plants approved by the European Commission. Officials in Border Inspection Posts check all consignments from non-EU countries. These checks ensure that all imported meat has been produced to at least the same standards as domestic produce.<P>The agency has requested that food authorities step up checks on imports following recent breaches of EU BSE controls detected in consignments of meat from some member states and imports are currently being checked by either Meat Hygiene Service or local authority officers in the UK.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150670,"EventID":"S1W-13952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are proposals to design, pilot and evaluate the use of electronic patient-owned health records created and maintained on the Internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are proposals to design, pilot and evaluate the use of electronic patient-owned health records created and maintained on the Internet.","AnswerText":"Work is under way to establish by 2003 Electronic Patient Records<B> </B>(EPRs) which will contain the detailed record of care of an individual patient in primary and secondary care organisations. Separately work is in hand to pilot by 2002 Electronic Health Records (EHRs)<B> </B>which<B> </B>will contain summarised information on important health events throughout a patient's life. An important part of the work currently under way is to establish protocols for access to these records by healthcare professionals and patients. However, in planning for such developments, security and confidentiality of patients' information, safeguarding patients' rights, is paramount. Such records will be established on secure private networks to ensure patient confidentiality where access can be strictly controlled.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150671,"EventID":"S1W-13953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to design a mechanism to facilitate cross-disciplinary research and development in order to advance integration and innovation in health care and treatm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to design a mechanism to facilitate cross-disciplinary research and development in order to advance integration and innovation in health care and treatment.","AnswerText":"At a strategic level, the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department already encourages research projects to have a multidisciplinary involvement. The CSO publication <I><STRONG>Research Strategy for the</I> <I>National Health Service in Scotland</I></STRONG>, published in July 1998, identifies the promotion of a multidisciplinary approach to health services research as one of the prime objectives in its overall aim of improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of health services and healthcare. A copy of the Research Strategy is in the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>This multidisciplinary approach is reflected in CSO funding streams. Having an appropriate multidisciplinary mix is one of the 10 dimensions of assessment by which R&amp;D Support Fund awards are allocated and annually reviewed. Similarly, the majority of research projects funded directly by CSO also have multidisciplinary research teams.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150672,"EventID":"S1W-13954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure greater integration between mathematics, biology, medicine, engineering and the physical sciences in order to facilitate more joined-up research progra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure greater integration between mathematics, biology, medicine, engineering and the physical sciences in order to facilitate more joined-up research programmes.","AnswerText":"Individual research programmes in Scottish higher education institutions are primarily funded by the UK Research Councils. They have mechanisms in place to ensure co-ordination across and between disciplines.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150673,"EventID":"S1W-13955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund and develop a neuropsychiatric disease prevention programme in order to assist and support people with, or prone to, mental illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund and develop a neuropsychiatric disease prevention programme in order to assist and support people with, or prone to, mental illness.","AnswerText":"A wide range of conditions are captured by the term neuropsychiatric disease, including Huntington's Disease, head injury, dementia of cardiovascular origin and senile dementia among many others. The responses and contributions to care and prevention are equally wide-ranging and condition specific.<P>We will continue to work with health boards and local authorities to devise and implement approaches to care and prevention that not only respond to the needs of different conditions but that also relate to individually assessed needs and inform our prevention measures.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150674,"EventID":"S1W-13956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any strategy to link research into brain development, brain functions and learning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any strategy to link research into brain development, brain functions and learning.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have a formal strategy on research into brain development, brain functions and learning. However, it is generally recognised that developments in research related to the human brain have an important contribution to raising awareness among teachers, educational researchers and teacher educators of the factors which affect successful learning and teaching in the classroom.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150675,"EventID":"S1W-13957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how community land buy-out projects will raise the required capital resources necessary for good stewardship and efficient management of land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how community land buy-out projects will raise the required capital resources necessary for good stewardship and efficient management of land.","AnswerText":"It is for individual community bodies to decide how they will raise the required capital. There are sources of financial assistance and advice available to community bodies contemplating land purchases e.g. the New Opportunity Fund's recently launched Scottish Land Fund and Scottish Enterprise and Highlands &amp; Islands Enterprise Community Land Units.<P>In relation to ensuring good stewardship and efficient management of land, the community right to buy provisions of the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill set out the requirements and identify the criteria for the purchase of land. For example, they require community bodies to be representative of the local community; to have plans for the land that are compatible with its sustainable development and to demonstrate that purchases would be in the public interest.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150676,"EventID":"S1W-13958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of people who have lost their jobs as a result of waiting for diagnosis, assessment and treatment from the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of people who have lost their jobs as a result of waiting for diagnosis, assessment and treatment from the NHS.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150677,"EventID":"S1W-13959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the NHS drugs budget was spent on (a) baldness, (b) obesity and (c) impotence, in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the NHS drugs budget was spent on (a) baldness, (b) obesity and (c) impotence, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information about drugs used in the treatment of obesity and impotence is given in the table. Drugs used in the treatment of male-pattern baldness are not prescribable on the NHS by GPs.<P>The amounts shown in the table relate to the cost of drugs dispensed by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors before the deduction of any discount or the addition of dispensing fees. The cost of drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><B><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><B><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><B><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</B></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>Cost (£)</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>% of total *FHS drugs budget</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>Cost (£)</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>% of total *FHS drugs budget</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>Cost (£)</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>% of total *FHS drugs budget</B></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Drugs used in the treatment of obesity</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>34,088</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0.006%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>177,180</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0.031%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>646,936</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0.099%</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Drugs used in the treatment of impotence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>587,684</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0.108%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>989,148</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0.171%</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1,759,147</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0.269%</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4><P>*Family Health Services (FHS).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150678,"EventID":"S1W-13960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any research has been carried out regarding the harmful effects of selenium deficiency in humans and animals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any research has been carried out regarding the harmful effects of selenium deficiency in humans and animals.","AnswerText":"A large amount of research has been carried out in the UK and in many other countries on the effects of selenium deficiency on humans and animals. SERAD currently funds a small amount of work on the effects of selenium on thyroid function.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150679,"EventID":"S1W-13961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that increased NHS expenditure will result in improved outcomes which benefit patient health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that increased NHS expenditure will result in improved outcomes which benefit patient health.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Scottish Health Plan, <I>Our National Health:</I> <I>A plan for action, a plan for change</I>, sets out a comprehensive series of actions to help ensure that our record investment in health achieves our aims of improving the health of people living in Scotland and of providing high-quality healthcare services.<P>The Health Plan also sets out our plans for promoting challenging and consistent national service standards for the NHS, improved and integrated NHS planning and decision making, and increased local and national accountability across NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150680,"EventID":"S1W-13962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what advice it will give to NHS Trusts on reducing financial deficits prior to the new financial year commencing on 1 April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what advice it will give to NHS Trusts on reducing financial deficits prior to the new financial year commencing on 1 April 2001.","AnswerText":"Sound financial management is a core requirement of every NHS organisation. Each NHS Trust is expected to work to attain financial balance by the year end.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150681,"EventID":"S1W-13963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to gather information on levels of any unmet need for community care for the elderly, people with mental illness and disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to gather information on levels of any unmet need for community care for the elderly, people with mental illness and disabled people.","AnswerText":"Information on levels of unmet need are not currently collected by the Scottish Executive. However, the Social Work Information Review Group indentified this as a requirement in their publication, <I>Local and National Information Requirements for Social Work in Scotland</I>, which was published last year.<P>Definition work has now started and recommendations are expected to be put out to a variety of care organisations and local authorities for consultation during 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150682,"EventID":"S1W-13964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to increase access to NHS chiropody treatment and provide additional services in this area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to increase access to NHS chiropody treatment and provide additional services in this area.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Trusts responsible for primary care, if necessary in consultation with health boards. These bodies are responsible for assessing health service requirements in their area and for deciding on priorities within the increased resources we are making available to NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150683,"EventID":"S1W-13965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether asylum seekers who have settled in Scotland are being given advice, support and access to all vaccination and screening programmes available to other NHS patients","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether asylum seekers who have settled in Scotland are being given advice, support and access to all vaccination and screening programmes available to other NHS patients.","AnswerText":"Asylum seekers have access to health care services in the same way as any other resident of a health board area. In addition special arrangements are in place to screen asylum seekers for active infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150684,"EventID":"S1W-13966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle any excess prescribing of drugs and treatments in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle any excess prescribing of drugs and treatments in the NHS.","AnswerText":"Health boards and NHS Trusts work closely with prescribers to ensure that patients are only prescribed drugs where clinically appropriate. There is a range of measures being taken nationally and locally to support this. These include:<UL><LI>feedback and analysis of prescribing information;</LI></UL><UL><LI>review of patients receiving repeat prescriptions;</LI><LI>local formularies;</LI><LI>advice on new drugs/similar drugs;</LI><LI>prescribing protocols; </LI><LI>local review and audit; </LI><LI>national advice from the Health Technology Board for Scotland; </LI><LI>advice from local area drugs and therapeutic committees, and</LI></UL><P>clinical pharmacy systems in hospitals to monitor, advise and review prescribing.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150685,"EventID":"S1W-13967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) official ministerial engagements and (b) official ministerial meetings were attended by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning in the weeks beginn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) official ministerial engagements and (b) official ministerial meetings were attended by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning in the weeks beginning (i) 6 November 2000, (ii) 13 November 2000, (iii) 20 November 2000, (iv) 27 November 2000, (v) 4 December 2000, (vi) 11 December 2000, (vii) 18 December 2000, (viii) 8 January 2001, (ix) 15 January 2001, (x) 22 January 2001, (xi) 29 January 2001, (xii) 5 February 2001, (xiii) 12 February 2001, (xiv) 19 February 2001, (xv) 26 February 2001 and (xvi) 5 March 2001.","AnswerText":"Ministerial engagements are given wide publicity: the Scottish Executive Media and Communications Group issues operational notes in advance of them taking place. However, such engagements may be subject to cancellation at any time for a range of reasons and diary records are, therefore, neither comprehensive nor accurate.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Details of Ministerial meetings are internal matters for the Scottish Executive. In the course of a working week, Ministers attend and chair a wide range of meetings, some of which are planned and programmed well in advance while others, such as the need to be in Parliament, are arranged at short notice. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>It is, therefore, neither possible nor appropriate to provide information in the format requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150686,"EventID":"S1W-13968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how many (a) official ministerial engagements and (b) official ministerial meetings the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning's attendance has been cancelled ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how many (a) official ministerial engagements and (b) official ministerial meetings the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning's attendance has been cancelled in the weeks beginning (i) 12 March 2001, (ii) 19 March 2001, (iii) 26 March 2001, (iv) 2 April 2001, (v) 9 April 2001, (vi) 16 April 2001, (vii) 23 April 2001 and (viii) 30 April 2001.","AnswerText":"Ministers' diaries and forward programmes are kept under constant review. Ministerial engagements and meetings frequently have to be accepted on a provisional basis and may have to be postponed, rearranged or cancelled for a range of reasons, including the need to be in Parliament at short notice. It is, therefore, not possible to provide the information in the form requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150687,"EventID":"S1W-13969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) official ministerial engagements and (b) official ministerial meetings the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning is scheduled to attend in the weeks ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) official ministerial engagements and (b) official ministerial meetings the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning is scheduled to attend in the weeks beginning (i) 12 March 2001, (ii) 19 March 2001, (iii) 26 March 2001, (iv) 2 April 2001, (v) 9 April 2001, (vi) 16 April 2001, (vii) 23 April 2001 and (viii) 30 April 2001.","AnswerText":"Details of future official ministerial engagements and official meetings are internal matters for the Scottish Executive. In the course of a working week, Ministers undertake a number of official engagements and attend and chair a wide range of meetings, some of which are planned and programmed well in advance while others, such as the need to be in Parliament, are arranged at short notice. It is neither possible nor appropriate to provide information in the format requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150688,"EventID":"S1W-13970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the amount of money to be distributed to each local authority from the latest additional funding package of #100 million allocated to tackling the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the amount of money to be distributed to each local authority from the latest additional funding package of #100 million allocated to tackling the problem of drugs across Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13043 on 5 February 2001, which sets out the distribution arrangements for the new £100 million drugs money. Details of the distribution to local authorities, along with accountability mechanisms, are set out in a package of information and guidance which was issued to all Drug Action Teams shortly following the distribution announcement. This information is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the Drug Misuse in Scotland website.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150689,"EventID":"S1W-13971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria will be used to determine the distribution of the latest additional funding package of #100 million allocated to tackling the problem of drugs across Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria will be used to determine the distribution of the latest additional funding package of #100 million allocated to tackling the problem of drugs across Scotland, and what weighting will be given to (a) deprivation factors, (b) population and (c) the number of drug-related deaths.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13043 on 5 February 2001, which contains detailed information on the distribution of the additional £100 million drugs expenditure package. Distribution arrangements detailing the weighting given to deprivation and population factors where appropriate, are set out in the resource information and guidance pack issued to Drug Action Teams which is available from the Parliament Reference Centre and the Drug Misuse in Scotland website. <P>It was not practicable to give special weighting to the number of drug related deaths in the national distribution arrangements. It is anticipated, however, that the wide-ranging package of measures announced will impact significantly on the drug misuse problem, and help achieve the Executive's published target of reducing the number of drug related deaths by at least 25% by 2005.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150690,"EventID":"S1W-13972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what immediate financial assistance will be given to the fish processing industry in view of the impact of the cod recovery plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what immediate financial assistance will be given to the fish processing industry in view of the impact of the cod recovery plan.","AnswerText":"I announced on 8 March that £1 million will be made available to the processing industry to implement recommendations made in the Scottish Fish Processors' Working Group report. Detailed responses to the various recommendations will be provided to the group, and subsequently lodged in the Parliamentary Information Centre, as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150691,"EventID":"S1W-13973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the Action Plan produced by the Scottish White Fish Processing Action Group on 12 February 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the Action Plan produced by the Scottish White Fish Processing Action Group on 12 February 2001.","AnswerText":"I announced on 8 March that £1 million will be made available to the processing industry to implement recommendations made in the Scottish Fish Processors' Working Group report. Detailed responses to the various recommendations will be provided to the group, and subsequently lodged in the Parliamentary Information Centre, as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150692,"EventID":"S1W-13974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to safeguard the long-term future of the fish processing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to safeguard the long-term future of the fish processing industry.","AnswerText":"I announced on 8 March that £1 million will be made available to the processing industry to implement recommendations made in the Scottish Fish Processors' Working Group report. Detailed responses to the various recommendations will be provided to the group, and subsequently lodged in the Parliamentary Information Centre, as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150693,"EventID":"S1W-13975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies there were on 1 May 1997 and how many there are currently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies there were on 1 May 1997 and how many there are currently.","AnswerText":"Information relating to the number of public bodies is contained in the relevant version of the annual <I>Public Bodies</I> publication. Copies of the 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 versions of the document are available from the Cabinet Office website at <A HREF=\"http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/\">www.cabinet-office.gov.uk</A>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150694,"EventID":"S1W-13976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review the pay and conditions of service of qualified nursery nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to review the pay and conditions of service of qualified nursery nurses.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1O-3109 on 15 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150695,"EventID":"S1W-13977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing a Scottish centre for people with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing a Scottish centre for people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"I can announce today that the grant to establish the Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities has been awarded to a Consortium of 13 organisations led by ENABLE.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150696,"EventID":"S1W-13978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the recommendations made in the report The Same As You? have been implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the recommendations made in the report The Same As You? have been implemented.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>The same as you?</I> sets out a programme of change for the next 10 years.<P>Guidance on the preparation of Partnership in Practice agreements was issued to local authorities and health boards on 19 March.<P>I can announce today that the grant to establish the Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities has been awarded to a Consortium of 13 organisations led by ENABLE. The new centre will have a key role in offering training and advice to agencies, staff and others concerned in putting in place the recommendations of the review.<P>In addition, officials wrote last week to the Scottish Society for Autism with an offer of a grant of £16,400 to carry out a mapping exercise to prepare for the national service network for people with autistic spectrum disorder.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150697,"EventID":"S1W-13979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it has allocated to the implementation of the recommendations made in the report The Same As You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it has allocated to the implementation of the recommendations made in the report The Same As You?.","AnswerText":"We announced in September that change funds of £8 million, £12 million and £16 million would be provided to local authorities over the next three years to assist with implementing the review's recommendations.<P>I can announce today that a grant of £1.5 million over five years has been awarded to a Consortium of 13 organisations led by ENABLE to establish the Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities.<P>£16,400 has been offered to the Scottish Society for Autism to carry out a mapping exercise to prepare for the national service network for people with autistic spectrum disorder.<P>Using new and existing resources together is a vital part of the Executive's strategy. We are also expecting agencies to act on the report's suggestion that better outcomes are possible by making better use of existing resources.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150698,"EventID":"S1W-13980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the national guidelines for Local Economic Forums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the national guidelines for Local Economic Forums.","AnswerText":"The national guidelines on Local Economic Forums have been published today on the Scottish Executive website. The guidelines have been issued following consultation with a wide range of interests. The Local Economic Forums are the main response to the ELL Committee inquiry into local economic development and I expect them to create a simpler, more cohesive structure for local economic development in Scotland.<P>Copies of the national guidelines have been lodged with the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150699,"EventID":"S1W-13981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to help the tourist industry to deal with any loss of business caused by the foot and mouth outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to help the tourist industry to deal with any loss of business caused by the foot and mouth outbreak.","AnswerText":"I am fully aware of the effect that the outbreak of foot and mouth is having on the tourism industry. I have arranged to get regular reports about the position in every part of Scotland and I have met with individual businesses to find out the problems at first hand.<P>I have asked visitscotland to prepare a recovery plan for the tourism industry. This will include launching the postponed £2 million spring campaign as soon as it is sensible to do so. Once the outbreak is over, the British Tourist Authority will pull out all the stops to promote Britain abroad.<P>In addition, Ross Finnie is chairing a group with representatives from the Enterprise Networks, visitscotland and local authorities to examine the impact these problems are having on the wider rural economy, in which, of course, the tourism industry figures largely.<P>This is, of course, a UK problem and I am in regular contact with ministerial colleagues to ensure that action is co-ordinated. I will be hosting a tourism summit in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150700,"EventID":"S1W-13982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were made to health boards against pharmacists and how many local resolutions there were as a result in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were made to health boards against pharmacists and how many local resolutions there were as a result in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"These statistics are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150701,"EventID":"S1W-13983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13417 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 28 February 2001 which outlined the revenue forgone by water authorities as a result of water charges ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13417 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 28 February 2001 which outlined the revenue forgone by water authorities as a result of water charges relief, how it calculated these figures and with whom any consultation took place on the calculations.","AnswerText":"These figures were calculated specifically to answer question S1W-13417.  They were verified with the water authorities, on the basis of the reliefs they currently grant to the relevant bodies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150702,"EventID":"S1W-13984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to develop smart cards or a database containing patients' genetic information to enable electronic prescribing of treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to develop smart cards or a database containing patients' genetic information to enable electronic prescribing of treatment.","AnswerText":"Genetic (DNA) typing has the potential to allow drug treatments to be more accurately tailored to individual patients and help identify those patients most likely to respond to treatment or those most at risk of side effects. Although it is already in use for some cancer treatments, the technique is still very much a research tool and there are no current plans for the development of supporting systems in the form of smart cards or databases containing genetic information to enable electronic prescribing of treatment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150703,"EventID":"S1W-13985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12337 by Susan Deacon on 8 February 2001, how many patients are being given medication for the treatment of attention deficiency di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12337 by Susan Deacon on 8 February 2001, how many patients are being given medication for the treatment of attention deficiency disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and what type of medication is being administered.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150704,"EventID":"S1W-13986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what evidence exists to show what improvements have been made in the care and service delivery through Local Health Care Co-operatives and how the cost of delivering suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what evidence exists to show what improvements have been made in the care and service delivery through Local Health Care Co-operatives and how the cost of delivering such care and services compares with the previous structure.","AnswerText":"The work of the LHCC Best Practice Group has identified a substantial range of service improvements. Audit Scotland has also carried out an evaluation of LHCCs' range of activities. Reports from both pieces of work are expected shortly and will, together with other related work, inform what the Executive does next on this issue.<P>LHCCs are supported through their local Primary Care Trust. When fundholding ended, the £13.5 million used to pay fundholding management allowances was transferred to local unified budgets to facilitate that support. The GP fundholding scheme covered 50% of GP practices, whereas 97% of GP practices are covered by LHCCs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150705,"EventID":"S1W-13987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which its main priorities are from the 258 action points contained in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which its main priorities are from the 258 action points contained in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The Executive's priorities are for healthier people in Scotland and for a modern, responsive NHS which puts the patient at the centre of everything it does. The specific actions set out in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> will help to deliver these priorities to a defined timescale.<P>We are providing the resources to enable the service to deliver what the people of Scotland need, when and where they need it.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150706,"EventID":"S1W-13988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the NHSiS spent on the use of bank and agency nurses in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the NHSiS spent on the use of bank and agency nurses in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150707,"EventID":"S1W-13989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to issue guidance to Glasgow City Council on their inspection rates for private residential homes which are almost twice as high as the rates fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to issue guidance to Glasgow City Council on their inspection rates for private residential homes which are almost twice as high as the rates for local authority and voluntary sector homes, as set out in Table 5b of the Audit Scotland Performance Indicators 1999-2000, Social Work: Comparing the performance of Scottish councils.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive guidance, issued under section 5(1) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, indicates that it is for local authorities to determine the frequency of inspections on any establishment. Authorities are expected to undertake at least two inspections on establishments per year; however, additional visits are to be made as necessary to investigate concerns and monitor the implementation of recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150708,"EventID":"S1W-13990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to issue guidance to the 12 local authorities who currently carry out less than two inspections a year on residential homes, as set out in Table","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to issue guidance to the 12 local authorities who currently carry out less than two inspections a year on residential homes, as set out in Table 5b of the Audit Scotland Performance Indicators 1999-2000, Social Work: Comparing the performance of Scottish councils.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive guidance, issued under section 5(1) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, indicates that, while it is for local authorities to determine the number of inspections per establishment, two inspections per year is the normal minimum requirement. Authorities are required to provide at least one annual comprehensive overview of the performance of each establishment.<FONT SIZE=2><P>There are no plans to issue guidance to those authorities that carry out less than two inspections a year on residential homes. The Regulation of Care Bill proposes to set up the Commission for the Regulation of Care to replace existing registration and inspection by local authorities and health boards. This national body should become operational in April 2002 and its function will be to register and inspect all care services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150709,"EventID":"S1W-13991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the drugs budget according to category of treatment for specific illness and disease, broken down by health board, for each of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the drugs budget according to category of treatment for specific illness and disease, broken down by health board, for each of the last two financial years.","AnswerText":"Information on drug costs is provided routinely in a number of reports including Scottish Prescribing Analysis (SPA) and financial schedules. These relate to British National Formulary chapters and sub-sections. Information relating to the last two financial years is given in the table &quot;Information on Prescribing Cost and Items&quot; published by the Common Services Agency, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 12055).<P>However, there are relatively few drugs that link specifically to an illness or disease. Therefore such information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150710,"EventID":"S1W-13992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance is available to people to allow them to make informed choices on types of vitamin, mineral and other supplements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance is available to people to allow them to make informed choices on types of vitamin, mineral and other supplements.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency Scotland, who have responsibility for policy on dietary supplements sold as foods (i.e. not medicines), that, as there are also significant interests in this issue within the Scottish Executive, the information to answer this question fully is still being researched. I shall write to the member by the 27 April 2001 with the requested information, and place a copy of the letter within the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 12346).","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150711,"EventID":"S1W-13993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who is ultimately responsible at both management and NHS Trust level for cleanliness in hospitals and hospital wards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  who is ultimately responsible at both management and NHS Trust level for cleanliness in hospitals and hospital wards.","AnswerText":"Ultimate responsibility for hospital hygiene rests with the Chief Executives of the NHS Trusts which operate the hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150712,"EventID":"S1W-13994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address the reductions in 1999-2000 of the numbers of clients receiving home care of (a) up to two hours per week, (b) two to four hours p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address the reductions in 1999-2000 of the numbers of clients receiving home care of (a) up to two hours per week, (b) two to four hours per week and (c) more than 10 hours a week, as set out in Table 2A of the Audit Scotland Performance Indicators 1999-2000, Social work: Comparing the performance of Scottish councils.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has committed substantial additional resources to extending and improving on the provision of care to people in their own homes. In each of the next three years respectively, the allocation of resources for Community Care is set to increase by over £90 million, £135 million and £195 million. This will include a major additional investment for home care services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150713,"EventID":"S1W-13995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage the expansion of the private health care sector as recommended in the British Medical Association Report Healthcare funding review, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage the expansion of the private health care sector as recommended in the British Medical Association Report Healthcare funding review, and, if so, how this will be done.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150714,"EventID":"S1W-13997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pulmonary nurses are employed by the NHS in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pulmonary nurses are employed by the NHS in each health board area.","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150715,"EventID":"S1W-13998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is for radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer in each NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is for radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer in each NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"Information is not available centrally in the form requested. Radiotherapy facilities are provided from five cancer centres in Scotland, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>So far as waiting times are concerned I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-8087.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150716,"EventID":"S1W-13999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is for surgery on lung cancer in each NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is for surgery on lung cancer in each NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for admission to hospital from the inpatient and day case waiting list for lung cancer surgery, in the year ending 30 September 2000, by NHS Trust are given in the table.<P>The Scottish Cancer Group is currently preparing a cancer plan for Scotland which will be published in the near future. The plan will include national targets for maximum waiting times.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for Hospital Admission from the Inpatient and Day Case Waiting List for Lung Cancer<SUP>1</SUP> Surgery: Year Ending 30 September 2000<SUP>p</SUP><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=385><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">NHS Trust of Treatment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(Days)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Glasgow University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"72%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><P>p </SUP>Provisional<P>Notes:<P>1. Patients are defined using diagnosis and operation codes taken from World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 10<SUP>th</SUP> Revision (ICD10) and the Office of Population and Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures 4<SUP>th</SUP> Revision (OPCS4) respectively. Patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer have been selected on the basis of having a principal diagnosis code C33 and C34 and a principal operation code E39-E48, E50 or E52-E62.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150717,"EventID":"S1W-14000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it provided for medical research in each of the last three financial years; which organisations benefited from this funding in each year and how much fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it provided for medical research in each of the last three financial years; which organisations benefited from this funding in each year and how much funding each organisation received.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department spends approximately £40 million per year on medical research. Of this, £30 million is allocated from the R&amp;D Support Fund budget to NHS providers for research activities and related infrastructure costs. Table 1 details the allocation for the last three financial years for each NHS provider. Awards made to Trusts prior to 1 April 1999 have been allocated to their successor Trusts in the interests of comparability with later years.<P>In addition, CSO provides approximately £2.8 million of funding annually for seven research units. Table 2 details the allocation to each unit for the last three financial years. CSO also awards a significant number of research grants to individual researchers which are administered by their respective research institution. Total expenditure in any financial year in respect of such grants is approximately £5.5 million. Details of the grants awarded in the last three financial years were provided in my answer to question S1W-13052.<P>The remainder of the CSO research budget largely consists of a significant number of relatively small amounts. Summary information on payments made to the wide range organisations and individuals involved is not readily available.<P>Table 1<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=626><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Support Fund Recipient</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21,275</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49,467</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76,875</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25,650</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">160,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">164,160</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">179,375</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Borders General Hospital NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19,625</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Borders Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46,125</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Fife Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47,150</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Forth Valley Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,200</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,468</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" V","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150718,"EventID":"S1W-14001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS Trusts provide free nebulisers for patients living within the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS Trusts provide free nebulisers for patients living within the community.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150719,"EventID":"S1W-14002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the role and remit of a national dietary co-ordinator will differ from and complement the role and remit of the Scottish Community Diet National Project Officer appoi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the role and remit of a national dietary co-ordinator will differ from and complement the role and remit of the Scottish Community Diet National Project Officer appointed in 1996.","AnswerText":"The National Diet Action Co-ordinator post is due to be advertised within the next two to three weeks. The Co-ordinator will champion the need for improvement in Scotland's diet; supporting the key players with an influence over diet, such as primary producers, manufacturers, retailers and the catering sector, to increase their contribution towards the implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan. This will complement the work of the Scottish Community Diet Project, which has a specific focus on low income communities.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150720,"EventID":"S1W-14003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications were received for the post of chair of NHS 24.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications were received for the post of chair of NHS 24.","AnswerText":"18 applications were received for the post of chair of NHS 24.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150721,"EventID":"S1W-14004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications were received for the posts of non-executive board members of NHS 24.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications were received for the posts of non-executive board members of NHS 24.","AnswerText":"208 applications were received for the posts of non-executive board members of NHS 24.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150722,"EventID":"S1W-14005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when interviews for the posts of chair and non-executive board members of NHS 24 are expected to be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when interviews for the posts of chair and non-executive board members of NHS 24 are expected to be completed.","AnswerText":"Arrangements are currently being made to interview applicants for the post of chair. Once this is complete, interviews for non-executive board members will take place. It is hope that the process can be completed during May.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150723,"EventID":"S1W-14006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to appoint a national dietary co-ordinator.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to appoint a national dietary co-ordinator.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150724,"EventID":"S1W-14007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role and remit of a national dietary co-ordinator will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role and remit of a national dietary co-ordinator will be.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14002.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150725,"EventID":"S1W-14008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 12- to 15-year-olds smoke according to latest available figures and what percentage of 12- to 15-year-olds this represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 12- to 15-year-olds smoke according to latest available figures and what percentage of 12- to 15-year-olds this represents.","AnswerText":"Data from the ONS publication 'Smoking, drinking and drug use among young teenagers in 1998' show that in 1998 in Scotland around 12% of children aged between 12 and 15 years old were regular smokers. This percentage is taken from a sample survey and represents an estimated 27,000 to 33,500 children aged between 12 and 15 years.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150726,"EventID":"S1W-14009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of women smoke during pregnancy according to latest available figures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what proportion of women smoke during pregnancy according to latest available figures.","AnswerText":"Of the 55,695 maternities which resulted in a live or still birth during the year ending 31 March 1999, 26.5% of all mothers reported that they smoked during pregnancy. Of the remaining mothers, 68.2% reported that they did not smoke during pregnancy and responses are unknown for a further 5.3%.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150727,"EventID":"S1W-14010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13366 by Susan Deacon on 28 February 2001, what charge out rate is applied by the Central Legal Office of the NHS in Scotland in de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13366 by Susan Deacon on 28 February 2001, what charge out rate is applied by the Central Legal Office of the NHS in Scotland in determining the charges to be paid by health boards and NHS Trusts for the legal services which the office provides to them.","AnswerText":"The Central Legal Office (CLO) provides its services on a competitive basis with the private sector. Whilst charging rates vary to reflect the complexity of the work, disclosure of the rates is contrary to CLO's commercial interests.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150728,"EventID":"S1W-14011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its consultation on the use of children in test purchases of age restricted products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its consultation on the use of children in test purchases of age restricted products.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office is consulting widely among children's welfare organisations, local authorities, health professionals, retail organisations, voluntary organisations and the police, in order to inform the Lord Advocate's review of prosecution policy in relation to test purchasing of age restricted goods by children in Scotland. Good progress is being made in this consultation. The helpful and constructive responses received thus far represent a wide cross section of opinion as to the appropriateness and desirability of basing criminal proceedings on test purchasing by children. All of these responses will be taken into account by the Lord Advocate when he carries out his review shortly.<P>The Lord Advocate has written recently to the Convenor of the All Party Group on Tobacco with further details of the review.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150729,"EventID":"S1W-14012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which abattoirs have been licensed under the scheme allowing movement of livestock during the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease; what criteria were used in the l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which abattoirs have been licensed under the scheme allowing movement of livestock during the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease; what criteria were used in the licensing of these abattoirs; whether further licences will be issued if more abattoirs are required, and whether there is any provision under the scheme which limits or aims to limit the length of journey between farm and abattoir.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have approved the red meat premises listed below under the arrangements for livestock to go direct from farm to abattoir for slaughter contained in the Foot and Mouth Disease Declaratory (Controlled Area)(Scotland) (No 2) Order 2001. Any further applications for approval will be considered on their merits.<P>Grampian County Pork Ltd (Buckie)&#9;Buccleuch Scotch Beef, Castle Douglas<P>Sandyford Abattoir Ltd, Paisley&#9;Millers of Speyside, Grantown on Spey<P>John M Munro Ltd, Dingwall&#9;St Andrews Abattoir<P>Bryson Meats Ltd, Strathaven&#9;Rhinds of Elgin<P>Kepak Buchan, Turriff&#9;&#9;Wick Slaughterhouse<P>Mathers (Inverurie) Ltd&#9;&#9;James Chapman Ltd, Shotts<P>Orkney Meat Ltd, Kirkwall&#9;&#9;Wishaw Abattoir<P>Scotch Premier Meat, Inverurie&#9;ABP Bathgate Ltd<P>Scotbeef Bridge of Allan&#9;&#9;R Y Henderson &amp; Sons, Linlithgow<P>Robertson's Fine Foods, Ardrossan&#9;Scottish Borders Abattoir, Galashiels<P>D S Stevenson, Dunblane&#9;&#9;Blackwaterfoot Slaughterhouse, Arran<P>McIntosh Donald, Portlethen&#9;G McTaggarts, Islay<P>Highland Meats Ltd, Saltcoats&#9;Matheson Jess Ltd, Brechin<P>ABP Perth&#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;Heather Isle Meats, Stornoway<P>Biggar Wholesale Meats&#9;&#9;Scarinish Slaughterhouse, Tiree<P>Ramsay of Carluke&#9;&#9;&#9;G D Vivers &amp; Sons, Annan<P>Grampian County Pork,&#9;&#9;Matheson Jess Ltd, Dundee<P> Halls Ltd,  Broxburn&#9;&#9;Shetland Pork, Shetland<P>Magnus Smith, Shetland&#9;&#9;Shetland Slaughterhouse<P>A K Stoddart, Ayr&#9;&#9;<P>To obtain approval abattoirs must:<DIR><DIR><P>(i)&#9;have a current licence under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995;<P>(ii)&#9;have adequate facilities to cleanse and disinfect each livestock vehicle before it leaves the premises;<P>(iii)&#9;have adequate drainage;<P>(iv)&#9;provide full veterinary ante-mortem inspection for all animals, and<P>(v)&#9;have adequate management systems to ensure slaughter of animals within 24 hours of their arrival on the premises.</DIR></DIR><P>Journeys from farm to slaughter must be direct, without a scheduled stop and should be completed within four hours. Longer journeys may be permitted but, where these exceed four hours, two drivers must be used.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150730,"EventID":"S1W-14013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the publication of Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and the Risk of Cancer by the National Radiological Protection Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the publication of Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and the Risk of Cancer by the National Radiological Protection Board.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1O-3093 on 15 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150731,"EventID":"S1W-14014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to introduce specialised support facilities for adults with autism and/or Asperger's Syndrome across health boards, social work departments and local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to introduce specialised support facilities for adults with autism and/or Asperger's Syndrome across health boards, social work departments and local authorities.","AnswerText":"The learning disability review, <I>The Same As You?</I>, explored the needs of people with autism and learning disability. Twenty-nine recommendations were made, including assessment of local need by local authorities and health boards, and the establishment of a national service network for people with autistic spectrum disorder and a Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities. <P>Health boards and local authorities were also encouraged to identify a named professional who would be responsible for improving local services and linking into the national network.<P>The Partnership in Practice agreements, due to be submitted in June, should include proposals for meeting the needs locally of adults with autism.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150732,"EventID":"S1W-14015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being taken to assist people diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in making the transition from school to employment or further education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being taken to assist people diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in making the transition from school to employment or further education.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to supporting individuals with additional support needs into further education, training or employment<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=4>. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Scottish Executive Innovation Grants Programme is providing £6 million over 3 years from April 1999 to support voluntary and non-statutory organisations in the area of special educational needs. Autism has been highlighted as a priority and the programme is currently providing over £500k to 4 voluntary organisations to run 6 projects specifically aimed at supporting children and their families with autistic spectrum disorder.<P>In response to the Beattie Committee, we have made available additional resources of £22.6 million over 3 years to take forward action. £15.1 million is available for the development of key worker support, improved identification of learning and support needs and tracking. Careers service companies have been asked to co-ordinate multi-agency bids for imaginative projects to improve transition for Scotland's most vulnerable young people including those with Asperger's Syndrome.<P>The Learning Disabilities Review recognised the need for more support for people with autistic spectrum disorder. In response to the review, local authorities and health boards will identify named professionals who will be responsible for improving local services for people with autism, linking into a national network.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150733,"EventID":"S1W-14016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients within psychiatric wards have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in the last three years, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients within psychiatric wards have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in the last three years, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the table. <P>Due to the small number of patients identified, this table has only been split by age for males and has not been split by health board for males or females. This avoids divulging personal information. <B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Patients<SUP>1</SUP> discharged from psychiatric wards<SUP>2</SUP> in Scotland during financial years 1997/98 to 1999/2000 with a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome<SUP>3</B></SUP><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=243><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Age Group</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of Patients</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Males</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>All Ages</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Under 15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>15-24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>25-44</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>45-64</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>65-74</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>75+</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Females</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>All Ages</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: ISD Scotland, SMR04.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Notes:<P>1 Patients who are discharged more than once during the 3 year period are only counted once in the above table. In such cases, age is determined at the date of last discharge.<P>2 Inpatient discharges from psychiatric specialties in mental illness hospitals, psychiatric units and learning disability hospitals<P>3 Defined as code F84.5 in the International Classification of Diseases, Volume 10 (ICD10).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150734,"EventID":"S1W-14017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all research projects carried out on Asperger's Syndrome; what the costs were of each project, and who met these costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all research projects carried out on Asperger's Syndrome; what the costs were of each project, and who met these costs.","AnswerText":"Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department is aware of 46 recently completed or ongoing studies into Asperger's Syndrome in the UK, 3 of which are in Scotland. None of these have been funded by the CSO. Details of the projects are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150735,"EventID":"S1W-14018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have had a Community Care Assessment in the last three years, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have had a Community Care Assessment in the last three years, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150736,"EventID":"S1W-14019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have had a Record of Needs in the last three years, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have had a Record of Needs in the last three years, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) health board area.","AnswerText":"Statistics are collected on the numbers of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder by age and gender in each school. The statistics are not broken down by severity or type, and it is, therefore, not possible to provide information specific to children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150737,"EventID":"S1W-14020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12771 by Susan Deacon on 23 February 2001, which NHS Trusts and health boards (a) currently authorise or (b) plan to authorise scho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12771 by Susan Deacon on 23 February 2001, which NHS Trusts and health boards (a) currently authorise or (b) plan to authorise school nurses to make the emergency contraceptive Levonelle available to children over 12 years of age.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150738,"EventID":"S1W-14021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in relation to Common Agricultural Policy subsidy payments during the current foot and mouth outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in relation to Common Agricultural Policy subsidy payments during the current foot and mouth outbreak.","AnswerText":"We will be implementing the CAP subsidy rules as flexibly as possible where producers have been unable to comply with these due to the foot and mouth disease restrictions. We will also be making balance and other payments under the schemes as early as possible to address cash flow problems.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>We will issue a letter shortly to all livestock producers in Scotland providing more detail on the scheme rule flexibilities and the future schedule of payments. A copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150739,"EventID":"S1W-14022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the statistics on the proportion of people living in poverty contained in its Social Justice Annual Report 2000 exclude homeless people living rough or in bed and bre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the statistics on the proportion of people living in poverty contained in its Social Justice Annual Report 2000 exclude homeless people living rough or in bed and breakfast accommodation.","AnswerText":"The statistics on the proportion of people living in income poverty are based on data collected by the Department of Social Security's Family Resources Survey (FRS).<P>The FRS is a survey of private households in Great Britain, and as such does not cover those areas of the population living outside private households e.g. students in halls of residence, people living in nursing and residential homes, people in hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation, and people sleeping rough. <P>Most Government surveys are based on private households, as it is expensive and in some cases impractical to collect data on people living outwith private households. <P>The Social Justice Annual Report covers issues surrounding people sleeping rough and temporary accommodation through specific milestones.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150740,"EventID":"S1W-14023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the statistics on the proportion of people living in poverty contained in its Social Justice Annual Report 2000 exclude people living north of the Caledonian Canal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the statistics on the proportion of people living in poverty contained in its Social Justice Annual Report 2000 exclude people living north of the Caledonian Canal.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's statistics on the proportion of people living in income poverty do not exclude people living north of the Caledonian Canal.<P>The statistics are based on data collected by the Department of Social Security's Family Resources Survey (FRS). In common with some other household surveys, the Scottish Islands and the area to the north of the Caledonian Canal were excluded from the FRS sample due to the costs of carrying out fieldwork in these areas. Although they were not included in the sample, it was assumed that their income levels were similar to the rest of Scotland, and the overall estimates for Scotland represent the whole household population.<P>To improve the quality of the Scottish data, the Scottish Executive has provided funding for DSS to extend the coverage of the survey to the Scottish Islands and the area north of the Caledonian Canal. This change will take effect from April 2001 and the first results on the new basis will cover the financial year 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150741,"EventID":"S1W-14024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the statistics on the number of people living in poverty contained in its Social Justice Annual Report 2000 exclude people living in institutions such as nursing home","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the statistics on the number of people living in poverty contained in its Social Justice Annual Report 2000 exclude people living in institutions such as nursing homes and residential homes for the elderly and in houses in multiple occupancy.","AnswerText":"The statistics on the proportion of people living in income poverty are based on data collected by the Department of Social Security's Family Resources Survey (FRS).<P>The FRS is a survey of private households in Great Britain, and as such does not cover those areas of the population living outside private households e.g. people living in nursing and residential homes. People living in multiple occupancy houses are included if the household is a private household.<P>Most Government surveys are based on private households, as it is expensive and in some cases impractical to collect data on people living outwith private households. There are also additional difficulties in applying the definition of income poverty to those living in institutions; one of the main assumptions behind the poverty analysis is that household income is a proxy indicator of standard of living and this assumption does not transfer to people living in institutions.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150742,"EventID":"S1W-14025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that staff transferring from local authority employment to the employment of private contractors who have been awarded trunk roads maintenance cont","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that staff transferring from local authority employment to the employment of private contractors who have been awarded trunk roads maintenance contracts are offered continuity of their pension arrangements.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1F-00910 on 15 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150743,"EventID":"S1W-14026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the development of the credit union movement in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the development of the credit union movement in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have published today an Action Plan for the development of the credit union movement in Scotland <I>Unlocking the Potential: An Action Plan for the</I> <I>credit union movement in Scotland</I>. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>To support the implementation of the Action Plan I am making available £1.5 million over the next three years and additional support for volunteering initiatives and IT systems. A Scottish Credit Union Partnership will be established to oversee the implementation of the Action Plan and monitor progress.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150744,"EventID":"S1W-14027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a major factor in spreading foot and mouth disease has been the practice of sending animals on lengthy journeys to slaughter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a major factor in spreading foot and mouth disease has been the practice of sending animals on lengthy journeys to slaughter.","AnswerText":"All aspects of this very serious disease outbreak will be carefully reviewed once the outbreak has been eliminated. The movement of stock is likely to be one of the issues which is addressed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150745,"EventID":"S1W-14028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will end the transportation of live animals on long journeys to slaughter and adopt a policy of local slaughter and long haul transportation of carcasses only.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will end the transportation of live animals on long journeys to slaughter and adopt a policy of local slaughter and long haul transportation of carcasses only.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking all necessary steps to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease from livestock in Scotland. This is the first priority.<P>Most slaughter is taking place locally and this is being encouraged. However, having taken advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer on this matter, it is not proposed to ban longer journeys of livestock to slaughter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150746,"EventID":"S1W-14029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the re-opening of local abattoirs in order to help local farms to alleviate any suffering of animals on long journeys and to help curb the spr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the re-opening of local abattoirs in order to help local farms to alleviate any suffering of animals on long journeys and to help curb the spread of disease.","AnswerText":"Virtually all of the abattoirs which were closed as a result of the Foot and Mouth outbreak have now reopened to handle livestock movement for slaughter. This makes outlets available locally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150747,"EventID":"S1W-14030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider recommending that supermarkets adopt a policy of buying local meat from local abattoirs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider recommending that supermarkets adopt a policy of buying local meat from local abattoirs.","AnswerText":"In my discussions with retailers I strongly encourage them to source more produce from Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150748,"EventID":"S1W-14031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it is undertaking on providing support for tourism in Dumfries and Galloway in the light of the anticipated downturn as a result of the foot and mouth d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it is undertaking on providing support for tourism in Dumfries and Galloway in the light of the anticipated downturn as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"I visited Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Board on Friday 16 March, to discuss the position at first hand with tourism businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150749,"EventID":"S1W-14032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has made of (a) the loss to tourism in the light of the immediate restrictions on travel and visiting recommended as a result of the foot and mouth dise","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has made of (a) the loss to tourism in the light of the immediate restrictions on travel and visiting recommended as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak, (b) the medium-term impact on tourism and tourist businesses if the restrictions were to continue in place for more than one month and (c) the long-term impact on tourism and tourist businesses through adverse publicity generated by the outbreak, broken down by electoral region.","AnswerText":"Visitscotland estimate that the cost to the tourism industry in Scotland is currently £10 million per week. The month of April is normally worth around £230 million. Looking further ahead, we have put in place an Economic Impact Group to estimate the effects on the tourism and other industries. That Group is collecting comprehensive information from around Scotland. In due course we will provide reliable estimates of the medium and long term effects.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150750,"EventID":"S1W-14033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult widely within the tourist industry and, in particular, with tourist businesses in Dumfries and Galloway so that it is fully aware of any hardship ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult widely within the tourist industry and, in particular, with tourist businesses in Dumfries and Galloway so that it is fully aware of any hardship and difficulties being caused for the industry as a result of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, and whether it will consider a compensation scheme for the industry.","AnswerText":"I am fully aware of the problems that the tourism industry is facing. I met representatives of tourism businesses in Dumfries and Galloway on 16 March. I had a meeting earlier in the week with businesses in Perthshire. We are looking at ways in which we can assist the industry both at the UK and Scottish level.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150751,"EventID":"S1W-14034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13203 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 22 February 2001, when it will announce the date of commencement of training of Gaelic-medium teac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13203 by Mr Alasdair Morrison on 22 February 2001, when it will announce the date of commencement of training of Gaelic-medium teachers at Lews Castle College.","AnswerText":"The establishment of the proposed course is a matter for the College in consultation with Strathclyde University and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. I expect an announcement to be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150752,"EventID":"S1W-14035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13048 by Henry McLeish on 16 February 2001, how many copies of Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government have to da","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13048 by Henry McLeish on 16 February 2001, how many copies of Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government have to date been (a) distributed free of charge to recipients and (b) sold, and how many people have accessed the document on the Executive's website.","AnswerText":"1,867 copies of <I>Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government</I> have been distributed free of charge to recipients, and 35 copies have been sold through The Stationery Office Bookshop.<P>Information on the number of people who have accessed the document on the Executive's website is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150753,"EventID":"S1W-14036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13519 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 2 March 2001, whether adherence to the ministerial code is checked or supervised by the First Minister","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13519 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 2 March 2001, whether adherence to the ministerial code is checked or supervised by the First Minister and, if so, whether the First Minister will provide an answer to the question, rather than the Minister whose actions the question pertains to. ","AnswerText":"I am satisfied that the Minister has complied with the terms of the Ministerial Code.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150754,"EventID":"S1W-14037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote and assist with the possible development of a super port at Scapa Bay in Orkney.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote and assist with the possible development of a super port at Scapa Bay in Orkney.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of the study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Orkney Islands Council, and the Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to examine the feasibility of creating an offshore container hub port in Orkney, and awaits with interest the results of the further studies which need to be carried out to take forward the proposal.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150755,"EventID":"S1W-14038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to initiate an inquiry into the pay and conditions of nursery nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to initiate an inquiry into the pay and conditions of nursery nurses.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1O-3109 on 15 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150756,"EventID":"S1W-14039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give additional funding to local authorities for the replacement of play equipment in public parks which does not meet EU safety standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give additional funding to local authorities for the replacement of play equipment in public parks which does not meet EU safety standards.","AnswerText":"We are providing local authorities with £1.2 billion in additional support over the next 3 years, including a 40% increase in their allocations for capital investment. It is for each authority to ensure that its facilities meet appropriate safety standards.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150757,"EventID":"S1W-14040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has carried out into the social and health benefits of providing equipped play areas for children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has carried out into the social and health benefits of providing equipped play areas for children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not carried out any recent studies into the social and health benefits of providing equipped play areas for children.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150758,"EventID":"S1W-14041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will expand the guidelines set out in National Planning Policy Guidelines 11 - Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space to include guidelines on the provision","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will expand the guidelines set out in National Planning Policy Guidelines 11 - Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space to include guidelines on the provision of play equipment in public parks. ","AnswerText":"Yes. A Planning Advice Note will be prepared to complement the guidance in NPPG 11. The PAN will take account of recently published research and highlight how local authorities can improve the quality and provision of all forms of open space.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150759,"EventID":"S1W-14042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each year from 1995 to 2000, how many persons registered under section 9 of the Marriages (Scotland) Act 1977 have subsequently had that registration removed because","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each year from 1995 to 2000, how many persons registered under section 9 of the Marriages (Scotland) Act 1977 have subsequently had that registration removed because of the grounds specified in section 10 (1) (d) (ii) of that Act.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150760,"EventID":"S1W-14043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a national strategy to tackle lung disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a national strategy to tackle lung disease.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans for a formal national strategy. The Executive's policies on healthy lifestyles, like smoking and diet, along with the measures being taken to improve life circumstances, will all help prevent many lung diseases. Our record investment in the NHS will help health boards and NHS Trusts to meet the health care needs of people with lung diseases.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150761,"EventID":"S1W-14044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a review of car leasing and mileage rates available to NHSiS staff, particularly community nurses and health visitors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a review of car leasing and mileage rates available to NHSiS staff, particularly community nurses and health visitors.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, along with the other UK Health Departments, is currently undertaking a joint review of section 24 of the General Whitley Council Handbook which covers car leasing and mileage rates for all NHS staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150762,"EventID":"S1W-14045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the free parking badge scheme to cover community nurses and health visitors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the free parking badge scheme to cover community nurses and health visitors.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-3168 on 22 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150763,"EventID":"S1W-14046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to allow the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive to retain revenue generated as a result of investment in new facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to allow the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive to retain revenue generated as a result of investment in new facilities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is looking to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive to provide more detailed information so that further consideration may be given to this matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150764,"EventID":"S1W-14049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is reviewing practices in the court system with a view to a more modern image being conveyed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is reviewing practices in the court system with a view to a more modern image being conveyed.","AnswerText":"The work of the courts is kept under review in a variety of ways to ensure that the practices and procedures of the courts meet modern requirements.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150765,"EventID":"S1W-14050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by health board area of current waiting times for (a) orthopaedic outpatient appointments and (b) orthopaedic surgery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by health board area of current waiting times for (a) orthopaedic outpatient appointments and (b) orthopaedic surgery.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first outpatient orthopaedic appointment with a Consultant following a General Medical Practitioner referral, and for orthopaedic surgery, by health board of residence, for the year ending 31 December 2000, are provided in the table.<P>NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Outpatient Orthopaedic Appointment<SUP>1</SUP> with a Consultant Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, and for Orthopaedic<SUP> </SUP>Surgery<SUP>2</SUP>. Year Ending 31 December 2000<SUP>p</SUP><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=602><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait For First Outpatient Appointment<SUP>1</SUP><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(Days)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait For Surgery<SUP>2</SUP><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(Days)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">90</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">71</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">71</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">79</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">112</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">139</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">114</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">69</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">91</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">68</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">117</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">87</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">99</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">61</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">74</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76</TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><P>p</SUP> Provisional<P>Notes:<P>1. Excludes patients with a Patient's Charter guarantee exception code.<P>2. Patients routinely admitted from the inpatient/day case waiting list.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150766,"EventID":"S1W-14051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by health board area of current waiting times for hip replacement operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by health board area of current waiting times for hip replacement operations.","AnswerText":"Information on the median waiting times for a total hip replacement, by health board area of residence, for the year ending 31 December 2000, is provided in the table.<P>NHSScotland is performing more total hip replacement operations than ever before. Provisional figures show that in the year to 30 September 2000, 4,929 total hip replacement operations were undertaken, an increase of 287(6.2%) on the figure for the year ending 31 March 1997.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for Patients Admitted from the Inpatient/Day Case Waiting List for Total Hip Replacement<SUP>1</SUP> Operations, by Health Board Area of Residence: Year Ending 31 December 2000<SUP>p</SUP><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=291><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait (Days)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">140</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">142</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">159</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">208</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">189</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">235</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">93</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">230</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">133</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">102</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">208</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">107</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">118</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"61%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">147</TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><P>p</SUP> Provisional.<P>Source: ISD, Scotland.<P>Notes:<P>1. Patients are defined using operation code taken from the Office of Population and Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and procedures 4<SUP>th</SUP> Revision (OPCS4). Hip Replacement  (Total) has been defined using principal procedure code W37-W 39.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150767,"EventID":"S1W-14052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by health board area of current waiting times for knee replacement operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by health board area of current waiting times for knee replacement operations.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150768,"EventID":"S1W-14053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13385 by Ross Finnie on 28 February 2001, whether it will provide figures for the percentage of beef and sheep farmers who were eli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13385 by Ross Finnie on 28 February 2001, whether it will provide figures for the percentage of beef and sheep farmers who were eligible for the previous Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance who will be worse off under the new less favoured area formula, broken down by Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department local office area, for those areas from which claims have been processed and analysed to date.","AnswerText":"Analysis based on claims processed to date could be misleading. I shall make analysis available once all Less-Favoured Area Support Scheme claims have been analysed and processed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150769,"EventID":"S1W-14054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13385 by Ross Finnie on 28 February 2001, when it expects the figures to be processed and analysed for each Scottish Executive Rura","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13385 by Ross Finnie on 28 February 2001, when it expects the figures to be processed and analysed for each Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department local office area, and whether it will make the figures available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The immediate priority is to ensure payments are made to eligible farmers and crofters as soon as possible. Analysis will be completed over the coming months and shall be made available to the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150770,"EventID":"S1W-14055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-12634 and S1W-13385 by Ross Finnie on 2 February and 28 February 2001 respectively, how it is able to give the figures detailed i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-12634 and S1W-13385 by Ross Finnie on 2 February and 28 February 2001 respectively, how it is able to give the figures detailed in the answer to S1W-12634 for Kintyre but not for other Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department local office areas. ","AnswerText":"Early estimates of the impact of the Less-Favoured Area Support Scheme were prepared as a guide. I shall make a full analysis available once all claims have been processed and analysed.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150771,"EventID":"S1W-14056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11800 by Mr Jack McConnell on 5 March 2001, whether it will consider the inclusion of developmental co-ordination disorders, includ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11800 by Mr Jack McConnell on 5 March 2001, whether it will consider the inclusion of developmental co-ordination disorders, including dyspraxia, in the Special Educational Needs Programme of Action.","AnswerText":"The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Programme of Action is intended to address the needs of all children and young people with special educational needs, including developmental co-ordination disorders such as dyspraxia.<P>The programme encompasses a broad range of strategic action which includes funding to local authorities for SEN in-service training and development of classroom-based staff and trainee educational psychologists; the Inclusion Programme to assist local authorities to include children with SEN in mainstream schooling; support to voluntary and non-statutory organisations through the Innovation Grants Programme, and a review of therapy services.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150772,"EventID":"S1W-14057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women aged under 35 died in each of the last five years for which figures are available, broken down by cause of death.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women aged under 35 died in each of the last five years for which figures are available, broken down by cause of death.","AnswerText":"The table gives information on the number of deaths aged under 35 in Scotland. It also gives figures for the principal causes of death affecting this age group. More detailed data on cause of death may be found in the Annual Report of the Registrar General for Scotland. Each year all MSPs receive a copy of this report. It may also be found on the General Register Office for Scotland website (http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk).<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=12 HEIGHT=13><P>Deaths aged under 35, selected causes, by sex, Scotland</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Cause of death</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>ICD9 code</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Males</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Females</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>All causes</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,204</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,223</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,110</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,151</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,146</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">597</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">569</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">515</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">531</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">502</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P>of which</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=11 HEIGHT=13><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Suicide (incl. 'undetermined')</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">E950-9, E980-9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">250</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">256</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">282</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">268</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">285</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Drug dependence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">304</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">111</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">125</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">102</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">125</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">147</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Motor vehicle traffic accidents</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" ","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150773,"EventID":"S1W-14058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women committed suicide in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women committed suicide in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table. When analysing suicides it is conventional to include deaths due to 'Injury undetermined whether accidentally or purposely inflicted'. For the sake of clarity, the two categories have also been shown separately in the table.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=531><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Suicides in Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=16><P>Males</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">625</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">620</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">655</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">650</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">663</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Suicide</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">476</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">435</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">451</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">486</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">500</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Undetermined</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">149</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">185</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">204</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">164</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">163</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=16><P>Females</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">211</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">226</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">219</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">228</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">211</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Suicide</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">147</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">162</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">148</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">163</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">137</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Undetermined</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">64</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">64</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">71</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">74</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150774,"EventID":"S1W-14059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many intensive care beds there were in each of the last five years broken down by (a) health board and (b) acute trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many intensive care beds there were in each of the last five years broken down by (a) health board and (b) acute trust.","AnswerText":"Data for general adult intensive care beds are published each year in the Audit Report of the Scottish Intensive Care Society. <P>For the period 1996 to 2000, the average numbers of funded general adult intensive care beds in each 12-month period by Health Board were:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=558><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Argyll and Clyde</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Ayrshire and Arran</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Borders</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Forth Valley</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150775,"EventID":"S1W-14060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many high dependency beds there were in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) health board and (b) acute trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many high dependency beds there were in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) health board and (b) acute trust.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150776,"EventID":"S1W-14061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current waiting time is for patients awaiting (a) coronary artery bypass grafts and (b) other cardiac surgery in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current waiting time is for patients awaiting (a) coronary artery bypass grafts and (b) other cardiac surgery in each health board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for admission to hospital from the inpatient/day case waiting list for coronary artery bypass grafts and other cardiac surgery, in the year ending 31 December 2000, by health board of residence, are given in the table.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Across Scotland, the median waiting time for coronary artery bypass grafts has reduced by 45 days (36%) and the median waiting time for other cardiac surgery has reduced by nine days (10%) compared with the position in the previous year.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for Hospital Admission from the Inpatient/Day Case Waiting List for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts<SUP>1</SUP> and Other Cardiac Surgery<SUP>1</SUP>: Year Ending 31 December 2000<SUP>p</SUP><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=583><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Health Board of Residence</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait (Days)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Other Cardiac Surgery<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Median Wait (Days)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">61</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">79</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">104</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">127</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">71</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">77</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">95</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">43</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">117</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">144</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">82</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">79</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">79</TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">P</SUP> Provisional.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Source ISD Scotland.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Surgical Operations and Notes:<P>1. Patients are defined using operation codes taken from the Offic","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150777,"EventID":"S1W-14062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has made or will be making available to address the social and economic regeneration needs of coalfield communities in Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has made or will be making available to address the social and economic regeneration needs of coalfield communities in Scotland in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The Coalfields Regeneration Trust was formally launched in Scotland in March 2000 and is being funded by £4.5 million over three years from the Scottish Executive.<P>The Trust reports that, as of the end of January 2001, over £3.9 million has been committed to projects in Scotland. To date the Trust has paid out £2.3 million in grants.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150778,"EventID":"S1W-14063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10801 by Susan Deacon on 9 January 2001, whether it will publish in full the review relating to the care proposals for mentally dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10801 by Susan Deacon on 9 January 2001, whether it will publish in full the review relating to the care proposals for mentally disordered offenders carried out by the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health Service and, if so when.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I>, confirmed our publication plans for the national review. The promised audit document was published on 12 February and at the same time all health and social care agencies received a progress assessment report specific to their own area set within the national context findings.<P>This now provides agencies with the original 1999 template guidance, a local digest of their own position within the national context and a care pathway planning and audit tool. Summary reports on continuing progress have been invited from all agencies for September this year and thereafter.<P>Work continues with the local authorities and NHS Trusts on a National Discharge Protocol for Mentally Disordered Offenders for publication later this year. Work is also progressing on the recommendations of the Millan and MacLean Committees, some of which focus on mentally disordered offenders. Our policy proposals will be announced in the coming months following proper consultation.<I><P>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> (Bib. no: 10298) is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150779,"EventID":"S1W-14064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy proposals it intends to bring forward with regard to the care, treatment and support of mentally disordered offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy proposals it intends to bring forward with regard to the care, treatment and support of mentally disordered offenders.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14063.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150780,"EventID":"S1W-14065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis, in terms of replacement cost, actual cost and any other categories used, the capital value of assets used by its core and associated departments and its ag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis, in terms of replacement cost, actual cost and any other categories used, the capital value of assets used by its core and associated departments and its agencies has been assessed.","AnswerText":"The tangible fixed assets of the Scottish Executive, its associated departments and its agencies are valued in accordance with the principles set out in the Resource Accounting Manual<I>.</I><P>The annual accounts of each body state the detailed accounting policies, including the basis of valuation, of each class of fixed asset. The 1999-2000 annual accounts of agencies have been published. The resource accounts for the core department and associated departments will shortly be laid before the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150781,"EventID":"S1W-14066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation it has had with the water authorities in respect of the decision to remove the water charges relief afforded to charities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation it has had with the water authorities in respect of the decision to remove the water charges relief afforded to charities.","AnswerText":"The water authorities informed the Scottish Executive of their intention to make a phased withdrawal of reliefs. They were asked to consider whether it was practical to ringfence particular groups, but they indicated that it was not. On this basis, they have gone ahead with their proposals.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150782,"EventID":"S1W-14067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will give any direction to water authorities relating to the removal of water charges relief afforded to charities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will give any direction to water authorities relating to the removal of water charges relief afforded to charities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the policy of phased withdrawal of reliefs offered to charities. As the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development indicated on 4 April, the Scottish Executive recognises the concerns of a number of organisations about the immediate impact of the first phase of withdrawals this year, and we are in contact with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations on this.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150783,"EventID":"S1W-14068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimate it has made of any impact of the removal of water charges relief on the work of charities and voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what estimate it has made of any impact of the removal of water charges relief on the work of charities and voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to make an overall assessment of the impact on such a large number of diverse organisations. Reliefs are being phased out over a number of years to allow organisations time to adjust to higher charges.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150784,"EventID":"S1W-14069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Data Protection Act 1998 and the General Medical Council's guidance Confidentiality: Protecting and Providing Information is having on the collection of p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Data Protection Act 1998 and the General Medical Council's guidance Confidentiality: Protecting and Providing Information is having on the collection of personal health information for use by the health service and what implications these provisions will have for the Scottish Data Set.","AnswerText":"The SE recognises that the implications of this Act are wide ranging and its interpretation not without difficulty. For this reason the Confidentiality and Security Advisory Group for Scotland (CSAGS) was established to provide advice on the confidentiality and security of health-related information to the Scottish Executive, the Public and to Health Care Professionals.<P>CSAGS will, subject to consultation, issue policy advice and a series of guidance notes intended to codify practice in the proper use of personal health information for reasons other than direct patient care. Guidance and information is being sought from both the Information Commissioner and the GMC.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>The main task in the immediate future is to develop a small number of principles to underpin the use of personal health information by the NHS Scotland and related bodies (including disease registers). The principles will be incorporated into a revised Code of Practice on the Confidentiality of Personal Health Information providing detailed guidance to the NHS Scotland and other agencies prior to the expiry of the main batch of transitional arrangements to the 1998 Act in October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150785,"EventID":"S1W-14070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution the Scottish Data Set has made in the fight against disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution the Scottish Data Set has made in the fight against disease.","AnswerText":"Scotland has a unique Health Data Set that permits more detailed analyses of health information than is possible in the rest of Europe, apart from the Scandinavian countries. Patient identifiable data have been collected for over 30 years, and used to link together individual patient experiences until death. By linking administrative data sets with individual research and audit data we can investigate the impact of key policy changes and medical interventions on improving survival rates and reducing incidence and prevalence of disease. Examples include:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">improving survival rates from diagnosis of cancer;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">demonstrate the benefits of cancer screening and impact of adjuvant therapy on survival for breast cancer;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">identify clusters of disease which could not have occurred by chance;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">identifying possible contacts for infectious disease outbreaks (AIDS; E.coli; BSE; meningitis) for fast tracing to contain the outbreak;<P>post market surveillance of drugs and vaccines for adverse effects in the general population.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150786,"EventID":"S1W-14071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any collection of health information have been discontinued as a result of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the General Medical Council guidance Confidentiality: ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any collection of health information have been discontinued as a result of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the General Medical Council guidance Confidentiality: Protecting and Providing Information.","AnswerText":"It is not known whether any significant collections of health information have been discontinued due to the introduction of the Act and subsequent guidance issued by the GMC. However, it is known that health professionals will seek patient consent wherever possible to continue to share health information.<P>NHS HDL (2001) 1 'The use Of personal health information, submission of records to Information and Statistics Division, disease registers and the Confidentiality and Security Advisory Group Scotland (CSAGS)' was issued in January 2001 giving updated guidance on the transmission of personal health information. It encouraged the resumption of data flows which had ceased since the enactment of the Data Protection Act 1998, outlined a series of actions which were necessary to take to meet the terms of the ACT, and announced the formation of the CSAGS.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150787,"EventID":"S1W-14072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teacher training places exist for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, in which institutions the places are offered and how ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teacher training places exist for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, in which institutions the places are offered and how many places are offered in each institution.","AnswerText":"Recommended intakes to primary and secondary initial teacher education courses set by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) for academic session 2000-01:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=508><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Institution</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Primary </TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Secondary</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">202</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">293</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">215</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">231</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Northern College of Education</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">241</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">217</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Paisley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">114</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Stirling</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">115</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">245</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">446</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1017</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1362</TD></TR></TABLE><P>There is no initial teacher education qualification in special educational needs and therefore no training places allocated. A qualification in teaching children with special educational needs is an extension of the professional development of a teacher and is undertaken as in-service training.<P>The above information will appear in the next edition of the Supply of Teachers report (Vol. 1, January 2001). Information for 2001-02 is not yet available. However, this will also be included in the Supply of Teachers report in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150788,"EventID":"S1W-14073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many one year postgraduate teacher training places exist for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, in which institutions the places ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many one year postgraduate teacher training places exist for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, in which institutions the places are offered and how many places are offered in each institution.","AnswerText":"Recommended intakes to primary and secondary postgraduate certificate in education courses set by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) for academic session 2000-01:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=583><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Institution</TD><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Postgraduate Certificate in Education</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Primary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Secondary</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">184</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">165</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Northern College of Education</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">175</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Paisley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">416</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">316</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1000</TD></TR></TABLE><P>There is no initial teacher education qualification in special educational needs and therefore no training places allocated. A qualification in teaching children with special educational needs is an extension of the professional development of a teacher and is undertaken as in-service training.<P>The above information will appear in the next edition of the Supply of Teachers report. Information for 2001-02 is not yet available. However, this will also be included in the Supply of Teachers report in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150789,"EventID":"S1W-14074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teacher training places on courses of more than one year exist for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, in which institutions ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teacher training places on courses of more than one year exist for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, in which institutions the places are offered and how many places are offered in each institution.","AnswerText":"Recommended intakes to primary and secondary courses of more than one year set by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) for academic session 2000-01<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=583><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Institution</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Primary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Secondary</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">BEd</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Bed</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Combined Degree</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">139</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">109</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">140</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Northern College of Education</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">169</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Paisley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Stirling</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">115</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>University of Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">169</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">701</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">170</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">192</TD></TR></TABLE><P>There is no initial teacher education qualification in special educational needs and therefore no training places allocated. A qualification in teaching children with special educational needs is an extension of the professional development of a teacher and is undertaken as in-service training.<P>The above information will appear in the next edition of the Supply of Teachers report. Information for 2001-02 is not yet available. However, this will also be included in the Supply of Teachers report in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150790,"EventID":"S1W-14075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications were received for teacher training courses in 1998, 1999 and 2000 for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, broken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many applications were received for teacher training courses in 1998, 1999 and 2000 for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special educational needs teaching, broken down by institution.","AnswerText":"The report (Supply of Teachers, Vol. 1 - Jan 2001) details the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlining planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been made available to committee members and placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751). The answer to your question for primary and secondary can be found at Annex C of the report.<P>There is no initial teacher education qualification in special educational needs and therefore no applications. A qualification in teaching children with special educational needs is an extension of the professional development of a teacher and is undertaken as in-service training.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150791,"EventID":"S1W-14076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the cost was to the Scottish Executive of teacher training for (a) primary, (b) secondary, (c) special education needs and (d) Gaelic medium teaching in 1998, 1999 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the cost was to the Scottish Executive of teacher training for (a) primary, (b) secondary, (c) special education needs and (d) Gaelic medium teaching in 1998, 1999 and 2000.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the main teaching grant allocated in support of initial teacher training of primary and secondary teachers by the Scottish Higher education Funding Council (SHEFC) for academic sessions 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01:<P>Initial Teacher Training at Scottish Higher Education Institutions</FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=567><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Grant Allocated by SHEFC</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">(a) Primary</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">10.6</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">10.4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">10.9</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">(b) Secondary</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">8.7</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">9.6</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">9.6</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Total</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">19.3</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">20.0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">20.5</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: SHEFC. <P>There is no initial teacher education qualification in special educational needs. Gaelic-medium is not a separately identified funding subject group.<P>This does not take account of student support or payment of tuition fees by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150792,"EventID":"S1W-14077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 4(1)(g) of the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will apply to the grounds of hotels which are currently kept exclusively for the use of hotel guests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 4(1)(g) of the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will apply to the grounds of hotels which are currently kept exclusively for the use of hotel guests.","AnswerText":"Hotels and their grounds will, in general, be excluded from the right of access by virtue of section 4(1)(a) and (b) of the draft Bill. Section 4(1)(g) is intended to apply to land where members of the public are only admitted on payment at present. It appears that it is unlikely to apply in the circumstances described.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150793,"EventID":"S1W-14078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is still a tenable position, in the light of the European Convention on Human Rights, for a Fiscal or officer of the Crown to say that the reasons for taking a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is still a tenable position, in the light of the European Convention on Human Rights, for a Fiscal or officer of the Crown to say that the reasons for taking a particular course of action are confidential.","AnswerText":"It is considered that the practice of keeping reasons for prosecution decision making confidential is compatible with ECHR. The Convention does not give victims any general right to have cases prosecuted but the Article 8 right to respect for private life does militate against any step which risks putting private information about victims or unprosecuted accused persons into the public domain. The possibility that prosecution might well be necessary in some cases in order to protect inter alia the Article 8 interests of victims is, of course, a factor in decision making.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Neil Davidson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150794,"EventID":"S1W-14079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-13566 by Sir David Steel on 7 March 2001, which languages are being considered for use on the Parliament's website to provide public","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-13566 by Sir David Steel on 7 March 2001, which languages are being considered for use on the Parliament's website to provide public information resources and whether Scots is likely to be one of these languages.","AnswerText":"Consideration is being given to making public information about the Parliament available in ethnic and European languages on the website. One of these languages is likely to be Scots.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150795,"EventID":"S1W-14080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12944 by Mr Jack McConnell on 14 February 2001, whether the attainment of Governing Body Accredited Coaching Qualifications will be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12944 by Mr Jack McConnell on 14 February 2001, whether the attainment of Governing Body Accredited Coaching Qualifications will be recognised as continuing professional development for teachers.","AnswerText":"The framework for CPD which is currently being developed will be sufficiently flexible to meet the specific training needs of individual teachers and schools. This could include training in sports coaching and physical activity where appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150796,"EventID":"S1W-14081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to reduce the level of social problems such as drug abuse, ill-health and crime through the introduction and development within the school curriculum of a s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to reduce the level of social problems such as drug abuse, ill-health and crime through the introduction and development within the school curriculum of a sporting culture for children and young people.","AnswerText":"Existing guidance provided by the Scottish Executive Education Department and Learning and Teaching Scotland to education authorities and schools already emphasise the benefits to pupils' health and general well-being of providing a balanced and varied programme of sport and other forms of physical education within the school curriculum.<B><P>Sport</B>scotland works closely with education authorities in a number of programmes, targeted at primary and secondary schools, which aim to promote and increase the level and range of sporting and physical activity of school-aged children during and after school hours.<P>The need to encourage positive healthy lifestyles, which would include sporting activity, is highlighted in the Scottish drug strategy, and in a range of initiatives designed to encourage positive school ethos and health promoting schools.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150797,"EventID":"S1W-14082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to develop a national parenting strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to develop a national parenting strategy.","AnswerText":"Executive officials have met a range of voluntary and statutory agencies and parents themselves to discuss the provision of parenting support. We are giving careful consideration to the best way forward, recognising the importance of building upon existing support mechanisms for parents which work.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150798,"EventID":"S1W-14083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the draft National Strategy and Framework arising from on the Youth Crime Review will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the draft National Strategy and Framework arising from on the Youth Crime Review will be published.","AnswerText":"The draft national strategy on youth crime is still being developed and will now be circulated for consultation in the summer. Meantime, councils have been advised to work to the core objectives set out in the Advisory Group report.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150799,"EventID":"S1W-14084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how implementation of the recommendations of the Youth Crime Review Advisory Group is being monitored for effectiveness across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how implementation of the recommendations of the Youth Crime Review Advisory Group is being monitored for effectiveness across Scotland.","AnswerText":"All councils have been asked to carry out an audit of local needs to identify the range of challenging programmes required in their area. These programmes should have in-built monitoring to allow for evaluation of their effectiveness. The first formal reports on progress achieved are required by March 2002. Ministers will be seeking interim reports on the programmes and their targets before this. The Executive will also undertake its own evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures being introduced.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150800,"EventID":"S1W-14085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the evaluation of new community schools will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when the evaluation of new community schools will be completed.","AnswerText":"A three-year national evaluation of the New Community Schools pilot programme started in April 2000. Following a tendering and assessment process, it is being undertaken by a team from the Institute of Education in the University of London. They have research staff and specialists involved, based in Scotland. Interim evaluation reports will be provided annually. In addition, projects and authorities are carrying out their own local evaluations, and HM Inspectors of Schools will include new community schools in their inspection programme later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150801,"EventID":"S1W-14086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what response it will make to the findings of the report by The Prince's Trust It's Like That, in particular regarding the feelings of alienation amongst young people, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what response it will make to the findings of the report by The Prince's Trust It's Like That, in particular regarding the feelings of alienation amongst young people, including offenders and the unemployed, and how it will ensure that it is responsive to the needs and concerns of such young people.","AnswerText":"Prince's Trust representatives in Scotland have been invited to make a presentation to Executive officials on the report which raises some important and challenging issues. Many of its findings are relevant to current policy initiatives or developments affecting young people, including direct and customised consultation with young people.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150802,"EventID":"S1W-14087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will cost to police the Efficient Consumer Response Conference being held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre from 15 May to 17 May 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will cost to police the Efficient Consumer Response Conference being held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre from 15 May to 17 May 2001.","AnswerText":"Policing levels are an operational matter for the Chief Constable to decide. Funding for the police under section 32 of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 is allocated in total to each force and is not earmarked by the Executive for specific purposes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150803,"EventID":"S1W-14088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police will be required to provide security for the Efficient Consumer Response Conference being held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre from 15 Ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police will be required to provide security for the Efficient Consumer Response Conference being held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre from 15 May to 17 May 2001.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable to decide.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150804,"EventID":"S1W-14089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Strathclyde Police will be discussing the security surrounding the Efficient Consumer Response Conference being held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Cen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Strathclyde Police will be discussing the security surrounding the Efficient Consumer Response Conference being held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre from 15 May to 17 May 2001 with the organisers of the conference and, if so, what the relationship will be between the police and any security officers provided by the organisers.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable to decide.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150805,"EventID":"S1W-14090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies are taking place to assess the utility of on-line voting to rural communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies are taking place to assess the utility of on-line voting to rural communities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14117 on 26 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150806,"EventID":"S1W-14091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has done or intends to do to establish whether on-line voting would improve turnout at local elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has done or intends to do to establish whether on-line voting would improve turnout at local elections.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14117 on 26 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150807,"EventID":"S1W-14092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to run any experiments in on-line voting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to run any experiments in on-line voting.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14117 on 26 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150808,"EventID":"S1W-14093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has done on improving the security of on-line voting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies it has done on improving the security of on-line voting.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given S1W-14117 on 26 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150809,"EventID":"S1W-14094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the cost of introducing online voting to local elections and, if so, what that cost would be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the cost of introducing online voting to local elections and, if so, what that cost would be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no such assessment.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150810,"EventID":"S1W-14095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of its e-government projects are on schedule and on budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of its e-government projects are on schedule and on budget.","AnswerText":"I am happy to say that virtually all of the e-government projects in which the Executive is directly involved are currently on schedule and within budget. The table below gives more details of the Executive's major e-government projects. The published 21st Century Government Action Plan gives details of e-government projects ongoing across the wider public sector.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=646><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>PROJECT</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>ON SCHEDULE?</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>ON BUDGET?</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) of Agricultural Grants and Subsidies</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>A pilot project of one of the subsidy schemes, with a limited number of claimants, was completed towards the end of 2000 and proved the concept of collecting subsidy claims through electronic means. Following assessment of the pilot, work is in hand on the development of a full system for commencement in July 2001. ESD will be progressively rolled out across the main agriculture grant and subsidy schemes over the next three years.</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Yes</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Electronic Cattle Traceability</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>This project comprises two main components, the development of a system to allow farmers to transmit cattle traceability through electronic means and also the electronic identification of cattle. There has been very good progress on arrangements for the electronic transmission of cattle traceability information with the system becoming operational in February 2001. Details of a supported roll-out of the system, including the electronic identification of cattle will be announced later this year.</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Yes</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>LINETS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Development of the Legal Information Network for Scotland (LINETS)<B> </B>to provide law, administration and police service professionals, initially in public sector departments, with access to networked, computer based statute and case law, and other related information is currently on schedule. </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Yes</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>ISCJIS</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Development of the Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS) programme to link the computer systems of the various criminal justice organisations within Scotland is not currently on schedule, but this programme is dependent on agencies other than the SE.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3 COLOR=\"#ff0000\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Yes</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>NHSNet</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>All GPs and hospitals in Scotland are connected to NHSNet enabling data to be passed electronically. Scotland- wide roll out of Electronic Clinical Communication Implementation project enabling e.g. referral and discharge letters, appointment booking, test results etc to be communicated electronically is planned by 2002-03. Project is currently on schedule.</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Yes </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Scottish Health on the Web</TD><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3><P>Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) is the Internet presence for the NHS in Scotland and associated organisations. It comprises some 120 websites, including the major ","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150811,"EventID":"S1W-14096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its agencies or departments have been nominated in any categories in this year's Government Computing Innovation Awards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its agencies or departments have been nominated in any categories in this year's Government Computing Innovation Awards.","AnswerText":"Nominations for the Government Computing Innovation Awards come from a wide variety of sources. It is not possible to provide details of nominees for this year's awards, as the closing date for nominations is 30 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150812,"EventID":"S1W-14097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what schemes for assisting teachers to purchase computers are presently in operation, what plans it has for continuing and developing such schemes and what take up there","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what schemes for assisting teachers to purchase computers are presently in operation, what plans it has for continuing and developing such schemes and what take up there has been in terms of numbers and cost in the past twelve months.","AnswerText":"The Computers for Teachers scheme is operated by Learning and Teaching Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Executive. All GTC registered teachers in publicly funded primary and secondary schools, including publicly funded special schools and units, are eligible to apply for a rebate of £200 against the cost of a modern computer. The payment is a taxable benefit, but the Scottish Executive has made arrangements to settle the tax and National Insurance centrally. No liability will fall on the individual teachers.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">In the first phase of the scheme, which finished in March 2000, 4,003 teachers were supported at a total cost of £1,146,324.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The second phase has just concluded and final payments are being made. 6,133 teachers have been supported in this phase, at an estimated cost of £1,711,979.<P>A third phase is planned for the 2001-02 financial year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150813,"EventID":"S1W-14098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has compared any schemes it has to assist teachers to purchase computers with those available in other parts of the United Kingdom and whether it will use any","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has compared any schemes it has to assist teachers to purchase computers with those available in other parts of the United Kingdom and whether it will use any knowledge gained to amend its schemes if those elsewhere have a higher take up rate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive regularly monitors such developments in other parts of the UK. The Scottish Computers for Teachers scheme is available to all primary and secondary teachers, and the take-up rate over the first two tranches of around 18% of the teaching force appears to compare favourably with other schemes. However, we are currently revising our plans for the future and the success of the different schemes in operation elsewhere will be included in that review.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150814,"EventID":"S1W-14099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make available through the enterprise or training programmes provision to teach unemployed people how to drive and advise them on acquisition ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make available through the enterprise or training programmes provision to teach unemployed people how to drive and advise them on acquisition of motor vehicles.","AnswerText":"From April, Training for Work will offer a wide range of recognised qualifications designed to assist unemployed people secure work. The Enterprise Networks will administer a list of approved qualifications that can be funded from the programme.<P>Certain types of occupational driving licences, for example dump and forklift truck licences, PSV and LGV, are included in the approved list. Funding to obtain standard motor vehicle licences will only be considered exceptionally, and in remote parts of the Highlands and Islands, where potential trainees are excluded from opportunities due to lack of access. The Enterprise Networks plan to review the approved qualifications list in October. <P>Advice on the acquisition of motor vehicles can be obtained from the Office of Fair Trading.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150815,"EventID":"S1W-14100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many junior doctors are working in jobs which do not currently comply with the 56 hours a week target outlined in the New Deal for Junior Doctors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many junior doctors are working in jobs which do not currently comply with the 56 hours a week target outlined in the New Deal for Junior Doctors.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13853.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150816,"EventID":"S1W-14101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how community land buy-out schemes will be able to address the estimated annual average financial loss of over #70,000 in respect of the management of each estate in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how community land buy-out schemes will be able to address the estimated annual average financial loss of over #70,000 in respect of the management of each estate in the Upper Findhorn Valley, Inverness-shire, as outlined in the Rural Economic Survey, published by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association.","AnswerText":"It would be for any individual community body to consider the viability of any land purchase. Community bodies applying for community right to buy under the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will be required to present to Ministers, at the right to buy stage, detailed plans for the land which they wish to purchase under this legislation. <P>The proposed legislation provides for Ministers to decide whether an application to exercise a right to buy can proceed. In making their decision, Ministers must consider whether the right to buy would be in the public interest and compatible with sustainable development. A community body seeking to exercise a right to buy must therefore address these issues in its plans.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150817,"EventID":"S1W-14102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the surveys being undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses and the area tourist board in Dumfries and Galloway on the economic effects of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the surveys being undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses and the area tourist board in Dumfries and Galloway on the economic effects of the foot and mouth outbreak in the region and whether it will receive copies of the results of the surveys.","AnswerText":"I am fully aware of the work being done in the Dumfries and Galloway area. The Federation of Small Businesses survey is contributing to a wider partnership of local organisations, led by Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, looking at the impact the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is having on the area. On 15 March I chaired the first meeting of the Impact Assessment Group and heard a report of the Dumfries and Galloway work and I look forward to seeing future updates.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150818,"EventID":"S1W-14103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the proposals put forward by the Federation of Small Businesses regarding actions which might be taken by financial institutions and central and lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the proposals put forward by the Federation of Small Businesses regarding actions which might be taken by financial institutions and central and local government to help businesses in Dumfries and Galloway affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and whether it intends to take any action as a consequence of these proposals.","AnswerText":"I am aware of the work that the Federation of Small Businesses is doing in the Dumfries and Galloway area. It is feeding into the impact assessment currently being co-ordinated by Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway which is itself feeding into the Scottish Impact Assessment Group, which I am chairing. I look forward to early results from this group so we can consider the most effective way of helping rural areas through these current real difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150819,"EventID":"S1W-14104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any statutory instruments which will allow the transport of uninfected animals to slaughterhouses in areas in which foot-and-mouth disease has ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any statutory instruments which will allow the transport of uninfected animals to slaughterhouses in areas in which foot-and-mouth disease has been identified.","AnswerText":"A Statutory Instrument, The Foot and Mouth Declaratory (Controlled Area) (Scotland) (No 2) Order 2001, was introduced on Friday 2 March 2001. This provides the legislative framework for a licensing scheme for movement of livestock from farm direct to slaughterhouse.<P>The only restriction on the location of the slaughterhouse is that it should not be within 3km of an infected premise.<P>Movement is strictly controlled under these arrangements and poses minimal disease risk with vehicles which deliver the animals being thoroughly cleansed and disinfected before they leave the abattoir. Furthermore, the animals slaughtered will be subjected to the routine ante-mortem inspection before meat is passed fit for human consumption.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150820,"EventID":"S1W-14105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11646 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 January 2001, whether, in the course of concluding that it supports the view that it is not necessary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11646 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 January 2001, whether, in the course of concluding that it supports the view that it is not necessary to introduce legislation either to reform or restate the existing law on boundary walls, it took note of the statement at paragraph 2.14 of the Scottish Law Commission's 1992 consultation paper on this issue that there was an element of confusion in this area of law and what other criteria it applied in arriving at this conclusion.","AnswerText":"The Commission considered the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches before reaching the conclusion in its report that legislation was not required. The Commission's consultation paper and its report were considered in detail by the Scottish Executive which supports the final conclusions of the report.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150821,"EventID":"S1W-14106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11646 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 January 2001, whether, in the course of concluding that it supports the view that it is not necessary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11646 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 January 2001, whether, in the course of concluding that it supports the view that it is not necessary to introduce legislation either to reform or restate the existing law on boundary walls, any consideration was given to the extent to which any differences between the views on this issue expressed in the Scottish Law Commission's 1998 report and the Commission's 1992 consultation paper may be attributable to changes in the membership of the Commission.","AnswerText":"The Executive considers recommendations made to it by the Scottish Law Commission, as with recommendations that it receives from other bodies, on their merits.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150822,"EventID":"S1W-14107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-880 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 August 1999, which organisations it has been working with to improve access to financial services f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-880 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 August 1999, which organisations it has been working with to improve access to financial services for people on low incomes.","AnswerText":"To improve access to financial services for people on low incomes the Executive has been working with a wide range of interested parties as described below: <P>Wester Hailes Representative Council <P>Royal Bank of Scotland<P>Bank of Scotland <P>Clydesdale Bank <P>Lloyds TSB Scotland <P>Barataria Foundation<P>Association of British Credit Unions Ltd <P>Scottish League of Credit Unions <P>Community Enterprise in Strathclyde <P>Credit Union Enterprise Services <P>Argyll and Bute Credit Union Development Agency <P>Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks <P>CoSLA <P>Scottish Homes <P>Scottish Enterprise <P>Money Advice Scotland <P>Citizens Advice Scotland <P>Consumer Credit Counselling Services <P>Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations <P>Scottish Financial Enterprise <P>Social Enterprise Institute <P>Scottish Retail Consortium <P>Money Advice Trust <P>Federation of Information and Advice Centres <P>Norwich Union <P>Trading Standards Highland Council <P>Edinburgh City Council <P>Borders Council <P>Fife Council <P>Renfrewshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150823,"EventID":"S1W-14108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12849 by Jackie Baillie on 9 February 2001, what resources will be allocated to support its development strategy with credit unions","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12849 by Jackie Baillie on 9 February 2001, what resources will be allocated to support its development strategy with credit unions.","AnswerText":"The Executive will provide £1.5 million over three years to implement the credit union action plan for Scotland. Additional resources will also<B> </B>be available to fund volunteering initiatives and improvement of IT systems.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150824,"EventID":"S1W-14109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2707 by Jackie Baillie on 14 December 2000, which institutions it has worked with in order to encourage the provision of basic bank","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2707 by Jackie Baillie on 14 December 2000, which institutions it has worked with in order to encourage the provision of basic bank accounts, what the nature has been of any encouragement given and what the response has been.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been working with the four Scottish clearing banks, through the Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks (CSCB), and CoSLA to encourage both the provision and uptake of basic bank accounts. A working group has been established to explore new ways of reaching those who remain unbanked. The CSCB advise that 200,000 basic bank accounts are now open with an additional 10,000 being opened per month across the four banks.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150825,"EventID":"S1W-14110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12497 by Jackie Baillie on 30 January 2001, what stage discussions have reached with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12497 by Jackie Baillie on 30 January 2001, what stage discussions have reached with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on how the money and debt advice services provided by local authorities can be improved.","AnswerText":"Discussions are linked to the Executive's work on the proposed telephone debtline. CoSLA is represented on the debtline project team and discussions will continue as the pilot project develops.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150826,"EventID":"S1W-14111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what models of delivery it is considering for the provision of debt advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what models of delivery it is considering for the provision of debt advice.","AnswerText":"The Executive's pilot debtline in Fife will test out the provision of debt advice over the telephone. The debtline will be additional to, and complement, debt advice that is currently delivered face to face.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150827,"EventID":"S1W-14112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken and what success it has had in putting the issue of debt onto the agenda of the Joint Ministerial Committees on Poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken and what success it has had in putting the issue of debt onto the agenda of the Joint Ministerial Committees on Poverty.","AnswerText":"The Memorandum of Understanding and supplementary agreements between the United Kingdom Government, Scottish Ministers and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales, which was laid before the Scottish Parliament in October 1999 (SE/99/36), indicates that the proceedings of the Joint Ministerial Committee and its sub-committees will be regarded as confidential, to permit free and candid discussion.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150828,"EventID":"S1W-14113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in conjunction with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and any other organisations in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in conjunction with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and any other organisations in widening the availability of low cost insurance with rent schemes.","AnswerText":"The extent of current provision by local authorities and the housing association movement has been established. We now intend to bring deliverers and providers together to discuss the best way to widen the availability of low cost insurance with rent schemes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150829,"EventID":"S1W-14114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial settlement for Caledonian MacBrayne will be in 2001-02, broken down into capital and revenue support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial settlement for Caledonian MacBrayne will be in 2001-02, broken down into capital and revenue support.","AnswerText":"We propose to make available to CalMac in 2001-02 revenue deficit grant of £21.4 million and capital grant of £0.4 million. The proposed level of capital grant makes no provision for the purchase of new vessels, since European regulations no longer permit the payment of grant for this purpose. The proposals for tendering CalMac's services which I announced on 23 January reflect these rules. They would also allow services and fares to be protected and provide mechanisms to secure investment in new vessels. The budget figures will be kept under review as the tendering process develops.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150830,"EventID":"S1W-14115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish guidelines on the scope of local authority discretion in relation to the charging of fees for the provision of information if its draft Free","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish guidelines on the scope of local authority discretion in relation to the charging of fees for the provision of information if its draft Freedom Of Information Bill becomes law.","AnswerText":"Section 9 of the draft Bill published on 1 March sets out the scope of public authority discretion in relation to the charging of fees for providing information. The upper limits of fees would be prescribed and all authorities would have discretion whether or not to charge a fee. Section 22 of the draft Bill requires that Scottish public authorities set out in a publication scheme any fees to be charged in relation to information made available routinely.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150831,"EventID":"S1W-14116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to make extra funding available to local authorities to help cover the costs of adopting and maintaining schemes for the publication of information if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to make extra funding available to local authorities to help cover the costs of adopting and maintaining schemes for the publication of information if its draft Freedom of Information Bill becomes law.","AnswerText":"No. As many Scottish public authorities, including local authorities, already handle requests for information and publish routinely a wide range of other information, and as model publication schemes, prepared either by the Scottish Information Commissioner or by third parties, will be available to assist public authorities, we would expect any additional costs which might be incurred to be borne within planned resources.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150832,"EventID":"S1W-14117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that those staff involved in developing online aspects of e-government initiatives are sufficiently well informed of any security issues","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that those staff involved in developing online aspects of e-government initiatives are sufficiently well informed of any security issues which may be associated with such developments, in particular as regards online voting.","AnswerText":"Electoral pilot schemes are scheduled to take place at the local government elections being held in England and Wales in May. Decisions on the introduction of similar pilot schemes, including online voting, for local government elections in Scotland will be considered once an analysis of the results of the pilots in England and Wales has been produced. Any future consideration of online voting will take account of security matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150833,"EventID":"S1W-14118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to educate its staff in information and communication technologies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to educate its staff in information and communication technologies.","AnswerText":"It is a priority of the Executive to ensure that staff have access to the latest technology and are able to use it effectively to provide an efficient, high quality service to Ministers, Parliament and the public. Through the internal Training and Development course programme staff are offered a wide range of learning opportunities designed to raise awareness and improve staff skills and knowledge in information and communication technologies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150834,"EventID":"S1W-14119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to offer incentives to local authorities to encourage them to use information and communication technologies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to offer incentives to local authorities to encourage them to use information and communication technologies.","AnswerText":"The Executive is providing £26 million through the Modernising Government Fund to support innovative projects which use information and communication technologies. Local authorities will lead 22 of these projects with funding of £17.5 million.<P>As well as supporting key technologies such as telecommunications infrastructure, call centres, electronic service delivery and smart cards, the projects will also deliver strategic, transferable benefits to the whole of the public sector.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150835,"EventID":"S1W-14120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to recognise the achievements of Dumfries and Galloway Council and other local authorities whose websites were recently rated in the top 20 loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to recognise the achievements of Dumfries and Galloway Council and other local authorities whose websites were recently rated in the top 20 local authority websites in the UK by the Society of Information Technology Management.","AnswerText":"The Executive welcomes the achievements of Dumfries and Galloway and the other Scottish local authorities whose websites have received recognition by the Society of Information Technology Management. Dumfries and Galloway were awarded £72,000 from the Modernising Government Fund in December last year and, of the 36 awards made from the fund, 22 of these were made to local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150836,"EventID":"S1W-14121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it had no representative at the recent UK forum to discuss the current situation in the tourism industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it had no representative at the recent UK forum to discuss the current situation in the tourism industry.","AnswerText":"This meeting was almost exclusively about English issues not related to the effect on tourism of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. I took the view that it would be more useful to speak seperately to Janet Anderson, the Minister responsible for tourism at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. I have done so and we have agreed to keep in touch on a regular basis.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150837,"EventID":"S1W-14122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children were subject to secure orders on the nights of 6 January, 3 February and 3 March 2001 and, of these, how many were not in secure units, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children were subject to secure orders on the nights of 6 January, 3 February and 3 March 2001 and, of these, how many were not in secure units, broken down by local authority area in each case.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I expect advice shortly from the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group, which has been considering, amongst other things, what information is needed on supply of and demand for, secure places for children and young people.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150838,"EventID":"S1W-14123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the failure of the Deputy Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs to vote, although present at Decision Time, in support of its policy on amendment S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the failure of the Deputy Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs to vote, although present at Decision Time, in support of its policy on amendment S1M-1725.1 to motion S1M-1725 on Scotland's Fishing Industry was a breach of paragraph 2.4 of the Scottish Ministerial Code, which relates to the collective responsibility of junior Scottish Ministers.","AnswerText":"I voted on all three divisions in line with Executive policy, however my vote on the second division appears not to have been recorded by the electronic voting system. I have written to the Presiding Officer about the matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150839,"EventID":"S1W-14124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Development will reply to my letter dated 7 February 2001 regarding Mr A Will.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Development will reply to my letter dated 7 February 2001 regarding Mr A Will.","AnswerText":"I replied to the Member on 21 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150840,"EventID":"S1W-14125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12300 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 January 2001, when the Minister for Justice will reply to my letter dated 10 November 2000 regarding ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12300 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 January 2001, when the Minister for Justice will reply to my letter dated 10 November 2000 regarding Mrs S Murdoch.","AnswerText":"A reply was issued on 15 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150841,"EventID":"S1W-14126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any discussions have taken place, or are planned, with visitscotland regarding the promotion of tourism in rural areas and, in particular, in those areas affected","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any discussions have taken place, or are planned, with visitscotland regarding the promotion of tourism in rural areas and, in particular, in those areas affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"We are in close contact with visitscotland, which is finalising, in partnership with Area Tourist Boards, a recovery plan for the tourism industry. This will include launching the postponed £2 million spring campaign and specific help for Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150842,"EventID":"S1W-14127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any discussions have taken place, or are planned, with Scottish Enterprise regarding the problems faced by rural enterprises as a result of the foot-and-mouth dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any discussions have taken place, or are planned, with Scottish Enterprise regarding the problems faced by rural enterprises as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in daily contact with Scottish Enterprise, and especially Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, to discuss the implications of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on the economy. Both organisations are represented on the Executive's Foot and Mouth Impact Assessment Group, which has now met twice. In addition, the Executive is in discussion with Scottish Enterprise on a series of measures to assist businesses on the immediate difficulties they face and to help in the recovery of the rural economy.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150843,"EventID":"S1W-14128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date funding will be made available for the central heating initiative in (a) Highland, (b) Western Isles, (c) Orkney and (d) Shetland for (i) local authority pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date funding will be made available for the central heating initiative in (a) Highland, (b) Western Isles, (c) Orkney and (d) Shetland for (i) local authority properties, (ii) housing association properties and (iii) households in the private sector.","AnswerText":"The resources for the Central Heating Programme have been allocated for 2001-02 and will be made available during that year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150844,"EventID":"S1W-14129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12904 by Jackie Baillie on 13 February 2001, whether, following housing stock transfer, the requirement on new landlords to install","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12904 by Jackie Baillie on 13 February 2001, whether, following housing stock transfer, the requirement on new landlords to install central heating will be (a) statutory, (b) funded from the Executive's central heating programme and (c) subject to a timetable.","AnswerText":"Tenants who transfer to community ownership will receive central heating as part of the overall investment by the new landlord. The Scottish Executive will ensure that proposals for transfer will deliver the installation of central heating in houses which do not have it on the same timescale as the Executive's central heating initiative.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150845,"EventID":"S1W-14130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13091 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, how much planned inward investment and how many projects involving inward investment w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13091 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, how much planned inward investment and how many projects involving inward investment were attracted to (a) Kilmarnock and Loudoun and (b) Hamilton North and Bellshill in 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in the table below:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Constituency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total Investment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">New/Safeguarded Planned Jobs</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Kilmarnock and Loudon</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,851,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">885</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Hamilton North and Bellshill</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,017,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">206</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150846,"EventID":"S1W-14131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11742 by Susan Deacon on 5 March 2001, who the members are of the sub-group of the Health Department's Advisory Group on Infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11742 by Susan Deacon on 5 March 2001, who the members are of the sub-group of the Health Department's Advisory Group on Infection.","AnswerText":"This sub-group consists of experts from a range of disciplines, along with officials from the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150847,"EventID":"S1W-14132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional funding available to Strathclyde Police to meet any additional costs resulting from the Efficient Consumer Response Conference at the SECC","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional funding available to Strathclyde Police to meet any additional costs resulting from the Efficient Consumer Response Conference at the SECC in May 2001.","AnswerText":"It is for the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police in consultation with the Strathclyde Joint Police Board to determine priorities within the force's budget. Funding for the police under section 32 of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 is allocated in total to each force and is not earmarked by the Executive for specific purposes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150848,"EventID":"S1W-14133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish, for each local authority area, the numbers of councillors, broken down by political party, who were in arrears of council tax and debarred from p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish, for each local authority area, the numbers of councillors, broken down by political party, who were in arrears of council tax and debarred from participating in the budget setting process for 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150849,"EventID":"S1W-14134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the implementation of the Red Tape Review recommendations, particularly in relation to communications with farmers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the implementation of the Red Tape Review recommendations, particularly in relation to communications with farmers.","AnswerText":"Good progress has been made on the Red Tape Review recommendations. I have today issued an external communications strategy which responds to a major recommendation of the Red Tape Review Report. This covers all aspects of communications between SERAD and producers, including the future introduction of electronic systems for claiming subsidies. It sets out actions for the future with targets for delivery. Progress reports will issue every six months.<P>Also published today is a report of the SERAD commissioned research into the burdens of form filling on small-scale producers - fulfilling a further recommendation of the Red Tape Review Report. This research, carried out by George Street Research Ltd, highlights the central importance of IACS subsidies to producers and identifies a number of improvements which can be made to communications with producers.<P>A table is also published today showing the latest position on implementation of the Red Tape Panel recommendations. All the main recommendations have now been implemented or are in process of implementation. The remaining recommendations - which mainly require changes to EU legislation - are also being actively pursued.<P>Copies of the external communications strategy and of the updated Red Tape Report implementation table are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. A copy of the George Street Research Report is available on the SE website.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150850,"EventID":"S1W-14135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to the Scottish Prison Service to reduce the potential for HIV transmission in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to the Scottish Prison Service to reduce the potential for HIV transmission in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:<P>We are grateful to the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Health Education Board for Scotland and Health Board Consultants in Public Health Medicine for supporting us in developing policies to reduce the potential for HIV transmission in prisons.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150851,"EventID":"S1W-14136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all health boards provide access to anti-retroviral therapy for those tested as HIV positive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all health boards provide access to anti-retroviral therapy for those tested as HIV positive.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150852,"EventID":"S1W-14137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Education Board for Scotland and the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health have any plans to review the advice given on HIV to people ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Education Board for Scotland and the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health have any plans to review the advice given on HIV to people planning overseas travel.","AnswerText":"The HIV Health Promotion Strategy, published by the Executive in January this year, recommended that the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health and the Health Education Board for Scotland should review current arrangements for advice on HIV to travellers. This is now in train.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150853,"EventID":"S1W-14138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit, funding and objectives are of the Scottish School of Primary Care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit, funding and objectives are of the Scottish School of Primary Care.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Scottish School of Primary Care is to promote and co-ordinate primary care research activity and to increase research capacity, in order to provide the high quality research evidence needed to inform decisions made by practitioners, managers and patients.<P>The school receives £100,000 per year to fund administration costs during its foundation phase. The school will in the future be responsible for co-ordinating research grant awards of approximately £1.2 million over three years.<P>The school's objectives are to co-ordinate primary care research activities, identify gaps in current research, stimulate collaborative studies and consider ways of improving the implementation of research findings. It will also seek to increase the number of researchers involved in primary care R&amp;D activities across Scotland and enhance the accessibility of research education and training.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150854,"EventID":"S1W-14139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration will be given to providing direct funding for local health care co-operatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration will be given to providing direct funding for local health care co-operatives.","AnswerText":"We have stated in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> that we intend to develop primary care services and strengthen the role of LHCCs. We intend to build on the successes of LHCCs and, within the next few months, set out the next steps in their development.<P>The work of the LHCC Best Practice Group has identified a substantial range of service improvements. Audit Scotland has also carried out an evaluation of LHCCs' range of activities. Reports from both pieces of work are expected shortly and will, together with other related work, inform what the Executive does next on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150855,"EventID":"S1W-14140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled posts there currently are for (a) NHS occupational therapists and (b) social work occupational therapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled posts there currently are for (a) NHS occupational therapists and (b) social work occupational therapists.","AnswerText":"There were 34.7 WTE vacant posts for qualified occupational therapists in NHSScotland at 31 March 2000, the latest date for which data are available centrally. Of these, 14.7 WTE had been vacant for more than three months.<P>There are currently no centrally held data for vacant posts for occupational therapists within local authority social work departments.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150856,"EventID":"S1W-14141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the recommendation of the Sutherland Commission and of the Health and Community Care Committee in its 16th Report 2000, Inquiry into the Deliver","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the recommendation of the Sutherland Commission and of the Health and Community Care Committee in its 16th Report 2000, Inquiry into the Delivery of Community Care in Scotland, that a single body should be given the role of budget holding, planning and commissioning of community care services and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Our position on this, as on other recommendations of the Health and Community Care Committee, is as set out in the response we provided to the committee on 24 January. The response was debated in Parliament on 14 February.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150857,"EventID":"S1W-14142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2013,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":14,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to review the procedures for safeguarding the security and confidentiality of information to be collected in the 2001 Census in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to review the procedures for safeguarding the security and confidentiality of information to be collected in the 2001 Census in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Independent reviews of the physical security arrangements for processing the 2001 Census information and the measures to protect the statistical confidentiality of the data were commissioned by the Registrar Generals for Scotland, England and Wales, and Northern Ireland and undertaken last year. The outcome of the reviews and recommendations of the Review Teams, including a joint statement from the Registrars General were published today in a report by the Office for National Statistics, the General Register Office for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. The Registrars General have accepted all the recommendations and have acted on them or are taking action to ensure they are implemented.<P>I am placing a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 11193). Additional copies are available in the Document Supply Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150858,"EventID":"S1W-14143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12915 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 13 February 2001, whether any regulations have been amended or repealed as a result of the work of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12915 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 13 February 2001, whether any regulations have been amended or repealed as a result of the work of the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit, specifying any such regulations.","AnswerText":"The Improving Regulation in Scotland (IRIS) Unit can make the most telling contribution by ensuring that the Scottish Executive takes fully into account the need for all regulations to be proportionate and fit for purpose. With this aim, the unit has assisted Scottish Executive Departments in the development of over 70 regulations and the drafting of Regulatory Impact Assessments that have been produced for each. The unit is also currently pursuing suggestions from members of the Small Business Consultative Group for regulatory change in a number of areas that could be reviewed with a view to possible amendment, repeal on devolved matters or representations being made on reserved matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150859,"EventID":"S1W-14144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to buy into the proposed Carbon Trust element of the UK Energy Efficiency Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to buy into the proposed Carbon Trust element of the UK Energy Efficiency Fund.","AnswerText":"Yes. We are discussing how it will with various interested parties the proposed structure of the Carbon Trust, and in particular complement the Scottish Executive's existing services to businesses delivered by the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office, and the advice delivered by the Energy Saving Trust.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150860,"EventID":"S1W-14145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes it intends to fund with the #9.66 million allocated to it over the next three years from the UK Energy Efficiency Fund; whether it intends to make any of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes it intends to fund with the #9.66 million allocated to it over the next three years from the UK Energy Efficiency Fund; whether it intends to make any of this funding available to businesses, and, if so, whether it will provide details.","AnswerText":"The funding will be used to support energy efficiency and to further the development of renewable energy in Scotland. Discussions will be held with the Carbon Trust, the Energy Saving Trust and other bodies with an interest on how to enhance the delivery of energy efficiency advice to Scottish businesses to complement the existing work of the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office; and how best to support new renewable energy technologies. An announcement of the outcome will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150861,"EventID":"S1W-14146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many enquiries have been made to each health board on the issue of the retention of children's organs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many enquiries have been made to each health board on the issue of the retention of children's organs.","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally in the form requested. The table gives the numbers of inquiries received by NHS Acute Trusts relating to the retention of organs at post mortem in general.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=604><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>NHS Acute Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Number of Telephone and Postal Inquiries Received up to 13/02/01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">42</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders General Hospital </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife Acute Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley Acute Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian  University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">300</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Glasgow University Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Yorkhill </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,170</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland Acute Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire Acute </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian University Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">160</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian Healthcare</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside University Hospitals </TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">51</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Total Number of Enquiries</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"></TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150862,"EventID":"S1W-14147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs will next make a report to the Parliament on the Scottish Qualifications Authority's progress in delivering t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs will next make a report to the Parliament on the Scottish Qualifications Authority's progress in delivering the Diet of examinations for 2001.","AnswerText":"I have today written to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee enclosing the Executive's second report on progress towards implementing the actions agreed following the publication of the Deloitte Touche report on 3 November 2000. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 12023).<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>I have also provided the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee with a copy of the Executive's response to that committee's Exam Results Inquiry report (11th report, 2000) and have written to the Convenor of the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee enclosing a copy of the Executive's response to that committee's Report on the Inquiry into the Governance of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (sixth report, 2000). Copies of the Executive's responses have also been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no.'s 12024 and 12025).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150863,"EventID":"S1W-14148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Food Standards Agency allowed 21 tons of beef carcass from Spain to be released from an abattoir in Dundee into general circulation when spinal cord was found","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Food Standards Agency allowed 21 tons of beef carcass from Spain to be released from an abattoir in Dundee into general circulation when spinal cord was found in part of the consignment; if so, on what basis it did so and what assurances can be given that the consignment is safe.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that part of a consignment of beef from Spain imported to an abattoir in Dundee was released into general circulation after it had been subject to thorough checks by MHS officials. Two beef forequarters found to contain spinal cord were not allowed to enter the food chain and were destroyed. The agency has informed me that there was no food safety reason to prevent any beef entering the food chain that met the rigorous inspection standards in place for all imported and domestically produced meat. Thorough inspections by MHS staff had shown the other carcass portions were free of all specified risk material (SRM).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150864,"EventID":"S1W-14149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the beef carcass consignment from Spain sent to an abattoir in Dundee was affected by spinal cord.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the beef carcass consignment from Spain sent to an abattoir in Dundee was affected by spinal cord.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advises that two beef forequarters out of a total consignment of 79 carcasses (158 sides) were found to contain spinal cord.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150865,"EventID":"S1W-14150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many instances spinal cord has been found in abattoirs in the past year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many instances spinal cord has been found in abattoirs in the past year.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advises that there have been 17 occasions where spinal cord has been discovered in cutting premises in UK since April 2000. This includes a single find in Scotland on 7 March where two quarters out of a consignment of 79 carcasses (158 sides) from Spain were found to contain spinal cord. In addition, there have been two occasions in this period where spinal cord was found in domestically produced health-marked sheep carcasses.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150866,"EventID":"S1W-14151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of beef carcass has to be affected by spinal cord before a consignment will be discarded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of beef carcass has to be affected by spinal cord before a consignment will be discarded.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency has advised that any individual part of a carcass found to contain spinal cord will be destroyed. Following rigorous inspection to determine that there has been no contamination of other parts, there is no basis in law for rejecting the rest of the consignment and preventing it from entering the food chain.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150867,"EventID":"S1W-14152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Food Standards Agency's policy is with regard to spinal cord being found in consignments of beef.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Food Standards Agency's policy is with regard to spinal cord being found in consignments of beef.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency enforces strict controls to ensure that spinal cord and other designated specified risk material (SRM) in beef is removed from the food supply. This applies equally to imported and domestically produced beef. Where SRM is found the beef is removed from the food chain.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150868,"EventID":"S1W-14153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2982 by Susan Deacon on 15 February 2001, when it currently expects the BCG vaccination programme to recommence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2982 by Susan Deacon on 15 February 2001, when it currently expects the BCG vaccination programme to recommence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13933 on 23 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150869,"EventID":"S1W-14154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it expects to be able to publish the findings of the exercise being conducted to determine the extent to which health boards have implemented the recommendations co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it expects to be able to publish the findings of the exercise being conducted to determine the extent to which health boards have implemented the recommendations contained in the report of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services.","AnswerText":"Work is still ongoing, and we expect to be in a position to publish our findings in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150870,"EventID":"S1W-14156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust to fund the salaries of the nurses, doctors and support workers currently employed at the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust to fund the salaries of the nurses, doctors and support workers currently employed at the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Centre, Woolmanhill Hospital, Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"It is for the NHS in Grampian to decide how to deploy the increased resources which the Executive is making available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150871,"EventID":"S1W-14157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions for the supply of drugs there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1987.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions for the supply of drugs there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1987.","AnswerText":"The information held centrally on the number of convicted persons whose main offence was supply or possession with intent to supply drugs cannot be broken down by parliamentary constituency. The available information relates to convictions by court and is given in the table.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Persons with a charge proved for supply of drugs (main offence), 1987-99<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=605><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"79%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=15 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Court type</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1988</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1989</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1991</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Sheriff court</TD><TD WIDTH=\"79%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=15 HEIGHT=17><P></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">71</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">74</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Airdrie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALI","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150872,"EventID":"S1W-14158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of illegal drugs have been made along the north east coast of Scotland since 1987.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of illegal drugs have been made along the north east coast of Scotland since 1987.","AnswerText":"The number of drug seizures made by Grampian Police is given in the table. More detailed information is not available centrally.<P>Number of seizures made by Grampian Police, 1987-98<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=264><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Year </TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of seizures</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1987</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">145</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1988</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">138</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1989</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">297</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1990</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">324</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1991</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">591</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1992</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">596</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1993</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">703</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1994</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,036 </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,125</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,391</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,518</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,681</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150873,"EventID":"S1W-14159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it has taken to ensure that parents whose children's organs have been retained are given suitable support when making enquiries to the hospitals involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it has taken to ensure that parents whose children's organs have been retained are given suitable support when making enquiries to the hospitals involved.","AnswerText":"In response to early recommendations from the independent Review Group on the Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem, which I set up under the chairmanship of Professor Sheila McLean to advise the Executive on this highly sensitive issue, the Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland wrote to all Trusts on 17 January indicating that they should nominate a fully-trained member of staff to deal with such inquiries and to set up a dedicated telephone line for that purpose. <P>Both that letter and a subsequent communication from the Chief Medical Officer have re-iterated the advice contained in the review group's report on the first phase of its work, which stressed the need for maximum sensitivity on the part of NHS staff when dealing with such inquiries. The quality of each Trust's response is being monitored.<P>Information is also given to callers, where appropriate, about the general support and bereavement counselling which are available.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150874,"EventID":"S1W-14160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many extra counselling and support staff have been recruited by each health board to support relatives of those children whose organs may have been retained by hospi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many extra counselling and support staff have been recruited by each health board to support relatives of those children whose organs may have been retained by hospitals.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer to question S1W-14159, inquiries are being handled by existing staff of NHS Trusts who are familiar with the issues involved. Yorkhill NHS Trust, which has dealt with the great majority of inquiries, has taken on an additional member of staff specifically to deal with these.<P>Further assistance, where needed, is being provided in the main by voluntary support groups, who are particularly well placed to fill that role.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150875,"EventID":"S1W-14161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has made to sustain successful projects funded from the Excellence Fund should that source of funding end.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has made to sustain successful projects funded from the Excellence Fund should that source of funding end.","AnswerText":"The Excellence Fund, as currently constituted, covers the three-year period which ends in March 2002. It funds a number of important initiatives which contribute to our overall objectives of raising standards in schools and promoting social inclusion. We are reviewing the scope and operation of the Excellence Fund and will fully involve CoSLA in that process. That review will include consideration of the measures which may be necessary to support beyond March 2002 those elements of the current Excellence Fund which may need to be continued and whether they are funded locally or nationally.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150876,"EventID":"S1W-14162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is regarding the judicial appointments machinery following the consultation exercise last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is regarding the judicial appointments machinery following the consultation exercise last year.","AnswerText":"I have announced today that the Scottish Executive has decided to establish a Judicial Appointments Board.<P>The board will be chaired by a senior non-legal figure, and will have other lay members, who will be appointed following Nolan public appointment procedures. It will also contain representatives of the judiciary and legal professions, so that lay and legal members will be equally balanced.<P>The board will be set up on an administrative basis, but when parliamentary time allows it will be put on a firm statutory footing. Its role will be to advise the First Minister on names of new appointees to the office of Judge of the Court of Session, Sheriff Principal and Sheriff (both permanent and part-time Sheriffs). It will determine its own procedures, but these will be subject to guidance from the Scottish Ministers.<P>All appointments will be advertised and appointments will be made solely on merit. The board's procedures will include a requirement that the legally qualified members are satisfied as to the legal capacity of those recommended. <P>The board will make its recommendation to the First Minister, who will consult the Lord President of the Court of Session (as he is obliged to do by the Scotland Act 1998). The First Minister will expect to accept the advice of the board unless there is good reason to the contrary. The Lord Advocate will no longer routinely advise on appointments, but will advise the First Minister in any case of uncertainty about the board's recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150877,"EventID":"S1W-14163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that the specific needs of children with acquired brain injury are met across the education, health and social work sectors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that the specific needs of children with acquired brain injury are met across the education, health and social work sectors.","AnswerText":"The specific care and support needs of children with acquired brain injury will be met from a range of primary, secondary and specialist services, including health professionals, rehabilitation specialists and learning disability specialists.<P>Education authorities have a duty to ensure that the special educational needs of all children are met. In order to meet this duty, education authorities should liaise with a range of appropriate professionals from the health and social work sectors.<P>Scottish Executive guidance is currently being produced for distribution to all local authorities on the special arrangements for children who are unable to attend school due to prolonged ill-health and the subsequent arrangements required on return to school.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150878,"EventID":"S1W-14164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation in line with the proposals for a Safety Bill in England and Wales as announced in the Queen's Speech.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation in line with the proposals for a Safety Bill in England and Wales as announced in the Queen's Speech.","AnswerText":"No. The Queen's Speech of 6 December 2000 announced the UK Government's intention to draft a Safety Bill. The Bill will apply across Great Britain, and in some cases the UK. Officials from the Executive and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions are liaising closely as the drafting develops.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150879,"EventID":"S1W-14165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to take any action on the recommendations of the report by the Institution of Civil Engineers, Inspection of Multi-Storey Car Parks, which recom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to take any action on the recommendations of the report by the Institution of Civil Engineers, Inspection of Multi-Storey Car Parks, which recommends that all owners of car parks over 12 years old should engage an engineer to carry out an inspection.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be maintaining a watching brief on the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) project <I>Enhancement of Whole Life Performance of Existing and Future Car Parks. </I>This project, which started in January 2001, aims to provide rigorous analysis of car park performance to inform the development of the guidance currently being produced by both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150880,"EventID":"S1W-14166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult with the communities of Mallaig and Morar in connection with the possible construction of a footpath/cycleway alongside the A830; what inform","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult with the communities of Mallaig and Morar in connection with the possible construction of a footpath/cycleway alongside the A830; what information it has in relation to the demand for such a footpath/cycleway, and whether this would provide a beneficial leisure facility for tourists visiting the area.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to consult with the communities of Mallaig and Morar in connection with the possible construction of a footway/cycleway alongside the A830. One metre wide strips on either side of the main carriageway are being provided on the new sections of the road to help cyclists.<P>Under the Trunk Road Cycling Initiative (TRCI) available resources for the provision of separate cycleways continue to be directed towards assisting schemes which form part of the proposed Sustrans National Cycle Network. The A830 corridor is not a part of that programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150881,"EventID":"S1W-14167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to it is of each (a) primary, (b) secondary, (c) special educational needs and (d) Gaelic-medium education teacher training place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to it is of each (a) primary, (b) secondary, (c) special educational needs and (d) Gaelic-medium education teacher training place.","AnswerText":"For 2001-02, the units of teaching resource allocated by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council for education are:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=425><TR><TD WIDTH=\"64%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Funding subject group</TD><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Unit</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"64%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>BEd Music; BEd Technology</TD><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,374</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"64%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>BEd Physical Education; PGCE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£6,216</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"64%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>BEd Primary</TD><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£5,514</TD></TR></TABLE><P>There is no initial teacher education qualification in special educational needs. Gaelic-medium is not a separately identified subject funding group.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150882,"EventID":"S1W-14168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Executive Bill has been drafted in whole or in part by an outside agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Executive Bill has been drafted in whole or in part by an outside agency.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150883,"EventID":"S1W-14169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7656 by Angus MacKay on 1 December 2000, how many contracts let to external consultants and advisors in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) to da","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7656 by Angus MacKay on 1 December 2000, how many contracts let to external consultants and advisors in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) to date in 2000-01 were (i) put out to competitive tender; (ii) not put out to competitive tender, and (iii) let on a non-commercial basis, specifying in each case the names of the individuals or organisations which carried out work and the value of the contract, and what the total value was of all contracts in each of the categories in each of the years above.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The answer to question S1W-7656 indicated that arrangements would be introduced to collect this data in future. We will begin compiling data shortly relating to contracts placed on or after 1 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150884,"EventID":"S1W-14170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister will reply to the letter of 30 January 2001 from the South Lanarkshire Tenants' Federation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister will reply to the letter of 30 January 2001 from the South Lanarkshire Tenants' Federation.","AnswerText":"A reply to South Lanarkshire Tenants' Federation was issued on 14 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150885,"EventID":"S1W-14171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value of the renumeration package received by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service has been, showing (a) the gross salary, (b) expenses recei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value of the renumeration package received by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service has been, showing (a) the gross salary, (b) expenses received, (c) the value of pensions benefits and (d) other entitlements, broken down for each of the last five years and the current year.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>The available information is given in the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts, save as respects reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenditure, which is on the same basis as for other staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150886,"EventID":"S1W-14172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the developing shortfall in orders to BAe Systems Scotstoun.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the developing shortfall in orders to BAe Systems Scotstoun.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including Ministry of Defence contracts.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150887,"EventID":"S1W-14173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure the co-ordination of the views of infertility sufferers following the cessation of funding for the National Infertility Support Network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure the co-ordination of the views of infertility sufferers following the cessation of funding for the National Infertility Support Network.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has agreed to provide core funding towards the administrative costs of Child Infertility Network Scotland for a three-year period commencing 2000-01. This will enable them to continue providing the service which was previously provided by CHILD, the National Infertility Support Network.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150888,"EventID":"S1W-14174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about deferring or restructuring VAT and income tax payments and other government levies and charges due to be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about deferring or restructuring VAT and income tax payments and other government levies and charges due to be paid by Scottish farmers, businesses and others affected by the foot and mouth disease outbreak and about the economic and social effect which requiring these payments to be made at this time may have.","AnswerText":"In addition to the £13.5 million emergency package for the Scottish rural economy, several measures were announced by the UK Government on 20&nbsp;March which will help Scottish farmers, businesses and others affected by the outbreak. They include flexibility from the Inland Revenue and Customs &amp; Excise on the timing of payments for businesses with cash flow difficulties, scope for continuing credit for businesses already in receipt of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, and continuing credit from the Banks for small businesses badly affected.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150889,"EventID":"S1W-14175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it intends to take in relation to deferring charges and levies under its control due to be paid by those affected by the foot and mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it intends to take in relation to deferring charges and levies under its control due to be paid by those affected by the foot and mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Ms Alexander announced on 28 March a package of measures totalling £13.5 million, including a rates relief package. Hardship relief from non-domestic rates is currently available to any business demonstrating hardship, at the discretion of the billing local authority. The Scottish Executive finds 75% of relief granted, the cost of the remaining 25% falling to the local authority. The scheme increases the Scottish Executive's contribution to the cost from 75% to 95% for those businesses most effected by the foot and mouth outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150890,"EventID":"S1W-14176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to the Scottish Society for Autism in each of the last five years; what plans it has to provide future funding to continue and improve serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to the Scottish Society for Autism in each of the last five years; what plans it has to provide future funding to continue and improve services for families affected by autistic spectrum disorder and what funding it plans to provide to ensure the continued existence of the society and its staff post based in Inverness beyond September 2001.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Society for Autism was awarded a total of £129,285 through the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme for two projects:<P>A Social Inclusion Partnership Project, from April 1999 to March 2002<P>A Positive Interaction Video, from September 2000 to March 2001<P>The society received a social work training grant of £28,000 in 1996-97 and 1997-98 and £26,000 in each of the three financial years 1998-99 to 2000-01.<P>In addition, an offer of a grant of £16,400 was made to the Society on 16 March 2001, to conduct a mapping exercise to help prepare for the national network for people with an autistic spectrum disorder as recommended in <I>The same as you?</I> report.<P>Following the learning disabilities review, we are providing additional funds of £36 million over three years, starting in April 2001, to improve services for people learning disabilities. This will benefit, amongst others, families affected by autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150891,"EventID":"S1W-14177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients as at 31 December 2000 had been waiting longer than 12 months for treatment on the NHS and had been excluded from the Patients' Charter guarantees, bro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients as at 31 December 2000 had been waiting longer than 12 months for treatment on the NHS and had been excluded from the Patients' Charter guarantees, broken down by NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"On 31 December 2000, only 13 patients (0.01% of the waiting list) with a waiting times guarantee had waited more than 12 months for treatment.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">On that date, 601 patients (0.7% of the waiting list) had declined treatment offered to them within 12 months of joining the waiting list or had asked for their treatment to be deferred; 168 patients (0.2% of the waiting list) were awaiting very low clinical priority treatments, such as tattoo removal, and had agreed with their consultant that they could wait longer than 12 months for treatment; and 197 patients (0.2% of the waiting list) required highly specialised treatment such as organ transplants.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">This information, by NHS Trust, is given in the table.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">NHSScotland: Patients on the Inpatient/Day Case Waiting List with an Exception to the Waiting Times Guarantee, who had Waited More Than 12 Months for Treatment on 31 December 2000 - by NHS Trust.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=612><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"63%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P>Reason For Exception</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Patients Declined/Deferred Treatment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Patients Awaiting Treatment Of Low Clinical Priority </TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Patients Awaiting Highly Specialised Treatment</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">143</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland Acute Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Glasgow University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Glasgow University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside University Hospitals</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">267</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West Lothian Healthcare</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIG","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150892,"EventID":"S1W-14178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients as at 31 December 2000 had been waiting longer than 12 months for treatment on the NHS and had been excluded from the Patients' Charter guarantees beca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many patients as at 31 December 2000 had been waiting longer than 12 months for treatment on the NHS and had been excluded from the Patients' Charter guarantees because they had declined treatment in private facilities, broken down by  NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150893,"EventID":"S1W-14179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the capacity penalty arrangements applying to the transfer and aggregation of fishing vessel licences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the capacity penalty arrangements applying to the transfer and aggregation of fishing vessel licences.","AnswerText":"The operation of fishing vessel licensing arrangements has been recently reviewed by a joint industry/departmental working group and a copy of the group's report is being placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>The working group has recommended that the existing capacity penalty arrangements should be maintained for the time being but that the penalty relating to the uprating of an existing engine, or to an increase in power following its replacement, should be based on the increase in the vessel's capacity rather than its overall capacity. The Fisheries Departments in the UK agree and arrangements are being made to notify the owners of licensed fishing vessels.<P>As of today a 20% capacity penalty will operate for the uprating or replacement of an existing vessel engine provided the resulting increase in engine power does not exceed 35%. This penalty will be reduced to 10% where an engine is uprated or replaced before 31 December 2001. However, except in the case of pelagic vessels, where vessel capacity units (VCUs) are taken from vessels under 18 metres in overall length and aggregated onto licensed vessels measuring 18 metres or more in overall length, the capacity penalty will be 30%. Provision will also be made for the splitting of fishing vessel licences for the purpose of engine power adjustments.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Fisheries Departments, in conjunction with the European Commission, are also prepared to consider, on a case-by-case basis, waiving capacity penalties and compliance with tonnage rules for vessel improvements which relate exclusively to improved safety and which will not result in an increase in a vessel's fishing effort. Under EU legislation, member states may apply for an increase in tonnage objectives under their relevant Multi Annual Guidance Programme to take account of increases in vessel capacity resulting exclusively from safety improvements. Advantage is now being taken of that facility.<P>In the longer term the Fisheries Departments in the UK wish to simplify the present capacity regime and, with the exception of engine power adjustments, plan to return to a situation where a single penalty applies. The present capacity penalties will therefore end on 31 March 2003 and be replaced on 1 April 2003 by a single penalty which will also apply to tonnage and engine power as well as vessel capacity units. Since two years notice of these changes is being given, no provision will be made for so-called pipeline cases. The views of the fishing industry and other interests are being sought on the level at which the capacity penalty should be fixed and whether this should apply to both licence transfers and aggregations or to aggregations alone.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150894,"EventID":"S1W-14180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce legislation to support the maintenance of the moratorium on compulsory competitive tendering.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce legislation to support the maintenance of the moratorium on compulsory competitive tendering.","AnswerText":"Yes.<P>Annually the Executive has repeated its commitment to continue a moratorium on Compulsory Competitive Tendering (CCT) in local government until we are ready to introduce legislation to provide a statutory Best Value regime. We are still considering the detail of such legislation, and to date have published two consultation papers on its various aspects: <I>Best Value: next steps</I>, laid before Parliament in June last year, and <I>A</I> <I>Power of Community Initiative etc</I>, laid before Parliament last November.<P>I have now been advised that one of the provisions which support the moratorium - section 2(10) of the Local Government Act 1988 - needs amendment to enable the full moratorium to continue until we are ready to introduce legislative proposals on Best Value.<P>Unless the amendment is made CCT will be imposed on 1 January 2002 on the following activities: the collection of refuse, the cleaning of buildings and other cleaning, catering for purposes of schools and welfare and other catering, the management of sports and leisure facilities, maintenance of ground and the repair and maintenance of vehicles.<P>Such a development would involve substantial costs for local authorities and disrupt the development of Best Value.<P>I would therefore like to announce the Executive's intention shortly to introduce a small Bill which will amend the Local Government Act 1988 and remove this deadline. We propose to introduce this Bill as early as possible during this parliamentary year. <P>The Executive's longer term plans remain to repeal CCT as part of the new  statutory regime for local authorities based on a duty of Best Value.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150895,"EventID":"S1W-14181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is regarding implementation of EC Directive 98/9 relating to the marketing of biocidal products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is regarding implementation of EC Directive 98/9 relating to the marketing of biocidal products.","AnswerText":"The Directive concerns the placing of biocidal products in the market. It brings in an approval system for four categories of biocidal product - disinfectants and general biocides, preservatives, pest control agents and other biocides, such as anti-fouling agents and embalming fluids. It aims to provide a high level of protection for humans, animals and the environment and to harmonise the European market for such products. The regime covers both reserved and devolved issues. In that circumstance, I have agreed that implementation should be by GB Regulations. A copy of the Regulations, which have been laid before the UK Parliament, will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150896,"EventID":"S1W-14182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the review of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee announced in July 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the review of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee announced in July 2000.","AnswerText":"The report on the first stage of the financial, management and policy review of the JNCC has been published today and copies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Copies of the report can also be obtained on the JNCC's website at <A HREF=\"http://www.jncc.gov.uk/\">www.jncc.gov.uk</A>. Interested parties are invited to offer their considered views on the report within three months.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150897,"EventID":"S1W-14183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities local authorities have in relation to the continuing care of those young people with autistic spectrum disorders who are being educated in residenti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities local authorities have in relation to the continuing care of those young people with autistic spectrum disorders who are being educated in residential establishments once they are beyond the school leaving age.","AnswerText":"If the young people are looked after by local authorities in terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, the authorities retain a duty to support them until they reach the age of 18 years and a power to do so until aged 21 or until any full time educational course is completed. <P>If a Record of Needs is already open for a child on his or her 16th birthday, then the local authority is required to continue to maintain it, and to review it (and the Future Needs Assessment report when appropriate) while the child remains in school education.<P>For all other young people, the precise responsibilities of authorities will depend on individual circumstances. In addition, under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, local authorities have a statutory requirement to assess the need for community care services of any persons who appear to them to require such services and to decide, in the light of the assessment, whether they should arrange any services. The transition between children's and adult services is a key priority for local authorities, working in partnership with health and education services.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150898,"EventID":"S1W-14184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to date on the work of the Digital Scotland Task Force and whether it will detail any timetable for the completion of this work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to date on the work of the Digital Scotland Task Force and whether it will detail any timetable for the completion of this work.","AnswerText":"The Digital Scotland Task Force completed its work in May 2000 when it published its report. This report was published on the web for public consultation. Following the consultation exercise the Executive's response to the report was published in September 2000. These can be found on the web at www.scotland.gov.uk/digitalscotland/report.htm. The Executive is taking forward action in two linked streams: 21st Century Government and Digital Scotland, the latter addressing issues of infrastructure and digital inclusion.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150899,"EventID":"S1W-14185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology is in place to monitor the progress of the Digital Scotland Task Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology is in place to monitor the progress of the Digital Scotland Task Force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-14184 and S1W-14186.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150900,"EventID":"S1W-14186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Digital Scotland Task Force are; what qualifications and experience each member has, and what criteria were used to appoint these members.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Digital Scotland Task Force are; what qualifications and experience each member has, and what criteria were used to appoint these members.","AnswerText":"The Digital Scotland Task Force was created to enable the Executive to draw on expertise and experience from across the Scottish community, with members drawn from the private sector, local government and the education sectors. The task force was chaired by Mr Peter Peacock, the then Deputy Minister for Children and Education.<P>The Digital Scotland Taskforce completed its work in May 2000 when it published its report. The report along with a list of who the members were is available on the web at <A HREF=\"http://www.scotland.gov.uk/digitalscotland/report.htm\">www.scotland.gov.uk/digitalscotland/report.htm</A>","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150901,"EventID":"S1W-14187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to improve road safety on the Strathblane to Aberfoyle stretch of the A81.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to improve road safety on the Strathblane to Aberfoyle stretch of the A81.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for road safety on local roads in their areas. The A81 is classified as a local road and decisions on measures to improve road safety on the Strathblane to Aberfoyle stretch of that road are for Stirling Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150902,"EventID":"S1W-14188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take in the next financial year to improve road safety on the Stirling to Lochearnhead stretch of the A84.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take in the next financial year to improve road safety on the Stirling to Lochearnhead stretch of the A84.","AnswerText":"New Operating Companies will be responsible for the trunk road network from 1 April 2001. The Scottish Executive will liaise with the companies regarding schemes to improve road safety on the trunk road network for the forthcoming financial year (2001-02).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150903,"EventID":"S1W-14189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take in the next financial year to improve road safety on the A85 between Lochearnhead and Crianlarich.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take in the next financial year to improve road safety on the A85 between Lochearnhead and Crianlarich.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14188.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150904,"EventID":"S1W-14190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to improve road safety on the A82 between Crianlarich and Tyndrum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to improve road safety on the A82 between Crianlarich and Tyndrum.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14188.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150905,"EventID":"S1W-14191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the European Union requesting that the planned review of guidelines on state aid be brought forward in order that it can take acco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the European Union requesting that the planned review of guidelines on state aid be brought forward in order that it can take account of these revised guidelines in formulating its policy on the Scottish ferry network.","AnswerText":"No. The Commission has clarified, in its recent reply to European parliamentary question Number 73 H-0151/01, that tendering in relation to the ferry services off the west coast of Scotland, which are currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, must be seen in the light of Council Regulation 3577/92. There are currently no plans to alter Article 4 of Council Regulation 3577/92. Whatever form the revision of the state aid guidelines may finally take, the principle of non-discrimination will remain and will need to be fulfilled by member states wishing to establish public service obligations. <P>The Scottish Executive continues to make representations to the European Commission on a range of issues in relation to lifeline ferry services in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150906,"EventID":"S1W-14192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12335 by Susan Deacon on 6 February 2001, whether it will provide details of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network in ter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12335 by Susan Deacon on 6 February 2001, whether it will provide details of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network in terms of its origin, staffing and remit and give a complete list of all research projects it has carried out since 1997 to date.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) was formed in 1993 by the Academy of Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland. SIGN develops and disseminates multidisciplinary, evidence-based clinical guidelines for the NHS in Scotland. The guidelines, which contain recommendations for effective practice based on current evidence, aim to improve the quality of health care for patients by reducing variation in practice and outcome. The guideline development programme is funded by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG) of the Scottish Executive. <P>Membership of SIGN includes all medical specialties, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, professions allied to medicine, patients, health service managers, social services, and researchers. The work of SIGN is supported by an <A HREF=\"http://www.sign.ac.uk/stafflist.html\">Executive</A> of 19 staff based at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. <P>SIGN has a programme of 60 evidence-based <A HREF=\"http://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/index.html\">clinical guidelines</A> - published, in development, or under review - covering a wide range of topics. Its 50<SUP>th</SUP> guideline was published in February of this year. Many of the guidelines relate to the NHS priority areas.<P>Full background information on SlGN and a list of published guidelines can be found at their website at <A HREF=\"http://www.sign.ac.uk\">www.sign.ac.uk</A>.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150907,"EventID":"S1W-14193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12338 by Nicol Stephen on 6 March 2001, whether Circular 4/96, Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs - Assessmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12338 by Nicol Stephen on 6 March 2001, whether Circular 4/96, Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs - Assessment and Recording, will be updated to take account of both the growing numbers of children being diagnosed with special educational needs conditions such as attention deficit and hyperactive disorder and the policy of mainstreaming.","AnswerText":"Circular 4/96 provides advice to education authorities on the assessment and recording arrangements in Scotland for children and young people with learning needs across the full range of special educational needs.<P>The National SEN Advisory Forum is conducting a review of these statutory arrangements and Circular 4/96 will be revised in light of any changes.<P>The Scottish Executive will be issuing separate guidance to education authorities on the new mainstreaming duty shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150908,"EventID":"S1W-14194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on whether any research is being undertaken in Scotland into xenotransplantation; whether it is currently funding any such research, and what pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on whether any research is being undertaken in Scotland into xenotransplantation; whether it is currently funding any such research, and what plans it has to attract further research and any related technologies to Scotland.","AnswerText":"Policy on xenotransplantation is a reserved matter for the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150909,"EventID":"S1W-14195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will make available data on total capital and revenue expenditure which is not available from national financial returns as highlighted in the Audit Scotland Perf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will make available data on total capital and revenue expenditure which is not available from national financial returns as highlighted in the Audit Scotland Performance Audit, Equipped to care: Managing medical equipment in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Health boards and NHS Trusts are responsible for keeping adequate financial records and inventories of medical equipment. I have no plans to collect this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150910,"EventID":"S1W-14196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action is being taken to address the issue of mismatch between expenditure on new and replacement medical equipment and depreciation of such equipment as highlighte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action is being taken to address the issue of mismatch between expenditure on new and replacement medical equipment and depreciation of such equipment as highlighted in the Audit Scotland Performance Audit, Equipped to care: Managing medical equipment in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150911,"EventID":"S1W-14197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce NHS Trust and patient exposure to any unnecessary risks as a result of any lack of formal documented medical equipment training polic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce NHS Trust and patient exposure to any unnecessary risks as a result of any lack of formal documented medical equipment training policies for staff as highlighted in the Audit Scotland Performance Audit, Equipped to care: Managing medical equipment in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I expect every NHS Trust in Scotland to take the necessary action to remedy any inadequacies in their policies or procedures highlighted by the Audit Scotland Performance Audit <I>Equipped to Care</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150912,"EventID":"S1W-14198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional money will be allocated to local health care co-operatives to help development and innovation in patient care in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional money will be allocated to local health care co-operatives to help development and innovation in patient care in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"We have stated in <I>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> that we intend to develop primary care services and strengthen the role of LHCCs.<P>The LHCC Best Practice Group and Audit Scotland have both reviewed the progress, to date, of LHCCs. Reports from both pieces of work are expected shortly and will, together with other related work, inform what the Executive does next on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150913,"EventID":"S1W-14199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that investment in research and development in the healthcare sector is attracted to Scotland and encouraged to remain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that investment in research and development in the healthcare sector is attracted to Scotland and encouraged to remain.","AnswerText":"The attraction of high-level research and development activities and the strengthening of the biotechnology cluster are two of the key strategic themes currently being pursued by Locate in Scotland (LiS).<P>As with all the projects that it helps attract to Scotland, LiS, through its policy of ongoing Investor Support, works with these companies to ensure that they not only remain in Scotland but continue to develop their operations.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150914,"EventID":"S1W-14200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are in place to use human genome data to identify people who are susceptible to heart disease, cancer and diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are in place to use human genome data to identify people who are susceptible to heart disease, cancer and diabetes.","AnswerText":"Although the Human Genome Project will lead to the sequencing of the human gene complement, it will require a great deal of further research before the actual function, and hence health implication, of each of the genes identified is determined. Research projects of this nature are currently under consideration in Scotland and other parts of the UK. We are therefore not in a position yet to use this knowledge to identify people in the general population who are susceptible to heart disease, cancer and diabetes unless they have one of the already known genetic forms.<P>Meanwhile, comprehensive clinical and molecular genetic services are available in Scotland to identify at-risk individuals within families with recognised genetic susceptibilities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150915,"EventID":"S1W-14201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional staff and how much additional funding will be needed to provide the 250 hours of postgraduate dental education for all practitioners over a five-year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional staff and how much additional funding will be needed to provide the 250 hours of postgraduate dental education for all practitioners over a five-year re-certification cycle announced by the General Dental Council.","AnswerText":"Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the personal responsibility of the dental practitioner as a professional. The Scottish Executive already makes a significant contribution to postgraduate dental education via the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (SCPMDE) by means of the provision of courses. Because of this, recent Scottish survey figures estimate that 72% of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) and 85% of Community Dental Service (CDS) dentists have already achieved the General Dental Council's (GDC) recommended level of verifiable CPD. Discussions are continuing with the dental profession regarding the future levels of remuneration and expenses for CPD.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150916,"EventID":"S1W-14202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address the 13% vacancy rate for clinical psychologists in the NHS, as highlighted in the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address the 13% vacancy rate for clinical psychologists in the NHS, as highlighted in the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education's Annual Report 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (SCPMDE) monitors and funds the training of Clinical Psychologists in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Executive. SCPMDE has secured formal agreements which will guarantee a minimum of 32 training places in Scotland each year for graduate psychologists who wish to embark on the three-year training programme for clinical psychology. This represents an increase of 33% over the past five years. 90% of those trained in Scotland go on to work as clinical psychologists in NHSScotland.<P>SCPMDE is working with representatives of the clinical psychology profession to consider alternative staffing models for providing psychology services for NHSScotland. However, these discussions are at an early stage.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150917,"EventID":"S1W-14203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11657 by Susan Deacon on 5 March 2001, what action it will take to reverse the increase in hospital-acquired infections in the Ayrs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11657 by Susan Deacon on 5 March 2001, what action it will take to reverse the increase in hospital-acquired infections in the Ayrshire and Arran Health Board area since 1996.","AnswerText":"Information provided in response to question S1W-11657 relates to numbers of laboratory isolates of methicillin resistant <I>Staphylococcus aureus </I>(MRSA) over the last five years. MRSA is one of the causes of hospital-acquired infection (HAI).<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Preventing and controlling HAI, including infections attributable to MRSA, is a key priority for the NHS in Scotland. The Scottish Health Plan, <I>Our National Health: A</I> <I>plan for action, a plan for change</I>, published in December last year, makes clear that every local healthcare system is expected to combat HAI by achieving service standards to be established by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland on infection control, cleanliness and other matters.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Comprehensive guidance on infection control in hospitals - the Scottish Infection Manual - was issued by the Scottish Office Health Department in 1998. It recommends that Infection Control Teams should be in place in every NHS Trust. Infection control teams are responsible for ensuring that action is taken to reduce the risk of HAI, and for investigating and recommending action on incidences of hospital-acquired infection, within the overall Trust policy on infection control.<P>It is for each NHS Trust to ensure that guidance and standards are applied effectively. Following the implementation of standards in the area of infection control within the NHS, compliance with these standards will be independently assessed under the guidance of the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150918,"EventID":"S1W-14205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many general practitioners ceased to practice as principals in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000, broken down by health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many general practitioners ceased to practice as principals in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99 and (c) 1999-2000, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table.<P>General Practitioners who ceased to practise as principals in Scotland<P>by health board area<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=378><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"55%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year ending 30 September</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">139</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">157</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"45%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"1","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150919,"EventID":"S1W-14206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to the Ministry of Defence regarding contingency plans for the containment of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to the Ministry of Defence regarding contingency plans for the containment of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considered MOD staff from an early stage which has paved the way for the direct involvement of the armed forces in the containment and eradication of this disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150920,"EventID":"S1W-14207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will seek urgent discussions with Aberdeen City Council on the reinstatement of the City's tourist office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will seek urgent discussions with Aberdeen City Council on the reinstatement of the City's tourist office.","AnswerText":"I attended a meeting on 26 April arranged by local MSPs with representatives of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen &amp; Grampian Tourist Board to discuss the issue. I hope that this meeting will lead to a resolution of the existing problems. However, decisions about funding and about the provision of TICs is a matter for local decision, not for the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150921,"EventID":"S1W-14208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation exercises the Ministers with responsibility for education have initiated since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation exercises the Ministers with responsibility for education have initiated since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"The consultations initiated by the Minister &amp; Deputy Minister for Children &amp; Education from July 1999 till October 2000:<P>The Review of the General Teaching Council for Scotland;<P>Improving our Schools - Consultation on the Improvement in Scottish Education Bill;<P>Response to Riddell Advisory Committee Report into the Education of Children with Severe Low Incidence Disabilities;<P>Young People Leaving Care - Proposed Transfer of DSS Resources to Local Authorities;<P>Youth Crime Review;<P>Assessment and Testing: Pre-school and 5-14;<P>Strategic Framework for Children's Services - &quot;Planned Outcomes for Better Care&quot;;<P>Improving our Schools - Consultation on national priorities for schools education in Scotland;<P>The Standard for Initial Teacher Education;<P>Consultation on the Schools Scotland Code 1956;<P>Regulation of Early Education and Childcare: The Way Ahead;<P>Guidelines for the Management of Drugs Misuse in Schools;<P>Outlook International: Promoting the International Dimension in Scottish Schools;<P>Consultation on Good Practice Guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Schools.<P>The consultations initiated by the Minister &amp; Deputy Minister for Education, Europe &amp; External Affairs since November 2000:<P>Collaborative Review of Initial Teacher Education Department;<P>Review of Devolved School Management.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150922,"EventID":"S1W-14209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation exercises the ministers with responsibility for culture and sport have initiated since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation exercises the ministers with responsibility for culture and sport have initiated since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Consultation on the <I>National Cultural Strategy</I> was launched in August 1999. A consultation on<I> The Development Of A Policy On Architecture For Scotland</I> was launched in September 1999. There has been no other consultation in these areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150923,"EventID":"S1W-14210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to address levels of absenteeism in local government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to address levels of absenteeism in local government.","AnswerText":"As independent corporate bodies, it is for individual local authorities to determine the terms and conditions of employment of their employees and to consider what, if any, action is required to address absenteeism.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150924,"EventID":"S1W-14211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial impact it expects its draft Freedom of Information legislation to have on local authorities in each of the next three years, and whether it has already pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what financial impact it expects its draft Freedom of Information legislation to have on local authorities in each of the next three years, and whether it has already provided for this impact in its recently announced three-year financial settlement.","AnswerText":"The Executive's consideration of the potential cost to Scottish public authorities arising from freedom of information is set out in <I>Freedom of</I> <I>Information - Consultation on Draft Legislation</I>, published on 1 March 2001. <P>Many Scottish public authorities already handle requests for information, whether or not under a formal regime, and will have existing structures in place able to support the provision of information under the freedom of information legislation. <P>It is envisaged that the implementation of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill will be in stages, and that the cost to the Scottish public sector will be absorbed within planned resources.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150925,"EventID":"S1W-14212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of foot and mouth disease in Scotland have been identified as having been contracted by air-borne transmission and how many by direct contact.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of foot and mouth disease in Scotland have been identified as having been contracted by air-borne transmission and how many by direct contact.","AnswerText":"Initial studies based on observations made in other countries suggest that airborne transmission from infected premises has not been a prominent feature of the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The spread appears mainly to be by direct contact particularly through sheep. The position is being monitored very carefully as the outbreak continues.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150926,"EventID":"S1W-14213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what advice has been received from the Chief Veterinary Officer regarding the period of time which must be observed before areas where foot and mouth disease has been id","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what advice has been received from the Chief Veterinary Officer regarding the period of time which must be observed before areas where foot and mouth disease has been identified can be restocked with livestock.","AnswerText":"Restrictions remain in force for a minimum of 30 days following the cleansing and disinfection of the last infected premise in an Infected Area. However a number of factors affect the timing of cleansing and disinfection such as disposal of slurry and manure on pasture land. This may delay the point at which cleansing and disinfection procedures begin.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150927,"EventID":"S1W-14214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is represented on bodies determining science strategy at a UK level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is represented on bodies determining science strategy at a UK level.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is represented on a number of UK Science Policy Groups and Organisations. It is represented at ministerial level on the Ministerial Science Group (MSG), and at official level on both the Chief Scientific Advisor's Committee (CSAC) and the Science and Engineering Base Co-ordinating Committee (SEBCC).","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150928,"EventID":"S1W-14215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was spent in each of the last two years by it and other publicly funded bodies on the production and publication of newsletters, maga'ines and periodicals ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was spent in each of the last two years by it and other publicly funded bodies on the production and publication of newsletters, maga'ines and periodicals concerning social inclusion and social justice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive spent approximately £13,000 in 1999 and £20,000 in 2000 on issues of a Social Inclusion Research Bulletin, GOSSIP (the quarterly newsletter for Social Inclusion Partnerships) and a New Community Schools newsletter.<P>Information on materials produced by the range of publicly funded bodies with an interest in social inclusion and social justice is not held centrally. There are a number of publicly funded organisations which produce newsletters etc. which touch on social inclusion issues without covering them in particular.<P>Scottish Homes started producing a quarterly news publication <I>Action for Social</I> <I>Justice in Scotland</I> in June 2000. Three issues were produced in 2000 at a total cost of £15,435.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150929,"EventID":"S1W-14216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the scheme allowing the licensed movement of livestock from farm to abattoir (a) permits or (b) prevents (i) the movement of livestock from farms which lie withi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the scheme allowing the licensed movement of livestock from farm to abattoir (a) permits or (b) prevents (i) the movement of livestock from farms which lie within areas where foot and mouth disease has been confirmed and (ii) the transportation of livestock on or across roads within such areas; whether any licences have been sought in relation to farms within infected areas; if so, whether any such licences have been granted; whether there has been any transportation of livestock across roads within infected areas and, if so, whether it plans to reassess the risks involved in such transportation.","AnswerText":"The scheme licensing the movement of animals to slaughter for human consumption, which came into effect at midnight on 2 March, permits animals from outside infected areas to be moved under strict controls direct from the farm to a slaughterhouse. Where such movements go within 3km of an infected place this may only be done by motorway, trunk road or railway. The movement of livestock from farms which lie within areas where foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed is prohibited.<P>Information on the number of applications for a licence to move livestock from an infected area is not held centrally. If any such applications were received they would be rejected.<P>The transportation of livestock across roads within infected areas is not permitted unless under licence for animal welfare purposes.<P>With this arrangement operating, the movement of stock is kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150930,"EventID":"S1W-14217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will investigate the issues raised by the Road Haulage Association at the meeting of the Rural Development Committee on 13 March 2001, in particular the adequ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will investigate the issues raised by the Road Haulage Association at the meeting of the Rural Development Committee on 13 March 2001, in particular the adequacy of the arrangements for disinfection of vehicles transporting livestock from farms to abattoir under licence, whether it is satisfied that all vehicles are effectively disinfected at abattoirs, what methods are being employed to ascertain whether this is the case, and whether these monitoring methods are sufficient and, if not, what additional measures will be taken to ensure adequate disinfection of such vehicles.","AnswerText":"Thorough disinfection of vehicles is carried out under strict supervision on behalf of Scottish Ministers, once livestock have been unloaded at the abattoir. This system should help to ensure that any risk of infection is minimal.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150931,"EventID":"S1W-14218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to meet representatives of the Road Haulage Association as a matter of urgency to discuss concerns about the practical arrangements for the move","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to meet representatives of the Road Haulage Association as a matter of urgency to discuss concerns about the practical arrangements for the movement of livestock from farm to abattoir under licence and in particular about how to ensure that such movement and transportation does not involve any increase in the risks of transmission of the foot and mouth virus.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had discussions with the Road Haulage Association.<P>Conditions under which livestock can be moved under licence direct from the farm to the abattoir are tightly drawn and enforced, to minimise any risk of transmission of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150932,"EventID":"S1W-14219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any evidence on the take-up of the voluntary charter set out in Smoking Kills: A White Paper on Tobacco designed to protect employees and customers within ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any evidence on the take-up of the voluntary charter set out in Smoking Kills: A White Paper on Tobacco designed to protect employees and customers within the hospitality industry from the health risks of passive smoking.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places was launched on 23 May 2000. It is too early to measure effectively the impact that the Charter is having. However, Charter Implementation Guides have been distributed to 20,000 businesses. A survey of the on-licensed trade businesses involved is to be undertaken in April 2001 to establish the awareness of, and uptake of the Charter. In addition, the Executive will be repeating its original survey (carried out by MVA), later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150933,"EventID":"S1W-14220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the approved code of practice on smoking in the workplace, outlined in Smoking Kills: A White Paper on Tobacco, has not yet been introduced, given that the Health an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the approved code of practice on smoking in the workplace, outlined in Smoking Kills: A White Paper on Tobacco, has not yet been introduced, given that the Health and Safety Commission endorsed the code in September 2000.","AnswerText":"Health and Safety at Work legislation is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150934,"EventID":"S1W-14221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will consider enabling 16-year-olds to continue at school whilst taking up an apprenticeship.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will consider enabling 16-year-olds to continue at school whilst taking up an apprenticeship.","AnswerText":"16-year-olds are eligible for Modern Apprenticeships provided they are in employment and the training leads to a Scottish Vocational Qualification at level 3. There are currently no plans to extend Modern Apprenticeships to non-employment settings, including schools. However, there are vocational opportunities available to 16-year-olds in school including work placement and new National Qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150935,"EventID":"S1W-14222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider measures to enable a wider age-range of young people to take up Modern Apprenticeships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider measures to enable a wider age-range of young people to take up Modern Apprenticeships.","AnswerText":"We are abolishing the upper age limit for Modern Apprenticeships to match people of all ages to the job opportunities available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150936,"EventID":"S1W-14223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  from which countries meat imports into Scotland are banned and whether meat is permitted to be imported into Scotland from any country in which foot and mouth disease is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  from which countries meat imports into Scotland are banned and whether meat is permitted to be imported into Scotland from any country in which foot and mouth disease is endemic.","AnswerText":"Bans are imposed by the EU Commission as and when disease outbreaks are confirmed. As a result of the current outbreak of FMD, meat imports from three departments in France, four provinces in the Netherlands, one county in the Republic of Ireland and the areas of Newry and Mourne in Northern Ireland are banned. These restrictions are adapted as circumstances change. Meat imports are only permitted from countries or regions which are guaranteed free from FMD.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150937,"EventID":"S1W-14224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received from the Food Standards Agency regarding any need for bans on the importation of meat from other countries to be introduced and whether it wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received from the Food Standards Agency regarding any need for bans on the importation of meat from other countries to be introduced and whether it will publish any such advice, specifying the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency has advised that there is no need to ban importation of meat from other countries. All beef produced in the EU must be produced in accordance with EU law. Imports of any meat from outside the EU are only allowed if the European Commission has approved the meat plant as producing to standards at least equivalent to those required by European law. <P>The agency does not consider that it is necessary to ban imports on risk grounds. The best available scientific advice indicates that the risks from eating imported beef and British beef are comparable, and are very small indeed. There have been recent studies carried out by Dr Christl Donnelly, of Imperial College, London. An article on French beef was published in <I>Nature</I> on 14 December and also a more recent study, (published 21 March) looked into risks of beef from Republic of Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150938,"EventID":"S1W-14225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Meat Hygiene Service is able to inspect 100% of carcasses of meat imported from other countries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Meat Hygiene Service is able to inspect 100% of carcasses of meat imported from other countries.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advises that the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) routinely carries out random checks on all consignments of imported meat arriving at licensed cutting premises. These random checks have recently been stepped up in light of specified risk material (SRM) failures in consignments of beef from several member states.<P>The agency has instructed the MHS to step up checks on imported meat and specifically to inspect every single consignment of carcass beef imported from Germany through licensed cutting plants, following the cases of beef with SRM attached. Local authorities have also been advised to step up checks on bone-in-beef and sheep meat and the health marking of all meat in the premises they supervise.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150939,"EventID":"S1W-14226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what it is doing to ensure that Amey will act in accordance with the Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector, particularly in relation to the prote","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what it is doing to ensure that Amey will act in accordance with the Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector, particularly in relation to the protection of occupational pensions of staff who are transferring employers, following the recent tendering process for the maintenance and management of trunk roads.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given on 22 March to question S1O-3171 and the supplementary questions.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150940,"EventID":"S1W-14227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to set up community law centres similar to those operated in England and Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to set up community law centres similar to those operated in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The Executive has set up a broadly-based working group, involving a range of interested organisations, to examine how a community legal service might be developed for Scotland. As part of its work, the group may wish to consider issues such as community law centres. The working group will report to me in October; and the Executive will consult on any policy proposals flowing from that report.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150941,"EventID":"S1W-14228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13867 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 14 March 2001, which year's Research Assessment Exercise-based grant and external research income fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13867 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 14 March 2001, which year's Research Assessment Exercise-based grant and external research income figures were used to calculate higher education institutions' allocations from the Scottish Science Research Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"The detail of the allocations from the Scottish Science Research Investment Fund is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC). However, I understand that the year of the SHEFC Research Assessment Exercise-based grant used by SHEFC in calculating the Science Research Investment Fund was the current grant year 2000-01. The external research income figures used were an average of figures for 1997-98 and 1998-99, which provide the latest data available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150942,"EventID":"S1W-14229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any organic farmers who lose their certification status or customers as a result of pollen contamination from field trials of genetically modified crops will be e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any organic farmers who lose their certification status or customers as a result of pollen contamination from field trials of genetically modified crops will be entitled to compensation and, if so, who will be liable to pay any such compensation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's priority is to protect human health and the environment.<P>The environmental implications of field trials of genetically modified crops are fully considered by our expert advisory bodies before consent is granted. These bodies are satisfied that there are no safety or scientific reasons why this programme should have an adverse effect on organic farming. Additionally, the separation distance which is imposed around trial sites should ensure that any cross-pollination with organic crops which does take place will be negligible and should not affect the organic status of these crops. The question of de-certification is a matter for the organic certification authorities.<P>There are currently no provisions in Scots or UK law covering liability for damage caused specifically by genetically modified organisms. However, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, there are powers to prosecute a consent holder where the limitations and conditions attached to the consent are breached. Compensation would be a matter for the civil courts in determining an ordinary action brought by the affected farmer for negligent harm done to him or his business or for nuisance.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150943,"EventID":"S1W-14230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the produce from any genetically modified trial or control sites will be certified as for human or livestock consumption.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the produce from any genetically modified trial or control sites will be certified as for human or livestock consumption.","AnswerText":"It is a condition of the deliberate release consent that the entire GM crop is destroyed and does not enter the human or animal food chain. The proportion of the control crop growing within the stipulated separation distance is also destroyed at the same time.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150944,"EventID":"S1W-14231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitoring of genetically modified (GM) crop trials included measurement of the dispersal of pollen from the GM crop by airborne flow, bee transfer or other means","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitoring of genetically modified (GM) crop trials included measurement of the dispersal of pollen from the GM crop by airborne flow, bee transfer or other means.","AnswerText":"Pollen flow from genetically modified crops being grown as part of the farm-scale evaluations is being monitored at every site in Scotland. The monitoring is taking place within the adjacent &quot;control&quot; crop and at sampling points in the surrounding area.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150945,"EventID":"S1W-14232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any public consultation meetings about genetically modified crop trials will be cancelled given the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any public consultation meetings about genetically modified crop trials will be cancelled given the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"No. Although there is no statutory public consultation as part of the approval process for the deliberate release of GM crops, the importance of making factual information available in the vicinity of the trials is fully recognised and it was my intention to visit the area this month. However, in light of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak other methods of reaching a much wider audience than could be accommodated in public meetings have been considered. To this end I participated in a radio phone-in on Friday 16 March which enabled many local people to obtain information about what is involved and let me hear at first hand areas of concern.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150946,"EventID":"S1W-14233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what tests produce from recently announced farm-scale genetically modified crop trials will be subjected in order to establish their safety for human consumption or fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what tests produce from recently announced farm-scale genetically modified crop trials will be subjected in order to establish their safety for human consumption or for livestock fodder.","AnswerText":"None. The GM crop will be destroyed after harvest and will not enter the human or animal food chain. The farm-scale evaluations are designed to test whether the agricultural practices associated with <U>growing</U> a GM crop have an impact upon farmland biodiversity. Safety for human or animal consumption is considered separately.<P>GM products intended for human or animal consumption must be approved at European level. The GM oilseed rape currently being grown in the farm-scale evaluation programme has not been granted this approval at present but has approval for release in the UK for research purposes.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150947,"EventID":"S1W-14234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc (Scotland) Act 2000, what steps are being taken to publicly advertise the process of extinction of feu duties under sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc (Scotland) Act 2000, what steps are being taken to publicly advertise the process of extinction of feu duties under section 7 and the requirement of a compensatory payment under section 8.","AnswerText":"The Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 will not be fully commenced until the closely related and complementary Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill has been enacted. It is intended that both pieces of legislation will be commenced at the same time and the Executive will fully publicise their meaning and effect before they come into force. The commencement order for the 2000 Act will be made six months before coming into effect and that would appear to be the appropriate time to advertise the provisions on the final extinction of feu duties.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150948,"EventID":"S1W-14235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase prescription or other National Health Service charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase prescription or other National Health Service charges.","AnswerText":"We shall lay today regulations to increase prescription and other National Health Service charges in Scotland from 1 April 2001. There will be a 1.67% increase in the prescription charge of 10p, from £6.00 to £6.10 per item dispensed.<P>This is well within our commitment that NHS charges will rise by no more than the rate of inflation and means that prescription charges will again fall in real terms. This is the third successive year that the increase has been held to 10p.<P>Prescription pre-payment certificates will go up from £31.40 to £31.90 (1.59%) for four months and from £86.20 to £87.60 (1.62%) for 12 months. The arrangements under which refunds can be obtained on the unused portion of certificates will be extended under the new regulations<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=3>.<P>Prescription charges are expected to raise around £45 million for the NHS in Scotland in 2001-02.<P>Charges for elastic stockings and tights, wigs and most fabric supports supplied through the Hospital Service will be increased similarly.<P>The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment begun on or after 1 April 2001 will increase from £354 to £360. Only about one in every 1,000 courses of treatment will attract the new maximum charge.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150949,"EventID":"S1W-14236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the findings of a recent report by the Scottish Charities Office into allegations of bullying and poor management practice at the charity Children in Scotland will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the findings of a recent report by the Scottish Charities Office into allegations of bullying and poor management practice at the charity Children in Scotland will be made available to the public.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Charities office examined concerns about maladministration expressed by a former employee at the charity Children in Scotland. The investigation found no cause for formal regulatory action by way of proceedings before the Court of Session. The examination of the management of the charity did find a number of areas in which improvements could usefully be made to administrative practice. This is by no means unusual when the affairs of a charity are brought under scrutiny. The Charities Office is working with those in management and control of Children in Scotland to bring about these improvements designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation to the greater advantage of its beneficiaries. Good progress is being made and the Charities Office will continue to monitor these developments.<P>The Charities Office did not investigate allegations of bullying. Such allegations are not a matter for that office. They are, in any event, the subject of proceedings before an Employment Tribunal.<P>Investigations under the supervision of charities legislation are conducted in confidence and reports are not published.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150950,"EventID":"S1W-14237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Financial Instruments for Fisheries Guidance, funding assistance is available to equip new-built fishing vessels in terms of Article 9, Section 1, Subs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Financial Instruments for Fisheries Guidance, funding assistance is available to equip new-built fishing vessels in terms of Article 9, Section 1, Subsection C of the Official Journal of the European Communities dated 30 December 1999.","AnswerText":"Council Regulation (EC) 2792/1999 sets out detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector, within which member states' FIFG programmes are considered and generally required to operate.<P>Article 9.1(c) of the Regulation includes general provisions relating to public aid for the equipping or modernising of vessels. These are subject to a number of caveats, including that measures will not jeopardise the long-term equilibrium of fishery resources. The measures included in the Scottish programmes, which have been discussed and agreed with industry, include support for the modernisation of vessels with priority to be given to projects to improve catch handling and hygiene, quality and sustainability. Funding bids will be assessed individually, on their merits.<P>It is not the Executive's policy, and therefore the programmes approved by the Commission for FIFG aid schemes in Scotland make no financial provision, to support new vessel builds.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150951,"EventID":"S1W-14238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future funding of Scottish Opera will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future funding of Scottish Opera will be.","AnswerText":"Scottish Opera has proved in recent years that it is capable of a standard of performance of international class. The productions of Das Rheingold at the Edinburgh Festival last year and of Madame Butterfly have been enthusiastically received by critics and public alike. In addition, its educational and outreach work has proved it capable of reaching out to a the widest possible audience. We should congratulate the company on this excellence and take pride that Scotland is the home of a company capable of delivering such quality.<P>I am determined that the company should continue to play the role in the cultural life of Scotland set out in the national cultural strategy for our national companies. It will not be able to do that without significant support from the Scottish Arts Council.<P>I have carefully considered the future levels of funding in the light of the circumstances of the company and of the competing pressures within the arts sector and taking into account the comments of the Scottish Arts Council. In preparing that advice, the council invited Sir Peter Jonas, formerly Chief Executive of English National Opera, to review the business plan. Among his observations was that in terms of the level of subsidy and staffing levels, Scottish Opera compares favourably with a number of other companies with which he is familiar.<P>I have also taken account of the effects of the period of extreme financial difficulty and uncertainty faced by the company, which led to the emergency payments of £2.1 million in November 1999. I am determined to avoid similar crises occurring again. It was evident at the time of that emergency support that a period of adjustment was necessary before the Company would reach a position of financial stability. A new Chairman, a new board and new management team have taken a grip of the company and are addressing the formidable challenges in creating that stability. Nevertheless this year has not been easy, despite the considerable artistic success. In order to control its costs, the board took the difficult decision to go dark in the last quarter of this year when there have been no main scale productions.<P>I have also taken particular account of the exceptional costs imposed on the company by the ambitious project to perform the Ring Cycle over this and the next three years. I firmly believe that this will be seen as an artistic triumph and bring great credit to the company, to the Edinburgh International Festival and to Scotland generally. <P>I am therefore pleased to confirm that significantly increased resources will be available to the company in this and the next three years. In total, over these four years support from the Scottish Arts Council will amount to £30.634 million. The annual grant for next year, and each of the subsequent two years will be £7.473 million. The support in this year will ensure that the company enters the next three-year period in as stable a financial position as possible.<P>This is a generous settlement, but it still imposes severe financial discipline on the company. It will have to seek cost savings and plan its future programme within strict financial constraints. The company now has the management and artistic team in place to ensure this and that it lives within its means and fulfils its potential<FONT SIZE=2>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150952,"EventID":"S1W-14239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that drugs of \"limited value\" and \"little therapeutic value\" according to the British National Formulary are not prescribed in Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that drugs of \"limited value\" and \"little therapeutic value\" according to the British National Formulary are not prescribed in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13966 on 21 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150953,"EventID":"S1W-14240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the drug Co-codamol is being prescribed on the NHS at a cost of #6.4 million when it has been classified as a drug of \"limited value\" in the British National Formular","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the drug Co-codamol is being prescribed on the NHS at a cost of #6.4 million when it has been classified as a drug of \"limited value\" in the British National Formulary.","AnswerText":"Co-codamol is a drug that is considered by the Joint Formulary Committee, under whose authority the British National Formulary is published, as \"less suitable for prescribing\". Although preparations labelled in this way may not be considered as drugs of first choice, their use may be justifiable in certain clinical circumstances. The decision whether or not to prescribe a particular treatment for a patient is a matter for the clinical judgement of the patient's responsible medical practitioner.<P>For further information on action which is taken to tackle excess prescribing of drugs I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13966 on 21 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150954,"EventID":"S1W-14241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether generic prescribing is ever used in order to ensure the most effective and efficient treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether generic prescribing is ever used in order to ensure the most effective and efficient treatment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-10675 on 9 November 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150955,"EventID":"S1W-14242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to provide mental health inpatient services for children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to provide mental health inpatient services for children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive over the past two years in particular has been working with health boards and others on the planning and re-structuring of mental health inpatient services for children and adolescents.<P>In terms of recent change, the children's inpatient unit and services at Glasgow Yorkhill hospital have expanded and the hospital is now the main national centre for inpatient child psychiatry with the inpatient unit in Tayside mainly serving Fife and the North East of Scotland.<P>Overall the number of children requiring hospital admission is small and the current provision, which has been the subject of a detailed needs assessment, is likely to meet anticipated demand. The position will however be kept under ongoing review.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150956,"EventID":"S1W-14243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being considered to provide a mental health unit for adolescent forensic provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being considered to provide a mental health unit for adolescent forensic provision.","AnswerText":"Currently, there is no forensic mental health unit for adolescents in Scotland. The very small number of adolescents who require such care are referred to one of two adolescent forensic units in Newcastle or Manchester. These units receive referrals from across the United Kingdom.<P>A Scottish Needs Assessment Programme assessment of child and adolescent mental health services will report later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150957,"EventID":"S1W-14244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it anticipates saving over the life of the new trunk road maintenance contracts as a result of any substitutions of money purchase schemes for certified pension","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it anticipates saving over the life of the new trunk road maintenance contracts as a result of any substitutions of money purchase schemes for certified pension schemes in relation to employees of existing contractors who are transferred under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations.","AnswerText":"The provision, by the companies who have been awarded the contracts, of pension arrangements for staff, including those who transfer from local authority employment under TUPE, is a matter for the companies to determine.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150958,"EventID":"S1W-14245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term plans are for the development of the fish farming industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term plans are for the development of the fish farming industry.","AnswerText":"We will continue to support the development of aquaculture, including new species, within a framework which has proper regard for the environment, and in particular the protection of wild fish. The industry is an extremely important part of the rural economy, and the Executive will work with the industry and others to ensure that fish farming maintains the highest standards of husbandry, environmental protection and quality assurance as it develops in the future.<P>The Executive is already taking a variety of initiatives to achieve these ends. We intend to transfer the planning responsibility for fish farming to local authorities, to enhance transparency and local accountability. We are working together with fish farmers, wild fishery interests, councils and other stakeholders through the Tripartite Working Group, the Aquaculture Health Joint Working Group, and the Aquaculture Forum, and we have recently begun a review of aquaculture regulation. The new FIFG scheme will provide targeted financial support for new and developing aquaculture businesses throughout Scotland, with a particular emphasis on diversification into new species, the development of shellfish and environmental improvements across the industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150959,"EventID":"S1W-14246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Crown Office Quality and Practice Review of Road Traffic Deaths will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Crown Office Quality and Practice Review of Road Traffic Deaths will be published.","AnswerText":"A summary of the findings and recommendations will be published before the end of April.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150960,"EventID":"S1W-14247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the specification for timber to be used for the new Parliament building includes a requirement that it be obtained from environmentally sustainable sources and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the specification for timber to be used for the new Parliament building includes a requirement that it be obtained from environmentally sustainable sources and whether the specification will be made publicly available.","AnswerText":"I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that specifications for Holyrood building works packages which include timber state that, &quot;all timber and timber-based materials used in the project must either be demonstrably from well managed, regulated, sustainable sources, or be suitable re-used timber re-finished to meet the quality requirements of BS EN942.&quot; The Project Team would be happy to provide relevant extracts from specific tender documents although full tender specifications are not made publicly available.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150961,"EventID":"S1W-14248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Project Team or the Holyrood Progress Group was asked by Bovis Lendlease whether certified timber should be specified for the new Parliament building ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Project Team or the Holyrood Progress Group was asked by Bovis Lendlease whether certified timber should be specified for the new Parliament building and, if so, what answer was given.","AnswerText":"I understand that the procurement of timber for the Holyrood building was considered jointly by representatives of Bovis Lend Lease, the Project Team, the Design Team and the Holyrood Progress Group, taking into account advice from the Forestry Commission. The Convener of the Progress Group has informed me that all of the parties involved are satisfied that the wording agreed for the tender specifications will ensure that the timber procured will be from responsible and sustainable sources.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150962,"EventID":"S1W-14249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding the timber used in the recent refurbishment of the Forestry Commission (Scotland) Headquarters at Corstorphine in Edinburgh, how much timber and of what type w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding the timber used in the recent refurbishment of the Forestry Commission (Scotland) Headquarters at Corstorphine in Edinburgh, how much timber and of what type was from (a) environmentally sustainable sources and (b) other sources, and how the environmental sustainability of any timber used was assured.","AnswerText":"The refurbishment of the Forestry Commission's headquarters will not be completed until next year. Timber suppliers will be required to provide information (such as origin and certification) to demonstrate that the timber comes from legal and sustainably managed sources, in line with the guidance on timber procurement contained in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' <I>Green Guide for Buyers</I>.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150963,"EventID":"S1W-14250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government that the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care being established under the Regulation of Care (S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government that the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care being established under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill should be included as a prescribed regulator under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.","AnswerText":"We intend to pursue this matter with the UK Government with a view to including the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care as a prescribed body under this Act. We also intend to take similar steps regarding the Scottish Social Services Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150964,"EventID":"S1W-14251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will intervene to protect the pensions of Highland Council employees who will be working for BEAR (Scotland) Ltd after 1 April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will intervene to protect the pensions of Highland Council employees who will be working for BEAR (Scotland) Ltd after 1 April 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the response I gave to Bruce Crawford within Jamie McGrigor's oral question S1O-3171 on 22 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150965,"EventID":"S1W-14252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13571 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, whether it will detail all activities on which it and the Defence Diversification Agen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13571 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, whether it will detail all activities on which it and the Defence Diversification Agency have worked and are currently working in order to encourage the widest exploitation of defence-derived technology.","AnswerText":"The Defence Diversification Agency, in partnership with the Scottish Enterprise Network and the Scottish Executive, has so far assisted over 100 companies, both large and small, in Scotland. In accordance with the Code of Practice on access to Government information, specific details of activities cannot be made public. This is to protect the competitive position of the companies assisted.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150966,"EventID":"S1W-14253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13571 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, whether it will detail any areas or initiatives which have allowed Scottish businesses","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13571 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, whether it will detail any areas or initiatives which have allowed Scottish businesses to lessen their dependence on the manufacturing of defence equipment and to diversify within the defence industry.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14252.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150967,"EventID":"S1W-14254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13571 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government to enc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13571 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 9 March 2001, what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government to encourage Scottish businesses, in co-operation with the Defence Diversification Agency, to diversify from defence output to civil output within the defence industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Ministry of Defence on a range of issues, including defence diversification. The Scottish Executive and its agencies will continue to work closely with the Defence Diversification Agency to assist companies in Scotland who wish to benefit from the defence diversification strategy of the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150968,"EventID":"S1W-14255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to achieve the objectives of the Making it in Renfrewshire Network which involves, among others, the local chamber of commerce and businesses, within the st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it plans to achieve the objectives of the Making it in Renfrewshire Network which involves, among others, the local chamber of commerce and businesses, within the structure and policies set out in Created in Scotland: The Way Forward for Scottish Manufacturing in the 21st Century.","AnswerText":"Manufacturing industry is already supported extensively by the Executive and the Enterprise Network and we are anxious to avoid duplicating this role. However, as a result of the work in Renfrewshire, I have asked Scottish Enterprise to review whether the needs of the sector are being fully met, in particular the support provided through the Small Business Gateway. Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire will also work in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce to map areas of existing support against those required by manufacturers. Based on this work, Scottish Enterprise will then be able to develop remedies where gaps in provision or in communication of existing support are identified.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150969,"EventID":"S1W-14256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12386 by Mr Jack McConnell on 6 March 2001, whether it will list the topics discussed between it and Her Majesty's Government prior","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12386 by Mr Jack McConnell on 6 March 2001, whether it will list the topics discussed between it and Her Majesty's Government prior to the Inter-Governmental Conference in Nice or, if this information is confidential, whether it will set out the grounds under which disclosure would not be in the public interest under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerText":"Discussions between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government are normally conducted on a confidential basis. Part 2, section 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information exempts information whose disclosure would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150970,"EventID":"S1W-14257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities fund preparatory work on flood prevention schemes which they submit to it for consideration and whether it has any plans to provide funding to cover","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities fund preparatory work on flood prevention schemes which they submit to it for consideration and whether it has any plans to provide funding to cover the costs of such work, irrespective of the outcome of the submission.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to fund the preparatory work on flood prevention schemes from the resources they have available. The single capital allocation includes provision for flood prevention measures, which may be used to cover scheme preparation costs. In the case of major flood prevention schemes additional resources may be made available by the Executive. <P>The Executive has no plans to change the existing arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150971,"EventID":"S1W-14258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received any representations from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland regarding the use of section 25A of the Local Government (Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has received any representations from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland regarding the use of section 25A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966 to provide for the remission of rates on account of hardship in the context of the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease; whether it will recommend to local authorities that such remission be granted and, if so, in respect of which business premises.","AnswerText":"We have received such representations from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. <P>Hardship relief is included in the Executive's package of assistance to help stabilise businesses affected by the foot and mouth outbreak. This was announced on 28 March in response to question S1W-14552. <P>Guidance will be issued to local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150972,"EventID":"S1W-14259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the proposed football academies which it intends will be funded from (a) sportscotland lottery funding and (b) other sources, will be outside Glasgow; where t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the proposed football academies which it intends will be funded from (a) sportscotland lottery funding and (b) other sources, will be outside Glasgow; where the academies will be, and how much funding each will receive.","AnswerText":"The programme is application based so it is not possible to give a precise answer to this question. The funding currently available would allow eight academy projects to be supported from the Lottery Sports Fund if each received the maximum award of £500,000. Under the proposals endorsed by the Scottish Football Partnership, Academies will be geographically spread across Scotland. Several clubs outwith Glasgow have made public announcements about their intention to develop an academy.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150973,"EventID":"S1W-14260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the use by the Scottish Egg Producing Retailers Association of the lion rampant as a trademark signifying that eggs displaying that mark are Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the use by the Scottish Egg Producing Retailers Association of the lion rampant as a trademark signifying that eggs displaying that mark are Scottish eggs produced in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The application to register the mark is currently with the UK Patent Office. This is a reserved matter and it will be for the Patent Office to determine if the lion rampant would be an acceptable trademark.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150974,"EventID":"S1W-14261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct Scottish Natural Heritage to provide MSPs and MPs with details of any areas being proposed for Special Areas of Conservation status within their co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct Scottish Natural Heritage to provide MSPs and MPs with details of any areas being proposed for Special Areas of Conservation status within their constituencies.","AnswerText":"No direction is required. When consultation begins on proposals for Special Areas of Conservation, Scottish Natural Heritage has agreed to provide MSPs and MPs with details of individual areas within their constituencies.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150975,"EventID":"S1W-14262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it was represented at a meeting on 5 March 2001 hosted by the English Tourism Council to discuss the implications of the foot and mouth outbreak for the tourist ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it was represented at a meeting on 5 March 2001 hosted by the English Tourism Council to discuss the implications of the foot and mouth outbreak for the tourist industry across the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14121 on 26 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150976,"EventID":"S1W-14263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to recently announced measures to contain foot and mouth disease, whether it will ensure that disinfectant barriers and rigorous enforcement of quarantine su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to recently announced measures to contain foot and mouth disease, whether it will ensure that disinfectant barriers and rigorous enforcement of quarantine surround the areas within which sheep are to be slaughtered.","AnswerText":"Strict controls are in place surrounding the areas within which sheep are to be slaughtered.<P>A complete standstill of movement is imposed on infected premises (including the movement of people, animals, vehicles and products), and around the infected premises, 3 kilometre zones have been defined where no livestock movements are allowed.<P>In addition, any vehicles or personnel moving on or off slaughter areas will be subject to thorough cleansing and disinfection.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150977,"EventID":"S1W-14264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether measures will be taken to ensure that the areas bordering the farms on which sheep are to be slaughtered in terms of the Ministerial Statement on 15 March 2001 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether measures will be taken to ensure that the areas bordering the farms on which sheep are to be slaughtered in terms of the Ministerial Statement on 15 March 2001 are secured against further transmission of the foot and mouth virus.","AnswerText":"Strict controls are being enforced to secure against any further transmission of the foot and mouth virus. On farms where slaughter is taking place there is strict control of the movement of people, vehicles and other equipment. Essential equipment or plant which has to be moved off a farm is cleansed and disinfected before being allowed.<P>These measures aim to contain any further spread of the virus.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150978,"EventID":"S1W-14265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, and on what basis, it is satisfied that it is not necessary to slaughter pigs or cattle as a measure to tackle foot and mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, and on what basis, it is satisfied that it is not necessary to slaughter pigs or cattle as a measure to tackle foot and mouth disease.","AnswerText":"All susceptible species e.g. cattle, sheep and pigs have to be slaughtered on infected premises. As a containment measure and because this disease is much more difficult to identify in sheep, it has been decided to remove all sheep in the infected areas. Cattle and pigs in other parts of infected areas, with the exception of those next to farms which became infected on or after 16 March which may well require to be slaughtered, are being kept under close surveillance.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150979,"EventID":"S1W-14266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimated #492,000 strategic co-ordination costs referred to in Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Aut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimated #492,000 strategic co-ordination costs referred to in Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority.","AnswerText":"These calculations were based on the estimated salary and employer costs of those Executive staff who have responsibility relating to one or more functions that could be transferred to a HIITA. This extended to over 40 staff, principally in the roads and ferries Divisions, within the Executive's Development Department. Many of these staff also have responsibilities that would not be transferred, so an estimate was made of the time they spend on the &quot;transferable&quot; functions only and costs were adjusted accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150980,"EventID":"S1W-14267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was of the services provided by Deloitte and Touche in connection with Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority; why the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost was of the services provided by Deloitte and Touche in connection with Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority; why the remit given to them did not include a requirement to present a case for the creation of a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority for consideration by consultees or to make any recommendations on the form of any such authority.","AnswerText":"The total costs incurred by Deloitte and Touche were around £125,000. This represents good value, given the comprehensive consultation exercise and the need to analyse a very complex set of issues.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The remit given to Deloitte and Touche was prepared in partnership by the Scottish Executive, the six local authorities involved in the study, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. All the partners agreed that it was not for Deloitte and Touche to recommend a single way forward, but instead to advise on the issues to be considered by the partners in reaching such a decision.<P>Consistent with this, Deloitte and Touche set out the case for and against establishing a HIITA and make recommendations about the form a HIITA might take, for example, that Shetland should not be included in any authority.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150981,"EventID":"S1W-14268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Deloitte and Touche in their report Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority did not provide any estimate of costs or range of costs for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why Deloitte and Touche in their report Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority did not provide any estimate of costs or range of costs for Options 4A and 4B and whether an estimate will now be provided for the costs for these two options.","AnswerText":"On pages 89-90 of Volume I of the report, Deloitte and Touche estimate the resource costs of option 4A, a minimum function HIITA, as being around £600,000.<P>This estimate provides a baseline by which one could calculate the resource costs of a most-function HIITA (Option 4B), depending on which of the additional functions were taken on.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150982,"EventID":"S1W-14269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it has done and is doing to ensure adequate provision of disinfectant to farmers and local authorities in order to help to contain the foot-and-mouth disease outbrea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it has done and is doing to ensure adequate provision of disinfectant to farmers and local authorities in order to help to contain the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"Initially concerns were expressed about the availability of approved disinfectants in some parts of Scotland. This prompted suppliers to publicise the availability of particular products and to inform the Scottish Executive. My officials have liaised very closely with the National Farmers Union of Scotland, who have disseminated information about local availability to their members. Similar information is also contained on the Scottish Executive website and is updated regularly.<P>I am not aware of any shortage of disinfectant in Dumfries and Galloway, but should that occur, my officials stand ready to help resolve matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150983,"EventID":"S1W-14270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is from the date of referral to the date of appointment for those referred to Glasgow Dental Hospital for each year from 1997 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is from the date of referral to the date of appointment for those referred to Glasgow Dental Hospital for each year from 1997 to date.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant at Glasgow Dental Hospital, following a General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner referral, for each year from 1997/8 is given in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=283><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year Ending</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Median Waits (Days)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">31 March 1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">64</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>31 March 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">76</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"47%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>31 March 2000<SUP>p</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"53%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">62</TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>p</SUP> Provisional<FONT SIZE=2><P>Source: ISD, Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150984,"EventID":"S1W-14271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is from the date of first appointment to the date of treatment for those treated at the Glasgow Dental Hospital for each year from 1997 to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the average waiting time is from the date of first appointment to the date of treatment for those treated at the Glasgow Dental Hospital for each year from 1997 to date.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150985,"EventID":"S1W-14272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Business Shops there are for each local enterprise company and where each one is located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Business Shops there are for each local enterprise company and where each one is located.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and I have asked the Chairmen to write to the member. A copy of their replies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150986,"EventID":"S1W-14273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to close any existing Business Shops or to open new such facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to close any existing Business Shops or to open new such facilities.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and I have asked the Chairmen to write to the member. A copy of their replies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150987,"EventID":"S1W-14274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the funding arrangements for local Business Shops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the funding arrangements for local Business Shops.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and I have asked the Chairmen to write to the member. A copy of their replies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150988,"EventID":"S1W-14275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make publicly available the Chief Veterinary Officer's advice on the slaughter of sheep stocks, as referred to in the Ministerial Statement on the foot-an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make publicly available the Chief Veterinary Officer's advice on the slaughter of sheep stocks, as referred to in the Ministerial Statement on the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak by the Minister for Rural Development on 15 March 2001.","AnswerText":"I am satisfied that the slaughter of sheep stocks within infected areas is based on sound veterinary advice. This advice cannot be made publicly available as it contains certain information which if disclosed would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion between Ministers and Officials. The Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information provides an exemption in such circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150989,"EventID":"S1W-14276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific advice has been given by the Chief Veterinary Officer on why a distance of three kilometres from infected premises was chosen as the area within which a sla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific advice has been given by the Chief Veterinary Officer on why a distance of three kilometres from infected premises was chosen as the area within which a slaughter of all sheep must be carried out, as set out in the Ministerial Statement on the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak by the Minister for Rural Development on 15 March 2001.","AnswerText":"It is a European requirement to set up a 3 km protection zone around any infected farm. Within this radius there is a high risk of local disease spread.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150990,"EventID":"S1W-14277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific advice the Chief Veterinary Officer has given in relation to the airborne transmission of the current foot-and-mouth disease virus and whether it will make ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific advice the Chief Veterinary Officer has given in relation to the airborne transmission of the current foot-and-mouth disease virus and whether it will make this advice publicly available, in particular that advice which relates to (a) the likelihood of airborne transmission, (b) whether any case of infection is believed to have been as a result of airborne transmission and (c) the maximum distance over which the virus can be transmitted by air.","AnswerText":"Information from the Office International des Epizootics (OIE), the World organisation for animal health in Paris indicates that airborne spread of foot and mouth disease can be as much as 60km overland and 300km by sea. Those are maximum distances under favourable conditions. In practice the possibility of aerosol spread depends on a number of factors including, number and species of the affected host animal, weather conditions (wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity). Aerosol spread overland is also subject to variation caused by land features which might disrupt the plume of virus.<P>However, insofar as this particular strain of virus is concerned, initial studies based on observations made in other countries suggest that aerosol transmission from infected premises has not been a prominent feature. So far this would appear to be being borne out in this country, as the spread appears to be by direct contact particularly through sheep. The position obviously is being monitored very carefully as the outbreak continues.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150991,"EventID":"S1W-14278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will fund a feasibility study on decommissioning for the fish processing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will fund a feasibility study on decommissioning for the fish processing industry.","AnswerText":"No. I do not consider decommissioning to be a feasible option for the fish processing sector.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150992,"EventID":"S1W-14279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12479 by Angus MacKay on 8 March 2001, when it will publish project plans and progress reports for the projects receiving funding f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12479 by Angus MacKay on 8 March 2001, when it will publish project plans and progress reports for the projects receiving funding from the Modernising Government Fund.","AnswerText":"Funding arrangements for all of the Modernising Government Fund projects have been put in place and the first payments for those projects scheduled to commence in the current year were made before the end of March.<P>The Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) for the projects are to submit appropriate plans containing deliverables and timescales for their projects. These should be in place before the end of April. The plans will then be published on the Scottish Executive's 21st Century Government website.<P>Procedures are also in place for monitoring the progress of each project and SROs are to provide quarterly reports to the Executive. These reports will be used to update the website.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150993,"EventID":"S1W-14280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13038 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 February 2001, how much of the #30 million funding for information and communication technology l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13038 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 February 2001, how much of the #30 million funding for information and communication technology local support centres will be received by Scotland.","AnswerText":"The £30 million funding for ICT support announced in the UK White Paper on Business and Skills will not be allocated specifically to geographic regions, since it will focus on UK-wide marketing activities, web-based assistance, and sector specific work. The local ICT support centres, including those in Scotland, will play a major role in the delivery of these activities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150994,"EventID":"S1W-14281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13635 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2001, how the #8 million investment package announced on 19 February 2001 is being spent, broke","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13635 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2001, how the #8 million investment package announced on 19 February 2001 is being spent, broken down by police force and project.","AnswerText":"The £8 million investment package announced last month, which is being funded from the Capital Modernisation Fund, covers two major initiatives promoted by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. The first is to share intelligence information across the eight Scottish police forces and the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency, in line with the National Intelligence Model. This will be facilitated through the Scottish Intelligence Database. The second is to implement a Management Information System that will facilitate the tracking of key performance indicators and decision-making in response to crime pattern analysis. Both of these initiatives will be implemented on a secure national computer network, also funded within this package. An implementation team is currently studying the requirements of individual forces and the SDEA. Whilst the breakdown by police force and project is an operational matter for chief constables, the Executive will seek confirmation on the business case so that best value in relation to each can be assessed and subsequent performance following implementation evaluated against an agreed specification.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150995,"EventID":"S1W-14282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10988 by Susan Deacon on 22 February 2001, what short- and medium-term targets it has for the number of GP surgeries to have the fa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10988 by Susan Deacon on 22 February 2001, what short- and medium-term targets it has for the number of GP surgeries to have the facility to make online hospital appointments.","AnswerText":"As explained in the answers to questions S1W-10986 and S1W-10988, the facility to make online outpatient appointments is part of a wider range of clinical communications between primary and secondary care which form the ECCI Programme. These facilities are being implemented throughout NHSScotland in three phases. The first (lead sites) phase is currently under way and the second and third phases are at various stages of detailed project planning. It is not possible at this stage particularly in respect of the second and third phases to specify short- and medium-term targets for one specific aspect of the ECCI Programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150996,"EventID":"S1W-14283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11872 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 February 2001, when the results of the e-care project will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11872 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 February 2001, when the results of the e-care project will be available.","AnswerText":"The Aberdeenshire E-care project is one of a series of Modernising Government Fund (MGF) projects that will use information and communications technology (ICT) to support a multi agency strategy for improving community care.<P>The E-care projects are being co-ordinated as part of a strategic programme of electronic health care overseen by the Scottish Executive.<P>MGF projects are scheduled to run until March 2002. All of the projects will be monitored, with regular updates and results published on the Scottish Executive's 21st Century Government website.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150997,"EventID":"S1W-14284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11872 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 February 2001, whether its commitment to achieve universal access to the web by 2005 refers to un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11872 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 February 2001, whether its commitment to achieve universal access to the web by 2005 refers to universal access from home.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to achieving universal access to the web by 2005. It is technically possible now for anyone with a telephone line and a PC to purchase web access, but income and a range of other factors are currently affecting take-up by certain groups. We are therefore considering a range of options to achieve universal access which include both home-based access and community facilities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150998,"EventID":"S1W-14285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  on what legal basis it intends to implement the foot and mouth slaughter programme announced by the Minister for Rural Development on 15 March 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  on what legal basis it intends to implement the foot and mouth slaughter programme announced by the Minister for Rural Development on 15 March 2001. ","AnswerText":"The legal basis for the pre-emptive cull, which I announced on 15 March, is under section 31, and Schedule 3 to, the Animal Health Act 1981.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":150999,"EventID":"S1W-14286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards training 5,000 new childcare workers by 2002, as set out in Making it work together: A programme for government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made towards training 5,000 new childcare workers by 2002, as set out in Making it work together: A programme for government.","AnswerText":"Almost 2,000 workers have been trained to date. We are on target to deliver this commitment.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151000,"EventID":"S1W-14287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had or plans to have any discussions with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions with r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had or plans to have any discussions with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions with regard to any environmental or health implications of the possible processing at Dounreay of Australian research reactor fuel on board the ship Le Bouguenais.","AnswerText":"No. I understand that no spent fuel from Australia is due to be received at Dounreay.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151001,"EventID":"S1W-14288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in examining the feasibility of a centre for the languages of Scotland, as outlined in Creating our Future, Minding our Past.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in examining the feasibility of a centre for the languages of Scotland, as outlined in Creating our Future, Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"A group chaired by Professor Ron Asher of the Royal Society of Edinburgh has put forward a proposal for a centre for the languages of Scotland. The Executive does not in general provide direct support for cultural projects and has no funding available to support such a centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151002,"EventID":"S1W-14289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in providing out of school care places for 100,000 children by 2003, as set out in Making it work together: A programme for government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in providing out of school care places for 100,000 children by 2003, as set out in Making it work together: A programme for government.","AnswerText":"We are making good progress towards the target of out-of-school places for 100,000 children. The number of children benefiting from out of school care is just under 38,000. This includes children who are taking up places created through the New Opportunities Fund (NOF).<P>More places for children will be created as further awards are made by NOF and through the childcare strategy resources made available to local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151003,"EventID":"S1W-14290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in expanding support for families and very young children through family centres, and mobile and outreach services, for at least 5,000 additi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in expanding support for families and very young children through family centres, and mobile and outreach services, for at least 5,000 additional children by 2002, as set out in the Making it work together: A programme for government.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has already provided £23 million, and will be providing a further £57 million for the three forward years from April 2001, to expand support for families with very young children through Sure Start Scotland. This funding has been allocated to local authorities. Guidance has been issued to local authorities outlining the main aims and objectives of Sure Start Scotland.<P>We are making good progress in reaching the programme for government target.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151004,"EventID":"S1W-14291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors came to Scotland through rail-based breaks in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors came to Scotland through rail-based breaks in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information available is in respect of UK holiday tourists who use rail as their main means of transport to Scottish destinations. It is as follows:<U><P>Holiday Tourist Trips by Train to Scotland by UK Residents:</U><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>From Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">220,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">230,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">100,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>From England</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">350,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">290,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">370,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>From Wales</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">30,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">10,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total UK</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">600,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">530,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">472,000</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: UKTS","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151005,"EventID":"S1W-14292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what strategy it has to address any decline in visitors to Scotland through rail-based breaks following recent disruptions to the rail network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what strategy it has to address any decline in visitors to Scotland through rail-based breaks following recent disruptions to the rail network.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>v</B>isitscotland are involved in a number of initiatives to promote rail travel to Scotland generally, and are in discussions with ScotRail regarding the foot and mouth recovery programme.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151006,"EventID":"S1W-14293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the travel arrangements are for the representatives of the Parliament attending the Tartan Day celebrations in Washington DC, USA.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the travel arrangements are for the representatives of the Parliament attending the Tartan Day celebrations in Washington DC, USA.","AnswerText":"Representatives of the Scottish Parliament's cross party delegation will travel to Washington DC, USA, via Dublin, on Monday 2 April and will be returning, via Dublin, on Monday 9 April.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151007,"EventID":"S1W-14294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13602 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 March 2001, what the proposed timetable is for the enactment of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13602 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 March 2001, what the proposed timetable is for the enactment of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill and how soon thereafter it plans to introduce the Tenement (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill will mark the second stage in the Property Law Reform Programme commenced by the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.  We plan to launch a consultation exercise on the draft Title Conditions Bill later this spring.  Following the consultation period, we hope to bring the Bill before Parliament as soon as an opportunity arises in the legislative programme.  As indicated in the answer to question S1W-13602 on 9 March 2001, the proposals for a Tenement Bill will require to be redrafted in the light of the Title Conditions Bill as it is passed by Parliament.  It is not possible at this stage to say exactly when a Tenement Bill may be introduced, as it will depend upon legislative time being found.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151008,"EventID":"S1W-14295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the details of DNA samples of individuals retained on file by police forces will only be those of individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the details of DNA samples of individuals retained on file by police forces will only be those of individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offence.","AnswerText":"Only the DNA samples of those subsequently convicted of a criminal offence will be retained on file by police forces except for samples taken in terrorist cases. Under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, other DNA samples taken from people arrested or detained by the police must be destroyed if the person concerned is not subsequently convicted.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151009,"EventID":"S1W-14296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the composition and remit of the independent committee to conduct a comprehensive review of licensing laws, as announced by the Deputy Minister for Health and Commun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the composition and remit of the independent committee to conduct a comprehensive review of licensing laws, as announced by the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care during the debate on alcohol misuse on 7 December 2000, will be announced.","AnswerText":"We are still considering the composition of the committee but expect to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. The proposed remit of the committee will be:<P>&quot;To review all aspects of liquor licensing law and practice in Scotland, with particular reference to the implications for health and public order; to recommend changes in the public interest; and to report accordingly.&quot;","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151010,"EventID":"S1W-14299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to review the Arbuthnott formula and monitor its operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to review the Arbuthnott formula and monitor its operation.","AnswerText":"I have today appointed a Standing Committee, under the Chairmanship of Sir John Arbuthnott, for that very purpose. The remit of the committee is to:<P>keep the formula for resource allocation for NHSScotland under review;<P>keep under review the information available to support elements of the formula;<P>advise on possible formulaic approaches to the parts of health expenditure not currently covered by the needs-based formula; and<P>advise on adjustments to the formula for unmet need to tackle inequalities in the light of consultation.<P>Furthermore, the committee will consider any relevant issues which are from time to time referred to it.<P>Along with the Chairman, the members of the committee will be:<P>David Bolton, Director of Primary Care, Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust;<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dr Adam Bryson, Medical Director, National Services Division, Common Services Agency;<P>Richard Copland, Director, Information and Statistics Division, Common Services Agency;<P>Dr Frances Elliot, Medical Director, Fife Primary Care NHS Trust;<P>Ms Fiona Mackenzie, Chief Executive, Highland Primary Care NHS Trust;<P>Colin Masson, Director of Finance, Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust;<P>Mrs Lesley McLay, Director of Nursing, Ayrshire &amp; Arran Primary Care Trust;<P>Professor <STRONG>Lewis</STRONG><B> </B><STRONG>Ritchie, </STRONG>James Mackenzie Professor and Head of Department, University of Aberdeen;<P>Matthew Sutton, Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow;<P>Dr Lesley Wilkie, Director of Public Health, Argyll &amp; Clyde Health Board, and<P>Professor Kevin Woods, William R Lindsay Chair in Health Policy &amp; Economic Evaluation, University of Glasgow.<P>The committee will also comprise a number of officials with appropriate policy involvement from the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151011,"EventID":"S1W-14300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the above average unemployment rate in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the above average unemployment rate in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.<P>Within the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross catchment area, as at end December 2000, 598 young clients have participated in the New Deal for Young People and 697 clients have participated in the New Deal 25+.<P>The town of Wick (and the surrounding rural areas covered by postcode KW1), the Ormlie Housing Estate and the Recruit Sutherland campaign are also benefiting from 'Action Team for Jobs' assistance. 'Action Teams for Jobs' is a Department for Education and Employment initiative that provides additional, flexible assistance to jobseekers in discrete areas of high unemployment. <P>In addition to these UK initiatives, the Scottish Executive through its economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and its local enterprise companies, Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) and Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE), is taking forward a number of projects to address unemployment within the area. The following are examples of these initiatives:<P>Alternative employment opportunities created in Easter Ross include nearly 1000 jobs in Information Technology related companies over the past 3 years including over 300 in the last 12 months. <P>Development of advance office/commercial premises, notably the construction of 9,000 square feet at Alness Point business park at a cost of £1million and several significant serviced sites at Dingwall Business Park costing £1.5 million. <P>Establishment of the Cromarty Industries Group involving a wide range of private sector operators, many in the Easter Ross area, which has produced a strategy for a partnership with the HIE Network, including RACE, to help with diversification of market opportunities both at home and abroad.<P>Assisting Business Start-Ups under the new HIE Starts programme which is a flexible scheme allowing potential new business starts to remain in part-time employment until their business develops to the full-time stage. Additionally, there is no longer a requirement for an individual to have been unemployed for six weeks prior to start-up. <P>Undertaking projects such as the business parks in Wick and Golspie to attract inward investment and employment to areas of high unemployment. The total investment in the two parks is just under £2 million. <P>Skills development for unemployed workers including Safety Passport Training to develop a pool of potential workers for Dounreay decommissioning related projects. <P>Support for redundant workers including BARMAC ex-employees and contractors. <P>Specialist small-scale intermediate labour market projects commencing in Sutherland and one under discussion for Wick. <P>Development of additional support for offenders and those at risk.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151012,"EventID":"S1W-14301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why James William Murray, formerly of Tarbolton, has been released from prison after serving nine months of the three and a half years to which he was sentenced on 1 June","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why James William Murray, formerly of Tarbolton, has been released from prison after serving nine months of the three and a half years to which he was sentenced on 1 June 2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:-<P>Mr Murray appealed against his sentence at the High Court in Glasgow on 1 September 2000. The Court quashed his original sentence and substituted it with an 18 months sentence effective from 1 June 2000. Mr Murray was therefore released on the appropriate date.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151013,"EventID":"S1W-14302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the release from prison of James William Murray, formerly of Tarbolton, was not intimated in advance to his victims or their families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the release from prison of James William Murray, formerly of Tarbolton, was not intimated in advance to his victims or their families.","AnswerText":"The release of Mr Murray was not intimated to his victims or their families as they were not eligible to be included in the current Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VNS provides for the victims of violent or sexual crimes or their next of kin to be notified when their assailant is due to be released from custody, but only where the assailant has been sentenced to a prison term of 4 years or more. Mr Murray did not fall within the Scheme since he received a sentence of less than 4 years, namely of 3 years 6 months which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.<P>The Scottish Strategy for Victims which was published in December last year made clear the Executive's commitment to improve support for victims, including greater provision of information. Options for extending the Victim Notification Scheme to a wider range of prisoners are being considered, along with other possible changes to the Scheme, as part of implementation of the Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151014,"EventID":"S1W-14303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a public information campaign on television and local radio stations explaining the necessary advice with regard to the foot-and-mouth disease ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a public information campaign on television and local radio stations explaining the necessary advice with regard to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and other bodies, such as the NFUS, are providing regular guidance, advice and information to farmers, the public at large and other key interests. This is being done at national level but local media interests are helping as appropriate. Detailed advice has been given to farmers on the Welfare Movements Scheme, the Movement to Slaughter Scheme and the Welfare Disposal Scheme (via the Distribution Board). Additionally, farmers in the Dumfries and Galloway subject to the slaughter cull have been kept appraised of developments by letter or telephone. Helplines have been and remain in operation at the SERAD HQ and various regional offices.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151015,"EventID":"S1W-14304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what possible health ha'ards are posed by landfill sites close to human habitation; whether any such sites can be a source of infection of any particular disease, and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what possible health ha'ards are posed by landfill sites close to human habitation; whether any such sites can be a source of infection of any particular disease, and, if so, which ones.","AnswerText":"Studies into the effects on human health of living close to landfill sites have suggested that there is a need for further research. The Scottish Executive and UK Government Departments therefore commissioned the Small Areas Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) last year to investigate the incidence of a range of cancers and birth defects around 7000 landfill sites in the UK. SAHSU is due to report by the end of May.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151016,"EventID":"S1W-14305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk of pollution to rivers landfill sites pose and what measures and safeguards are in place to reduce any such risk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk of pollution to rivers landfill sites pose and what measures and safeguards are in place to reduce any such risk.","AnswerText":"There is a potential risk to water courses from leachate. Accordingly modern landfill sites are operated to minimise water ingress and leachate is extracted and treated to a high standard before being discharged. New landfill sites will be regulated by the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000 and will have to meet the conditions in the EC Landfill Directive, which requires sites to be situated and designed so as to meet the necessary conditions for preventing the pollution of soil, groundwater or surface water.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151017,"EventID":"S1W-14306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Waste Strategy and national planning advice would prevent the granting of permission for a landfill site at mid Lairgs Quarry if it was shown that th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Waste Strategy and national planning advice would prevent the granting of permission for a landfill site at mid Lairgs Quarry if it was shown that there was a risk of water pollution to the River Nairn from the catchment area of the proposed site.","AnswerText":"If an application for planning permission for a landfill site at Mid-Lairgs were to be made, the National Waste Strategy: Scotland and National Planning Policy Guidelines would be important factors in its determination by the local authority. The application would also be accompanied by an environmental impact assessment which, amongst other things, would examine the risk that the proposed site posed to the River Nairn. In addition the site would be regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000 and would have to meet the conditions in the EC Landfill Directive. The Directive requires sites to be situated and designed so as to meet the necessary conditions for preventing the pollution of soil, groundwater or surface water.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151018,"EventID":"S1W-14307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received from Her Majesty's Government regarding the precise source and cause of the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and whether the possibilit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received from Her Majesty's Government regarding the precise source and cause of the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and whether the possibility that the virus may have come from a landfill site at Brankley located about five miles from the farm at Heddon-on-the-Wall, Northumberland has been discounted.","AnswerText":"The Brankley landfill site has been discounted by epidemiologists as the source of the virus. The virus is a type O Asian strain and has been imported, possibly in infected meat products. Work continues to identify possible routes with which the virus has gained entry. The source farm currently is thought to be a pig farm at Burnside, Heddon on the Wall.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151019,"EventID":"S1W-14308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10929 by Mr Jack McConnell on 16 March 2001, how many claims have been submitted to date, and for how much, for additional costs in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10929 by Mr Jack McConnell on 16 March 2001, how many claims have been submitted to date, and for how much, for additional costs incurred as a result of the 2000 examinations diet, broken down by (a) local authority, (b) further education institution and (c) higher education institution; how much money has been allocated in the current financial year to meet the cost of any such claims, again broken down by (a), (b) and (c), and how much money has been allocated in 2001-02 to cover such claims.","AnswerText":"As announced in response to question S1W-10929, the Scottish Executive agreed to consider any claims submitted by local authorities concerning additional costs arising from the 2000 examinations diet. <P>In order to minimise the administrative burden on local authorities and in consideration that all authorities were affected by the difficulties with the summer 2000 exam results, I have decided to make an 'ex gratia' payment to each local authority. All payments have been made during financial year 2000-01 and therefore no additional payments will be made during financial year 2001-02. The table sets out the payments made, which are based on the number of schools and pupils in each authority: <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>Local Authority</B></TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><B><P>Payment</B></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£26,781</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£35,166</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£17,120</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£17,034</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£6,775</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£28,128</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£21,189</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£20,035</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£19,871</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£12,340</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£15,855</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Edinburgh City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£47,856</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£15,411</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£18,693</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£47,776</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Glasgow City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£67,756</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£46,480</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£16,194</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Midlothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£12,801</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Moray</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£15,091</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£21,385</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£54,564</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£7,759</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Perth &amp; Kinross</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£19,620</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£28,840</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£17,326</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland Islands</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£11,038</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£18,800</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>South Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£46,598</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Stirling</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£14,110</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151020,"EventID":"S1W-14309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure the availability of maternity services of the highest standard across the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area and whether it will guarantee the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure the availability of maternity services of the highest standard across the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area and whether it will guarantee the continuance of consultant-led maternity services at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Vale of Leven Hospital and the Royal Alexandria Hospital.","AnswerText":"The provision of maternity services in Argyll and Clyde is a matter for Argyll and Clyde Health Board and its NHS Trusts. Any proposals for significant change or reconfiguration of maternity services must be subject to comprehensive public consultation. <I><P>The Framework for Maternity Services</I>, published in February, establishes clear action points and recommendations to enable NHS Boards, NHS Trusts and other agencies to put in place maternity services appropriate to the needs of women in Scotland. <P>The Chief Executive of NHSScotland wrote to Chairmen and Chief Executives of Health Boards and NHS Trusts on 2 February emphasising the importance of the Framework for the future local planning of maternity services. By August this year, NHS Boards and Trusts will be required to demonstrate that current maternity services strategies have been tested against the Framework.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151021,"EventID":"S1W-14310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it will do to ensure that the criteria laid down by the Royal Colleges which govern the consultant establishment in specialised medical provision take account of are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it will do to ensure that the criteria laid down by the Royal Colleges which govern the consultant establishment in specialised medical provision take account of areas of sparse population and are not based solely on population totals.","AnswerText":"The consultant establishment is decided by the local health board, in consultation with the NHS trusts in its area, in order to provide a modern, flexible service matched to local needs. Criteria produced by Royal Colleges do not govern the consultant establishment, although boards will have regard to them. The development of managed clinical networks, the work of the Remote And Rural Areas Resource Initiative (RARARI) and the commitment in &quot;Our National Health; a plan for action; a plan for change&quot; for boards in rural areas to draw up plans for rolling out good practice from RARARI projects, will assist boards which have areas of sparse population. Health Boards' and NHS trusts' performance is judged on the services they provide and their effect on health, which will be addressed by a new performance framework as indicated in &quot;Our National Health; a plan for action; a plan for change&quot;.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151022,"EventID":"S1W-14311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to take to tackle any postcode discrimination in determining rates relief for rural post offices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to take to tackle any postcode discrimination in determining rates relief for rural post offices.","AnswerText":"The criteria for assessing eligibility for the rural rates relief scheme are as set out in my answer to S1W-14312. The Scottish Executive is not aware of any discrimination in the implementation of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151023,"EventID":"S1W-14312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the criteria used to determine qualification for rural rates relief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the criteria used to determine qualification for rural rates relief.","AnswerText":"Mandatory rates relief of 50% is awarded to sole village shops and post offices with a rateable value of £6,000 or less in settlements of 3,000 people or less. This may be topped up to 100% at the local authority's discretion.<P>In such settlements, local authorities may also grant discretionary rates relief of up to 100% to properties, with a rateable value of £12,000 or less, which are of benefit to the local community. <P>We are consulting on extension of the rural rates relief scheme to pubs, garages and shops that are not sole village shops. Our consultation paper is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib No. 11605).","AnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151024,"EventID":"S1W-14313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will extend the consultation period for the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code in the light of the current outbreak of foo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will extend the consultation period for the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code in the light of the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease in order to ensure that farmers and other interested parties in rural areas have time to meet to discuss their response to the legislation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive fully appreciates the difficulties being experienced in rural areas from Foot and Mouth Disease, and eradicating the disease remains the Executive's highest priority. We are also aware of the problems farmers and related organisations have had in arranging meetings and considering their responses to the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and the Draft Scottish Outdoor Access Code at this particularly difficult time.<P>In light of this, I have decided that it is necessary to extend this consultation period to the end of June. However, I would urge those who are in a position to respond, to send their comments early, so that the Department can consider fully the points raised prior to receiving responses from other organisations which face greater difficulties.<P>The Executive takes consultation exercises very seriously and it is important that all consultees are given sufficient time to respond to the draft proposals. I have arranged for all MSPs and other consultees to be informed individually in writing of this extension.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151025,"EventID":"S1W-14314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what information it is seeking from the museum and heritage sector with regard to the impact of the current foot and mouth outbreak on visitor numbers and visitor spend.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what information it is seeking from the museum and heritage sector with regard to the impact of the current foot and mouth outbreak on visitor numbers and visitor spend.","AnswerText":"The Economic Impact Group is collecting information from all sources, including museums and galleries, to enable the Executive to provide reliable estimates of the medium to long-term effects of the outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151026,"EventID":"S1W-14315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the Scottish Museum Council with regard to the impact of the current foot and mouth outbreak on visits to museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with the Scottish Museum Council with regard to the impact of the current foot and mouth outbreak on visits to museums.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Museums Council is keeping the Executive informed about the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on museum visits.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151027,"EventID":"S1W-14316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will include the museum and heritage sector in any plans for compensation or financial relief from government arising out of the current foot and mouth outbre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will include the museum and heritage sector in any plans for compensation or financial relief from government arising out of the current foot and mouth outbreak.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-03251 on 5 April.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151028,"EventID":"S1W-14317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pension rights of public sector workers transferred into the private sector under the trunk roads maintenance contracts will be affected and, if so, what any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pension rights of public sector workers transferred into the private sector under the trunk roads maintenance contracts will be affected and, if so, what any effects on pensions might be.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-03171.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151029,"EventID":"S1W-14319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any commitment from British Airways regarding the continued use of turboprop aircraft at airfields in the Highlands and Islands following any take","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any commitment from British Airways regarding the continued use of turboprop aircraft at airfields in the Highlands and Islands following any take-over by British Airways of the British Regional Air Lines Group plc.","AnswerText":"British Airways has confirmed that if the acquisition of the British Regional Air Lines Group plc is approved by the regulators, the long-term aircraft fleet requirements will be determined in line with the demands of the market and the operating environment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151030,"EventID":"S1W-14320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many routes in the Highlands and Islands in which turboprop aircraft are used are currently operated by the British Regional Air Lines Group plc. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many routes in the Highlands and Islands in which turboprop aircraft are used are currently operated by the British Regional Air Lines Group plc. ","AnswerText":"The British Regional Air Lines Group plc currently operates the following Highlands and Islands' routes with turboprop aircraft:<P>Glasgow-Sumburgh<P>Glasgow-Benbecula<P>Glasgow-Stornoway<P>Aberdeen-Kirkwall<P>Aberdeen-Sumburgh","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151031,"EventID":"S1W-14321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the possible take-over of the British Regional Air Lines Group plc by British Airways will have on air services in the Highlands and Islands and what represen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the possible take-over of the British Regional Air Lines Group plc by British Airways will have on air services in the Highlands and Islands and what representations or action it plans to make or take on this matter.","AnswerText":"British Airways (BA) has confirmed that it has no plans to withdraw or reduce the Scottish services operated by the British Regional Air Lines Group plc as a result of the purchase of the full equity in the airline.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151032,"EventID":"S1W-14322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is of its consultation on the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) and whether it will publish the responses received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is of its consultation on the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) and whether it will publish the responses received.","AnswerText":"The ROS consultation closed last month, and we received over 150 responses. I am very grateful to all those who took the time to give us their views, and we will be carefully considering the issues raised before final decisions on the structure of the obligation are made.<P>A report of the responses has been prepared, and will be available from today on the Scottish Executive website. I am also placing copies of the report in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 12140)","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151033,"EventID":"S1W-14323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the matters discussed at the Environmental Council meeting on 8 March 2001, attended by the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the matters discussed at the Environmental Council meeting on 8 March 2001, attended by the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture.","AnswerText":"Sam Galbraith attended the Environment Council meeting on 8 March as part of the UK delegation along with the DETR Environment Minister Michael Meacher. This was the first Environment Council under the Swedish Presidency. It was held in Brussels under the chairmanship of the Swedish Environment Minister, Mr Kjell Larrson.<P>At the council, there was lively a policy debate - open to the public - on the Sixth Environmental Action Programme, which was proposed by the Commission in January. When agreed by the council and European Parliament this will set out the EU's environmental priorities for the next ten years with four priority areas for action - climate change, nature and biodiversity, environment and health and sustainable management of natural resources and waste. The negotiations on this issue will proceed throughout the remainder of the Swedish Presidency with the aim of achieving a Common Position at the June Council.<P>There was an exchange of views on the Commission's Communication on Bathing Water policy. On this the council adopted Conclusions which are favourable to the UK, particularly in their insistence on the need for the Commission to undertake a thorough assessment of the costs and benefits before proposing a revised Directive.<P>There was also a policy debate on the Commission's recently adopted White Paper on an EU chemicals strategy. The aims of the strategy are to maintain a high level of protection of human health and the environment, to raise the confidence of the public in chemicals management and to ensure compliance with the regulations of the internal market. On this the UK supported the Commission's White Paper but stressed the need to identify and phase out chemicals that pose an unacceptable risk. The UK also advocated improved public access to information and the need to minimise animal testing. <P>A Common Position was also reached on a proposal for a Directive on emissions from motorcycles. This will provide better air quality while at the same time protecting the particular interests of small UK motorbike manufacturers.<P>In addition to this, council Conclusions on Climate Change, and on Preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) were agreed. On Climate Change, the council reaffirmed the EU's commitment to reaching agreement on the Kyoto Protocol at the resumed COP6. On the World Summit, the UK strongly supported the Commission's plans for preparing for the Summit, which are in tune with our own plans for stakeholder involvement that Mr Galbraith announced in the Scottish Parliament on 28 February.<P>Finally, we reviewed progress on a range of issues. The Commission and Presidency updated council on progress on an EU Sustainable Development Strategy, and the Commission presented their Green Paper on Integrated Product Policy, which seeks to address the environmental impact of products at all stages of their life-cycle. The Presidency also reported on progress on several environmental Directives on which they aim to make substantial progress and which will fall to the Scottish Executive to implement. These include a revised Directive on Access to Environmental Information, the proposed Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, and a Decision establishing a list of priority substances discharged into the aquatic environment. We shall of course be fully involved in developing the UK line on these and other environmental issues during the weeks and months ahead.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151034,"EventID":"S1W-14324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any unmet need for Gaelic language teachers and, if so, what steps are being taken to address this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there is any unmet need for Gaelic language teachers and, if so, what steps are being taken to address this.","AnswerText":"The supply of Gaelic-medium teachers continues to be a priority for Scottish Ministers. In recent annual guidance to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) on setting of intakes to courses of initial teacher education the Executive asked SHEFC to pursue ways to increase the supply of Gaelic-medium teachers for introduction in academic session 2001-02. SHEFC have responded by allocating 10 funded places to Strathclyde University for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education specifically to support primary Gaelic-medium provision.<P>The Supply of Teachers report, Vol 1 - Jan 2001, details the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlines planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751). The answer to your question can be found at paragraphs 28-36 of the report.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151035,"EventID":"S1W-14325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide development funding for teacher training at Sabhal Mor Ostaig.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide development funding for teacher training at Sabhal Mor Ostaig.","AnswerText":"The provision of teacher training is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and the Scottish higher education institutions it funds. Any arrangements for delivery via colleges is a matter for individual higher education institutions and those colleges.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151036,"EventID":"S1W-14326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance will be offered to operators in the tourist sector on Arran to ensure that businesses and the economy of the island survive the loss of revenue incurred a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance will be offered to operators in the tourist sector on Arran to ensure that businesses and the economy of the island survive the loss of revenue incurred as a result of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.","AnswerText":"Tourism businesses on the Island of Arran will benefit from the emergency package of measures that we announced on 28 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151037,"EventID":"S1W-14327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the forthcoming public consultation on fluoridation of the drinking water supply, how it intends to ensure that the public is as well informed about al","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the forthcoming public consultation on fluoridation of the drinking water supply, how it intends to ensure that the public is as well informed about alternative methods of reducing dental caries as it is about fluoridation of the water supply.","AnswerText":"As described in <I>Our National Health: a plan for action a plan for change</I>, the consultation will be wide-ranging and seek views on a range of measures to improve children's oral health, not only fluoridation of the public water supply.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151038,"EventID":"S1W-14328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the distribution to local authorities of change funding for the care of people with learning disabilities in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the distribution to local authorities of change funding for the care of people with learning disabilities in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"In response to the recommendations of the review of services for people with learning disabilities, local authorities were notified in December 2000 that additional funds of £36million over 3 years would be awarded as part of the Grant Aided Expenditure allocation from April 2001.<P>The resources for 2001-02 were distributed through the Grant Aided Expenditure for services for people with disabilities. The GAE &quot;Green Book&quot;, setting out the elements for each authority, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib number 12261).<P>The distribution formula for 2002-03 and 2003-04 is based on projections of population changes in key client groups.<P>Guidance on the change funds issued on 26 March advising local authorities that the additional resources have been included as part of the Revenue Support Grant along with the existing provision for services for people with learning disabilities. It stated that local authorities, with their partners, should use new and existing resources to achieve both short-term and longer-term improvements in services; that making better use of existing resources is a key part of delivering the review's objectives; and that authorities are expected to apply Best Value principles to ensure maximum benefits for agencies and the best outcomes for all those who require services.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151039,"EventID":"S1W-14329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is aware that BEAR Scotland Ltd has no depot from which to direct its Lochaber operations and what impact this situation will have on the company's ability to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is aware that BEAR Scotland Ltd has no depot from which to direct its Lochaber operations and what impact this situation will have on the company's ability to fulfil its road maintenance obligations.","AnswerText":"A planning application for a depot at Lochaber was lodged by BEAR Scotland Ltd on 10 January 2001 and negotiations are continuing with the planning authority. If the planning authority refuse permission, or fail to determine the application within two months, BEAR Scotland Ltd have the option of appealing to the Scottish Ministers. The new operating company has contractual obligations to carry out maintenance on trunk roads from 1 April 2001. Any additional interim arrangements to address this situation are the new operating company's responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151040,"EventID":"S1W-14330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which voluntary organisations receive European funding, listed by constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which voluntary organisations receive European funding, listed by constituency.","AnswerText":"A list of voluntary organisations in Scotland which are designated as lead sponsors for live ERDF and ESF projects is being placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. This information is not available broken down at constituency level.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151041,"EventID":"S1W-14331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to issue any guidelines on the management of medical equipment in NHS Trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to issue any guidelines on the management of medical equipment in NHS Trusts.","AnswerText":"The majority of NHS Trusts have good procedures in place to deal with the management of medical equipment. <P>In April 2000 the Medical Devices Agency issued guidance entitled <I>Equipped to Care - The safe use of medical devices in the 21st century</I>. This was distributed in Scotland by Scottish Healthcare Supplies. <P>The aim of the guidance is to:<P>Help nurses, midwives, health visitors, other health professionals and support workers understand their role in the safe use, purchase and management of medical devices.<P>Provide managers with pointers to the best practices for training, purchase and maintenance of medical devices.<P>Ensure that arrangements for purchase, use and maintenance of medical devices are firmly embedded within the local framework for clinical governance.<P>Raise awareness about the role of MDA and how it can provide advice, guidance to support the safe use of medical devices.<I><FONT SIZE=2><P>However, in the light of the recent baseline report by the Auditor General </I>Equipped to Care: Managing Medical Equipment in the NHS in Scotland<I> it is my intention that the Health Department issues further guidance to NHS Trusts in order further to improve the situation across Scotland.</I>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151042,"EventID":"S1W-14332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken, or intends to take, to encourage the standardisation and co-operative purchasing of medical equipment across NHS Trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken, or intends to take, to encourage the standardisation and co-operative purchasing of medical equipment across NHS Trusts.","AnswerText":"Scottish Healthcare Supplies currently work closely with individual NHS Trusts to ensure that opportunities for standardisation and co-operative procurement of medical equipment are maximised.<P>In spring 2000 Scottish Healthcare Supplies launched a major new initiative, the Strategic Alliance Partnership, in order to maximise benefits for economies of scale, rationalisation and standardisation.<P>The Strategic Alliance Partnership aims to identify any commercial opportunity that will achieve savings for NHSScotland. Work will include the standardisation of items in use and rationalisation of the supplier base which should increase the negotiating position of NHSScotland. Launched last spring, this initiative is expected to deliver results within the next two years.<P>Scottish Healthcare Supplies are central to the procurement of medical equipment from the £30 million additional capital made available earlier in 2000-01. They anticipate significant savings to the NHSScotland as a result of this centralised activity.<P>Another example of co-operative purchasing is the recent central procurement initiative for linear accelerators and simulators. This resulted in a saving of around £1 million and an investment package of £5.8 million that benefited four of the five cancer centres. Further investments under the same procurement process are being planned.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151043,"EventID":"S1W-14333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is available, or will be made available, to NHS Trust staff to assist them in making procurement decisions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is available, or will be made available, to NHS Trust staff to assist them in making procurement decisions.","AnswerText":"NHS Trusts are responsible for planning and organising their own training activities according to the individual needs of the staff involved.<P>In order to support and promote action at local level, Scottish Healthcare Supplies are raising the profile of procurement throughout the NHSScotland as an activity that contributes to patient care. The activities of the Strategic Alliance Partnership include the establishment of a Training and Development Group which will assist in the continuing development of staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151044,"EventID":"S1W-14334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what resources it is making available to NHS Trusts to improve the information systems used to monitor the use and track the location of medical equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what resources it is making available to NHS Trusts to improve the information systems used to monitor the use and track the location of medical equipment.","AnswerText":"It is for individual NHS Trusts to determine annually what levels of funding are required for investment in information systems for local management purposes, taking into account the national Information Management and Technology Strategy and other national and local priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151045,"EventID":"S1W-14335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a mandatory training policy for NHS Trust staff on the use of medical equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a mandatory training policy for NHS Trust staff on the use of medical equipment.","AnswerText":"There is no mandatory training policy for NHS Trust staff on the use of medical equipment. NHS Trusts are responsible for ensuring that their employees are competent to use the equipment they need to use. Equally all health care professionals have a personal responsibility to ensure that they are properly trained in the safe use of medical equipment that they use<FONT SIZE=2>.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151046,"EventID":"S1W-14336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consideration it is giving to the possibility that article 12 of the European Court of Human Rights entitles women to fertility treatment, and whether any changes t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consideration it is giving to the possibility that article 12 of the European Court of Human Rights entitles women to fertility treatment, and whether any changes to policy are planned in this area.","AnswerText":"There is no ECHR case law to date which imposes a duty on states to provide funding for women to receive fertility treatment.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The report of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland, which was published in February 2000, provides a robust evidence base for the management and delivery of infertility services in Scotland. All health boards and NHS Trusts in Scotland have been asked to work towards implementation of the recommendations in the report as resources permit.<P>There are no plans to change current policy in this area.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151047,"EventID":"S1W-14337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13071 by Sarah Boyack on 9 March 2000, whether the volume of traffic passing through Dalry, Ayrshire at peak times represents a ha'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13071 by Sarah Boyack on 9 March 2000, whether the volume of traffic passing through Dalry, Ayrshire at peak times represents a ha'ard to pedestrians or the environment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not consider that peak traffic volumes represent an unreasonable hazard to pedestrians within Dalry. <P>The conditions for pedestrians within Dalry are similar to those in many other communities in Scotland through which strategic trunk roads pass.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151048,"EventID":"S1W-14338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13071 by Sarah Boyack on 9 March 2001, why peak time in the evening is considered to be between 4pm and 5pm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13071 by Sarah Boyack on 9 March 2001, why peak time in the evening is considered to be between 4pm and 5pm.","AnswerText":"The evening peak period of 4pm to 5pm through Dalry was determined by the highest traffic flow figure within a 24 hour period.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151049,"EventID":"S1W-14339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13071 by Sarah Boyack on 9 March 2001, what volume of traffic passes through Dalry, Ayrshire on the A737 between 7am and 9am, and b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13071 by Sarah Boyack on 9 March 2001, what volume of traffic passes through Dalry, Ayrshire on the A737 between 7am and 9am, and between 4pm and 7pm, and how this compares with other towns of a similar si'e and population.","AnswerText":"The average traffic volume recorded through Dalry, Ayrshire between 7am and 9am is 1310 and between 4pm and 7pm the average is 2346. The average daily traffic volume recorded through Dalry is 9982. These figures were derived from the 7 day hourly flow profile for 260 days between 10 February 2000 and 26 October 2000.<P>Comparative hourly flows for all other towns of a similar size and population are not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151050,"EventID":"S1W-14340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13098 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 9 March 2001, whether it will publish the content of its enquiries to Scottish Power, the Royal Navy, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13098 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 9 March 2001, whether it will publish the content of its enquiries to Scottish Power, the Royal Navy, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Mr Leslie Mair of Glasgow Caledonian University in relation to the low level noise around the town of Largs in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"Due to a tight deadline, our enquiries into this matter were made by telephone. It is therefore not possible to publish a record of them. Further information may be obtained by contacting the bodies and individuals that we consulted, as suggested in Sam Galbraith's response to question S1W-13098.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151051,"EventID":"S1W-14341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13098 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 9 March 2001, whether it will publish the responses of Scottish Power, the Royal Navy, the Scottish En","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13098 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 9 March 2001, whether it will publish the responses of Scottish Power, the Royal Navy, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Mr Leslie Mair of Glasgow Caledonian University to enquiries in relation to the low level noise around the town of Largs in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The responses that we received to our enquiries on this matter from the above-named organisations and individuals were made by telephone. We are not therefore in a position to publish written responses. Further details on the conclusions reached by those we contacted should be addressed to the organisations and individuals concerned, as suggested in Sam Galbraith's response to question S1W-13098.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151052,"EventID":"S1W-14342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is issued to local authorities in respect of tracing the source of head lice infestation in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is issued to local authorities in respect of tracing the source of head lice infestation in schools.","AnswerText":"The management of headlice infection is a local issue and each NHS board is responsible for putting in place a policy for its management which will be agreed with local authorities.<P>I have asked Scottish Executive officials to set up a working group to review headlice policies and guidance currently in place across Scotland with a view to developing a uniform national policy and national guidance.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151053,"EventID":"S1W-14343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is issued to local authorities in respect of dealing with an outbreak of head lice in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is issued to local authorities in respect of dealing with an outbreak of head lice in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14342.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151054,"EventID":"S1W-14344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether school nurses are permitted to inspect the heads of children in relation to identifying those infected by an outbreak of head lice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether school nurses are permitted to inspect the heads of children in relation to identifying those infected by an outbreak of head lice.","AnswerText":"There is nothing to prevent school nurses from conducting such inspections with appropriate consent. However, most health boards have now moved away from routine inspections of children for headlice.<P>The only effective means of conducting an inspection is by wet combing, which involves thoroughly washing and conditioning the hair then combing it through in layers, a process which can take between 30 to 45 minutes per child and which is not practical in a school setting. Additionally, in order to be effective, inspections require to be undertaken on a regular basis. However, inspecting a class on one day is no guarantee that there will not be an infection the next.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151055,"EventID":"S1W-14345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities should inform in writing the parents of children in schools where an outbreak of head lice has occurred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities should inform in writing the parents of children in schools where an outbreak of head lice has occurred.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14342.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151056,"EventID":"S1W-14346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice local authorites should offer to the parents of children continually re-infected with head lice due to other parents not dealing with the problem once identif","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice local authorites should offer to the parents of children continually re-infected with head lice due to other parents not dealing with the problem once identified.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14342.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151057,"EventID":"S1W-14347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that any additional rural transport services paid for by the #1.2 million grant from the Rural Transport Fund to Dumfries and Galloway w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that any additional rural transport services paid for by the #1.2 million grant from the Rural Transport Fund to Dumfries and Galloway will continue after the end of the three-year funding period.","AnswerText":"For the first time we have awarded 3-year allocations to local authorities from the Rural Transport Fund which is a significant step forward. At present it is the intention to continue the Fund beyond 2003-2004 but this will be reviewed at the next spending review in the light of ministerial commitments known at the time.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151058,"EventID":"S1W-14348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has in place, or intends to implement, to increase the numbers of women studying computing and engineering at university.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has in place, or intends to implement, to increase the numbers of women studying computing and engineering at university.","AnswerText":"Through the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department's Public Understanding of Science grant scheme, a contribution of £9,500 to the Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) initiative has been made during the financial year 2000-01, which promotes science, engineering and technology to women. <P>The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) has provided support, since 1995, for initiatives to increase the number of women studying computing and engineering at university. In 2001-02, £100,000 will be provided for the Women into Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET) initiative, which supports work to improve access to, participation in and progression to careers in science, engineering and technology for women in Scottish higher education institutions. SHEFC is also providing £50,000 per annum to support a collaborative project in Edinburgh to raise awareness and aspirations of female school pupils towards science, engineering and technology-related courses.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151059,"EventID":"S1W-14349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the application by West of Scotland Water to discharge effluent into the River Clyde at Biggar, (a) which bodies or individuals were consulted by the Envi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the application by West of Scotland Water to discharge effluent into the River Clyde at Biggar, (a) which bodies or individuals were consulted by the Environment Protection Unit Water Team, (b) what information was given during the consultation process and (c) on what basis it was decided not to call in the application.","AnswerText":"Information was sought from the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Pitlochry and, within the Scottish Executive, from the Veterinary Advisers and from Public Health Policy Unit. Clarification of various points was also sought from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The advice from these bodies did not contradict the Agency's decision to approve the applications in question.<P>The policy of the Scottish Ministers has been to exercise our power to call in applications to discharge for our own determination, under Section 36 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, where the issues raised are novel or unusual, or of more than local significance, or where the Agency does not appear to be sufficiently informed to allow it to make a decision on the application. Careful consideration was given to the application to discharge at Biggar, but as the case did not appear to meet these criteria, the Scottish Ministers declined to exercise the power to call it in.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151060,"EventID":"S1W-14350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the production of the new sex education materials recommended by the Working Group on Sex Education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the production of the new sex education materials recommended by the Working Group on Sex Education.","AnswerText":"Prior to parliamentary approval of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000, Ministers undertook, before commencing the repeal of S.2A of the Local Government Act 1986, to publish the new materials on sex education. I am pleased to be able to announce that the following materials have been published today:<I><P>A Guide for Parents and Carers</I>;<I><P>Guidance for Schools and Local Authorities on Effective Consultation with Parents and Carers</I>; <I><P>A Summary of National Advice on Sex Education,</I> and<I><P>A Circular to Directors of Education: Standard's in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000 - Conduct of Sex Education in Scottish Schools</I>.<P>I am grateful to LTScotland for taking forward this process on our behalf. They have consulted widely about these documents. In the light of the consultation responses, the documents have been improved and amended and the Guide for Parents and Carers has been rewritten.<P>The process has been overseen by a Reference Group chaired by Mike McCabe who chaired the original Working Group on Sex Education. Some other members of the working group were also represented on the Reference Group. The Reference Group has endorsed all of the materials published today. I am sure that they will be a welcome additional resource to teachers and schools as they develop their policies in these important areas.<P>The publication of these materials fulfils the commitments that Scottish Executive Ministers gave last year. Copies of the documents are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Commencement Order to commence the relevant provisions in the Ethical Standards in Public Life Etc (Scotland) Act 2000 takes effect on 29 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151061,"EventID":"S1W-14351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13898 by Jackie Baillie on 19 March 2001, what studies it has undertaken, or proposes to undertake, to establish how many homes in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13898 by Jackie Baillie on 19 March 2001, what studies it has undertaken, or proposes to undertake, to establish how many homes in the socially rented sector have outdated, inefficient or uneconomic central heating systems.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive wrote to local authorities on 26 February to seek a range of estimates for the Central Heating Programme, including information on the number of central heating systems which require to be upgraded or replaced.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151062,"EventID":"S1W-14352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13899 by Jackie Baillie on 19 March 2001, what methodology was used to arrive at its estimate that 85,000 local authority tenants l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13899 by Jackie Baillie on 19 March 2001, what methodology was used to arrive at its estimate that 85,000 local authority tenants lack central heating.","AnswerText":"The information was taken from the Scottish House Condition Survey 1996 which showed that 100,000 local authority dwellings lacked any form of central heating.  We estimated that installation rates since then will have taken the figure down to about 85,000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151063,"EventID":"S1W-14354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how local authorities who are not members of CoSLA are to be represented in the new Scottish negotiating committee for teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how local authorities who are not members of CoSLA are to be represented in the new Scottish negotiating committee for teachers.","AnswerText":"he constitution for the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers formed part of the agreement on teachers' conditions of service (which was endorsed by representatives of all local authorities on 26 January). The constitution states that the Committee will have 22 members appointed annually and drawn from CoSLA, the Scottish Executive and organisations representing teachers. Under the terms of the constitution, representation from local authorities is a matter for CoSLA.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151064,"EventID":"S1W-14355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will consult local authorities who are not members of CoSLA regarding the development and implementation of policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will consult local authorities who are not members of CoSLA regarding the development and implementation of policy.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to deal with CoSLA on matters of collective importance to councils and to speak to individual councils on matters of local significance, as it has done in the past.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151065,"EventID":"S1W-14356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the visions for sport in Scotland set out in Sport 21: Nothing Left to Chance are achievable within current funding levels for sport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the visions for sport in Scotland set out in Sport 21: Nothing Left to Chance are achievable within current funding levels for sport.","AnswerText":"The first review of <I>Sport 21</I> was published in October 2000 and copies were distributed to all members of this Parliament. That review highlighted the way in which investment in Scottish sport is helping to achieve the aims of the strategy. The additional resources announced to the Parliament in November last year, and being made available through <B>sport</B>scotland over the next 3 years and the New Opportunities Fund over the next 4 years will help to deliver the visions of <I>Sport 21</I> in partnership with other interested organisations.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151066,"EventID":"S1W-14357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance could be made available to voluntary sports clubs to help them meet the cost of water and waste-water charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance could be made available to voluntary sports clubs to help them meet the cost of water and waste-water charges.","AnswerText":"Phasing in of water charges to all organisations affected by the decision to withdraw reliefs is being made over a period of 5 years. This should allow such organisations time to prepare for the changes and ease the immediate impact of increased charges.<P>Additionally, the water authorities have offered to install water meters free where this will reduce costs. This should have the effect of reducing further any additional liability that these organisations have to face.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151067,"EventID":"S1W-14358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13805 by Ross Finnie on 14 March 2001, whether any information on the impact of farmers' markets is available as a result of any su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13805 by Ross Finnie on 14 March 2001, whether any information on the impact of farmers' markets is available as a result of any such markets receiving funding under the LEADER II programme.","AnswerText":"Only a small number of farmers' markets in Scotland have been assisted under the LEADER II Programme. In these cases, funding was directed towards initial costs such as assistance towards incorporation of Angus Farmers' Market as a friendly society and a study investigating the feasibility of running a market in the Borders. The only information available on the impact of farmers' markets as a result of funding was that the Inverness market did not have a negative impact on local businesses. Prior to all markets being suspended owing to foot-and-mouth disease, those markets which received funding were still operating.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151068,"EventID":"S1W-14359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13805 by Ross Finnie on 14 March 2001, why it decided to support the formation of the Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13805 by Ross Finnie on 14 March 2001, why it decided to support the formation of the Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets.","AnswerText":"With the growing interest in farmers' markets in Scotland, the industry was keen to establish a body which would allow markets to share information, co-ordinate activity, promote best practice, etc. As part of its grant-funded activities, the Executive encouraged SAOS to investigate the potential for an association. That work showed there would be benefits in forming such a body which could be used to encourage professionalism, high standards and training, all matters which are better handled jointly. Accordingly, SAOS assisted in the formation process which led to the Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets being legally established at the end of 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151069,"EventID":"S1W-14360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is of a mental health hearing in a sheriff court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is of a mental health hearing in a sheriff court.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, the typical cost of a Sheriff Court hearing based on judicial and staff costs, but excluding accommodation and other overheads is approximately £50 per 30 minutes. This also excludes any costs to the parties, their agents or expert witnesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151070,"EventID":"S1W-14361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost will be of a mental health tribunal hearing as proposed by the Millan Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost will be of a mental health tribunal hearing as proposed by the Millan Report.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide an estimate at this stage of the average cost of a mental health tribunal hearing, as proposed by the Millan Report. The Scottish Executive is currently considering the recommendations of the Millan Committee, including those which focus on the establishment of a new mental health tribunal system. We intend to publish our policy proposals, as informed by the Committee and after consultation with relevant interests, in summer 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151071,"EventID":"S1W-14362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures and policies are in place in the criminal justice system in relation to dealing with offenders with mental disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures and policies are in place in the criminal justice system in relation to dealing with offenders with mental disorders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's general policy on care, support services and accommodation for mentally disordered offenders remains as set out in NHS Management Executive Letter (1999) 5, published by the Scottish Office in January 1999. Since then, we have provided complementary guidance for service providers, including the criminal justice agencies. A <I>Care Pathway Document</I>, NHS Health Department Letter (2001) 9, was produced on 12 February this year, together with progress reports on the implementation of the general policy. These two NHS letters are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib numbers 12317 and 12345 respectively).<P>We are also currently considering the recommendations for the treatment and management of mentally disordered offenders made in the reports of the Millan and MacLean Committees.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151072,"EventID":"S1W-14363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to local authorities with regard to the utilisation and distribution of change funding for the care of people with learning disabilities and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to local authorities with regard to the utilisation and distribution of change funding for the care of people with learning disabilities and when any such guidance was issued.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14328.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151073,"EventID":"S1W-14364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the resources distributed to date to each local authority from the change fund for the care of people with learning disabilities and when these fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the resources distributed to date to each local authority from the change fund for the care of people with learning disabilities and when these funds were released.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14328.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151074,"EventID":"S1W-14365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what responses it has received from Scottish banks and financial institutions regarding assistance with overdrafts and leasing agreements for agricultural, tourist and o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what responses it has received from Scottish banks and financial institutions regarding assistance with overdrafts and leasing agreements for agricultural, tourist and other businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Rhona Brankin and I met with the agricultural representatives of the Clearing Banks on 19 March. Following that meeting, on 21 March, the Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and Gaelic discussed the impact of the foot and mouth outbreak on business with the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers and representatives from the four main Clearing Banks in Scotland. (The UK Government have had similar discussions with the major Clearing Banks). I understand that the Clearing Banks are constructively seeking to help businesses affected by the foot and mouth outbreak on a case-by-case basis. I would encourage any such troubled businesses to make contact with their local branch.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151075,"EventID":"S1W-14366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government and local authorities regarding the suspension of business rates for businesses which have been forced to suspe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government and local authorities regarding the suspension of business rates for businesses which have been forced to suspend their activities due to the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"Details of the Executive's package of assistance were announced in response to question S1W-14552 on 28 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151076,"EventID":"S1W-14367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the National Lottery distributing bodies regarding the support of visitor attractions which have been closed by the outbreak of fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the National Lottery distributing bodies regarding the support of visitor attractions which have been closed by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and what the outcome of any such discussions has been.","AnswerText":"Together with the UK Government, we are looking at every possible way in which affected businesses might be assisted. I am confident, however, that the emergency package of measures that we have announced on 28 March will tackle the immediate difficulties facing tourism and other businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151077,"EventID":"S1W-14368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprentices are (a) male and (b) female, and how many are from ethnic minorities, broken down by industry in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprentices are (a) male and (b) female, and how many are from ethnic minorities, broken down by industry in each case.","AnswerText":"Of the total 17,345 Modern Apprenticeships in training, 13,829 (80%) are male; 3,387 (20%) are female; 47 (0.3%) are from ethnic minorities and 82 (0.5%) have opted not to state their ethnic origin. I will ask my officials to write to Mr Watson with a breakdown by MA framework.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151078,"EventID":"S1W-14369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3090 by Ross Finnie on 15 March 2001, whether, in light of the statement of the UK Chief Veterinary Officer on 19 March 2001 that a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3090 by Ross Finnie on 15 March 2001, whether, in light of the statement of the UK Chief Veterinary Officer on 19 March 2001 that a vaccination programme has not been ruled out, it has any plans to consider vaccinating livestock against foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"As I made clear in my Statement to the Parliament today the decision on whether or not to vaccinate will be made by the Scottish Executive, taking account of the situation in Scotland and Veterinary advice.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151079,"EventID":"S1W-14370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the setting up of a national rivers authority to manage and maintain rivers, including the River Clyde and its riverbed and banks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the setting up of a national rivers authority to manage and maintain rivers, including the River Clyde and its riverbed and banks.","AnswerText":"A national authority responsible for promoting maintenance and improvement of the environmental quality of all Scotland's rivers, including the River Clyde, already exists in the form of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The Agency works closely with others, such as the water authorities, to continue to deliver improvements to Scotland's water environment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151080,"EventID":"S1W-14371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to prevent the dumping of rubbish and sewage in the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to prevent the dumping of rubbish and sewage in the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The discharge of any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter, or any solid waste matter, to the River Clyde is in most circumstances an offence under Section 30F of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. The most important exception is where a consent for a discharge, such as from a sewage treatment works, is granted by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The Agency is statutorily obliged, when granting such consents, to give consideration to the protection of the environment, and attaches conditions to consents to prevent unacceptable impacts. Littering is also an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.<P>Decisions on whether to prosecute under the 1974 and 1990 Acts are a matter for the Procurator Fiscal, though under the 1990 Act the local authority may appoint Litter Wardens with powers to serve a £25 fixed penalty notice on litter offenders, as an alternative to referring the offence to the Fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151081,"EventID":"S1W-14372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to ensure that the banks of the River Clyde are properly managed and maintained.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to ensure that the banks of the River Clyde are properly managed and maintained.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no powers to ensure that the banks of the River Clyde are properly managed and maintained.<P>In general, this is a local matter for the riparian owners concerned. However, where it is considered that maintenance of a watercourse will reduce the likelihood of flooding of non-agricultural land, local authorities have a duty to maintain it.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151082,"EventID":"S1W-14373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to introducing greater sanctions on individuals and companies found guilty of dumping rubbish and sewerage in the River Clyde and other ri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to introducing greater sanctions on individuals and companies found guilty of dumping rubbish and sewerage in the River Clyde and other rivers.","AnswerText":"There are already significant sanctions applicable to such individuals and companies. Under the terms of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, offences of littering are punishable by a fine of up to Level 4 on the Standard Scale, which is currently £2,500. The discharge of sewage without a consent from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency into the Clyde or any other Scottish river is an offence under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. On summary conviction, the maximum penalties are imprisonment for up to three months, or a fine of up to £20,000, or both. On conviction on indictment, the penalties are imprisonment for up to two years, or an unlimited fine, or both. Decisions on prosecution are a matter for the Procurator Fiscal, and sentencing (within the parameters of the Acts) is a matter for the courts.<P>Where the Scottish Environment Protection Agency grants a consent for the discharge of sewage, it is bound by the terms of the Environment Act 1995 to do so in such a way as to protect the environment, for example by the application of appropriate conditions to the consent.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151083,"EventID":"S1W-14374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors pollution from sewage, rubbish and other sources in the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors pollution from sewage, rubbish and other sources in the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The monitoring of pollution in the River Clyde is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151084,"EventID":"S1W-14375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison officers employed at Glenochil Prison and aged under 35 have left the service in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison officers employed at Glenochil Prison and aged under 35 have left the service in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><CENTER><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=379><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of officers </TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28.03.98-27.03.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28.03.99-27.03.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28.03.00-27.03.01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"59%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">13</TD></TR></TABLE></CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151085,"EventID":"S1W-14376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3338 by Sarah Boyack on 18 January 2000, how many of the 20 confirmed sub-standard bridges have now been brought up to standard or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3338 by Sarah Boyack on 18 January 2000, how many of the 20 confirmed sub-standard bridges have now been brought up to standard or placed on a firm programme of works for upgrading; what the re-assessment of the remaining bridges has shown, and which of these bridges will be included in further upgrading programmes.","AnswerText":"Four of the 20 bridges have been strengthened and 6 reassessed as adequate.  With the exception of the A8 Orchard Farm Rail bridge, which has been strengthened by propping as an interim measure pending the outcome of further studies into the options for M8 Baillieston-Newhouse, the remainder have been included in the trunk road bridge strengthening programme.<P>Of the other 53 bridges, 24 have been reassessed as adequate, 26 were confirmed as sub-standard, of which 7 have subsequently been strengthened.  The reassessment of 3 structures is in progress.<P>The following 25 bridges will therefore be strengthened in the programme:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A76 Marchburn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Achtriochtan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M8 Deans Road</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A78 Inverkip Street Rail </TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Achnambeithach</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M8 Starlaw</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Allt Chonoglais</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Allt Fhiodhan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M8 Arkleston</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Ba</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A87 Bunan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M8 White Cart</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Allt Molach</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A87 Broadford</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M8 St James Interchange (East)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Creagdubh<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A898 Erskine </TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M8 St James Interchange (West)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Allt Nan Guibhas</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A9 Kessock</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M8 Black Cart</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Lairig Eilde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M74 Raith</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M9 Hill Overbridge</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>A82 Altanrigh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"41%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M9 River Avon</TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1</SUP>Originally listed as adequate, further investigation resulted in this bridge being regraded as sub-standard.         <P>Not included in this list are 3 bridges which are to be bypassed by proposed trunk road schemes.  These structures have been strengthened by propping as an interim measure pending their replacement.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151086,"EventID":"S1W-14377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3338 by Sarah Boyack on 18 January 2000, what action it proposes to take to upgrade or replace bridges then and subsequently identi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3338 by Sarah Boyack on 18 January 2000, what action it proposes to take to upgrade or replace bridges then and subsequently identified as being unsuitable for reassessment.","AnswerText":"Sub-standard bridges will be strengthened or replaced on a prioritised basis as part of the annual trunk road bridge maintenance programme. It is expected this work will take 5 years to complete but the actual timescale will depend on competing priorities and the availability of funding.<P>Not included in this programme are 4 sub-standard bridges that will be replaced as part of other proposed schemes involving the improvement or realignment of the existing trunk road. These structures have been strengthened by propping as an interim measure pending their replacement.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151087,"EventID":"S1W-14378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1419 by Sarah Boyack on 27 September 1999, what its estimate is of the capital value of the trunk road and motorway network at 1 Ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1419 by Sarah Boyack on 27 September 1999, what its estimate is of the capital value of the trunk road and motorway network at 1 April 2001.","AnswerText":"The estimated capital value of the trunk road and motorway network as at 1 April 2001 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151088,"EventID":"S1W-14379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the evaluation of the Dundee Families Project by Glasgow University referred to in paragraph 43 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the evaluation of the Dundee Families Project by Glasgow University referred to in paragraph 43 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead and which other local authorities have subsequently implemented similar programmes.","AnswerText":"The evaluation of the Dundee Families Project is not due for completion until the end of May 2001. A copy of the Report, when published, will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. We are not aware of any other similar programmes in operation.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151089,"EventID":"S1W-14380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landlords have made use of the services offered by Safeguarding Communities Reducing Offending (SACRO) and referred to in paragraph 18 of Housing and Anti-Social","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landlords have made use of the services offered by Safeguarding Communities Reducing Offending (SACRO) and referred to in paragraph 18 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead to date, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"22&nbsp;local authorities have so far made use of the mediation services offered by Safeguarding Communities Reducing Offending (SACRO). These are listed in the table. In addition SACRO have held discussions with some 30&nbsp;housing associations.<P>The following Local Authorities have made use of services offered by SACRO.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=361><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Midlothian</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>North Ayrshire</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Argyll and Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>North Lanarkshire</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>City of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Orkney Islands</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Perth and Kinross</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Renfrewshire</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Scottish Borders</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Shetland Islands</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>South Ayrshire</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>South Lanarkshire</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>West Lothian</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151090,"EventID":"S1W-14381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have adopted the model secure tenancy agreement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have adopted the model secure tenancy agreement.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. While some authorities are using the Model Secure Tenancy Agreement (MoSTA), it has not yet been widely adopted as MoSTA did not become available until after the secure tenancy had been introduced. However, authorities have been encouraged to follow the model in respect of all new tenancies and tenancy agreements that are subject to review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151091,"EventID":"S1W-14382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the evaluation of the fast-tracking for drugs cases referred to in paragraph 97 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead and what actio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the evaluation of the fast-tracking for drugs cases referred to in paragraph 97 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead and what action has subsequently been taken as a result of this evaluation.","AnswerText":"The evaluation of the fast -tracking for drugs cases has recently been received and is currently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151092,"EventID":"S1W-14383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the new baseline study into housing management practice referred to in paragraph 55 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead and what a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the new baseline study into housing management practice referred to in paragraph 55 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead and what action has subsequently been taken as a result of this study.","AnswerText":"Two parts of the study, \"A Review of the Literature\" and \" A Review of Progress\" were placed on the Scottish Executive website in August 2000. The third part of the review, &quot;Case Studies, Conclusions and Recommendations&quot;, has now been completed but has yet to be published. A copy of the full report, when published, will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151093,"EventID":"S1W-14384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the study to evaluate the impact of evictions on individuals and families referred to in paragraph 70 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Wa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the study to evaluate the impact of evictions on individuals and families referred to in paragraph 70 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead and what action has been taken as a result of this study.","AnswerText":"This study has been included in the Development Department Research Programme for 2001-2002 and will be commissioned later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151094,"EventID":"S1W-14385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options for speeding up the eviction process were explored following the analysis of the research study into any possible delays in the legal process in dealing with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options for speeding up the eviction process were explored following the analysis of the research study into any possible delays in the legal process in dealing with anti-social behaviour cases referred to in paragraph 50 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead.","AnswerText":"The research found that whilst there was scope for some minor improvements in the courts, the greatest scope for improvement lay with the landlords and related agencies.<B> </B>I understand, however, that the Sheriff Court Rules Council is considering, as part of its current review of procedure, how cases dealt with under summary cause procedure, including eviction cases, can be dealt with more expeditiously.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151095,"EventID":"S1W-14386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what results have been achieved following the completion of the first year of the drug treatment and testing order pilot in Glasgow and what plans there are for similar p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what results have been achieved following the completion of the first year of the drug treatment and testing order pilot in Glasgow and what plans there are for similar pilots.","AnswerText":"The first Drug Treatment and Testing Order in Glasgow was made on 10 February 2000. In the period to the end of February 2001 a further 46 orders were made. To date, there have been 2 successful completions and 7 offenders reported to the court for breach. Of the latter, 3 cases have been dealt with by the court and one of these orders has been revoked. The remaining orders continue in force. An evaluation study of the Glasgow pilot and a second pilot established in Fife last July is currently underway and it is intended that the findings of this study will be published towards the end of the year. A commitment to a third site covering Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire was announced last November. Decisions on further extension will await the outcome of the evaluation.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151096,"EventID":"S1W-14387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not seek to make a statement in the Parliament regarding the launch of the consultation on rates relief for small businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not seek to make a statement in the Parliament regarding the launch of the consultation on rates relief for small businesses.","AnswerText":"Details of the consultation were announced on 14 February in reply to question S1W-13413.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151097,"EventID":"S1W-14388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage young people to study civil engineering.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage young people to study civil engineering.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, the Scottish Education Unit of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the National Training Organisation for the construction sector, is in the lead on promoting this study and career option. The Unit provides a single approach to promoting careers in the construction industry among school pupils in Scotland, with the emphasis on the 14-18 age group. The Unit undertakes two key strands of activity to promote civil engineering. It provides a range of activities, such as work shadowing and building competitions, to promote professional and management careers in the sector and, through the CITB Curriculum Centres Initiative, organises school-based projects, with links to FE colleges. <P>At UK level, the Hawley Group Report, has recommended that the Engineering Council evolves into the Engineering and Technology Board, to meet the needs and aspirations of an increasingly diverse engineering community. Ownership of the process remains with the engineering community itself and the shape and remit of the new Board will be for them to decide.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151098,"EventID":"S1W-14389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to undertake a programme to encourage children to study technological subjects at school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to undertake a programme to encourage children to study technological subjects at school.","AnswerText":"As stated in my response to question S1W-13460, the Scottish Executive has reviewed the Standard Grade course with the aim of making it more attractive to pupils and revised courses will be available from academic session 2001-02. A number of other measures have been taken to promote technological studies in schools, as outlined in my response to question S1W-12194. In addition, the Deputy Minister will meet with representatives of education and industry to discuss ways in which the profile of technological studies in schools can be raised.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151099,"EventID":"S1W-14390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scotland's university graduates graduated in science, engineering or related subjects in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scotland's university graduates graduated in science, engineering or related subjects in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is detailed in the following table:<P>Graduates and diplomates from Higher Education Institutions in Scotland</FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=538><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1995-96</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1996-97</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-00</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>All Graduates</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>37,412</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>37,525</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>40,881</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>38,783</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>42,286</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>No. Science Related</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>10,175</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>9,606</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>9,871</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>9,469</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>9,554</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>% Science Related*</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>27.2%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>25.6%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>24.1%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>24.4%</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>22.6%</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Source: HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency)</I><P>* \"Science Related\" includes Engineering & Technology, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Maths & Computing</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151100,"EventID":"S1W-14391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Dumfries and Galloway will affect the introduction of (a) the fibre optic cabling for the area or (b) the cross-country ga","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Dumfries and Galloway will affect the introduction of (a) the fibre optic cabling for the area or (b) the cross-country gas line from Beattock to Brighouse bay, and what restrictions will be placed on contractors during this work.","AnswerText":"Services, such as gas, electricity and water can gain access to the countryside where repair/maintenance work is deemed essential. Prior to entering an area where there are restrictions such services are required to give advance notice of their visit. Vehicles' wheels and visitors' footwear require to be disinfected when entering and leaving an infected area.<P>With the line of the fibre optic cabling and the cross-country gas line running through infected areas it is unlikely that work could proceed in these parts of Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151101,"EventID":"S1W-14392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for consulting on the provisions proposed for the Water Services Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for consulting on the provisions proposed for the Water Services Bill.","AnswerText":"A consultation paper on the Water Services Bill is being published today. It describes the Executive's proposals for creating a single all Scotland public water authority and for establishing a regulatory framework to ensure that increasing competition in the water industry benefits customers, while safeguarding public health, the environment and social objectives. Copies of the paper have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no: 12181) and will be available shortly on the Executive website. The deadline for comments on the paper to reach the Scottish Executive is 13 June 2001","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151102,"EventID":"S1W-14393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it will make to the recent report of the Scottish Fish Processors' Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it will make to the recent report of the Scottish Fish Processors' Working Group.","AnswerText":"I have today written to the group with the Executive's formal response. Copies of that response have been lodged in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre. I am pleased to be able to report to Parliament that the Executive has broadly endorsed much of the recommendations contained in the report and that we will be making approximately £1 million available for its implementation.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151103,"EventID":"S1W-14394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to ensure early payment of agri-monetary compensation to farmers, whether it will provide any matching funding and, if so, how much.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to ensure early payment of agri-monetary compensation to farmers, whether it will provide any matching funding and, if so, how much.","AnswerText":"Subject to final EU Commission approval we propose to begin making sheep agrimoney payments in early April and beef agrimoney payments in mid to late April.<P>Of the £156 million optional agrimoney package announced by the Government on 27 February 2001 all but £30 million is subject to match funding. In other words the EU will be funding £93 million and the UK Exchequer £63 million. However because of the operation of the Fontainebleau agreement the UK taxpayer will end up paying £129 million or some 83% of the total.<P>We estimate that Scotland's share of the UK package will be around £241/2 million, of which £151/2 million will be EU funded and £ 9 million UK funded.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151104,"EventID":"S1W-14395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether licensing and operation of haulage vehicles weighing 45 tons or over on roads on which schools are located is compatible with its policy on safer routes to school","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether licensing and operation of haulage vehicles weighing 45 tons or over on roads on which schools are located is compatible with its policy on safer routes to schools.","AnswerText":"The regulation and licensing of vehicles is a reserved matter. Roads authorities have powers to prevent the use of specified roads by particular types of vehicle. In addition, they are required to be notified of any proposed movement on public roads of vehicles of 45 tonnes and over.<P>It is up to them to consider applications for such movements in the light of all the local circumstances, including whether or not the proposed route passes a school.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151105,"EventID":"S1W-14396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to restrict haulage vehicles from using routes on which schools are located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to restrict haulage vehicles from using routes on which schools are located.","AnswerText":"Road authorities are responsible for all aspects of road safety, road maintenance and traffic management on roads in their area. They have powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to prevent the use of roads by vehicular traffic of a kind, or in a manner, which is unsuitable having regard to the character of the road.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151106,"EventID":"S1W-14397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the current funding sources for Scotland House in Brussels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will detail the current funding sources for Scotland House in Brussels.","AnswerText":"Scotland House is an inclusive body that involves a range of interests. Its principal components are the Scottish Executive EU Office (SEEUO) and Scotland Europa, which in turn houses a number of its subscribers. As indicated in the answers to questions S1W-960 and S1W-1437, the SEEUO is entirely funded by the Scottish Executive. As stated in the answer to question S1W-1208, the funding sources for the other residents of Scotland House, are a matter for them, and not for the Scottish Executive - except where these residents are Scottish public bodies. This is referred to in the answer to question S1W-14692.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151107,"EventID":"S1W-14398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what operational targets have been set for Scotland House in Brussels and whether it will provide details of actual performance against any such targets since inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what operational targets have been set for Scotland House in Brussels and whether it will provide details of actual performance against any such targets since inception.","AnswerText":"Scotland House is an inclusive body that involves a wide range of interests, including the Scottish Executive EU Office (SEEUO) and Scotland Europa, which in turn houses a number of its subscribers. Most of the bodies located in Scotland House have the following operational targets in common:<P>following the European legislative process and pursuing issues of relevance to Scotland; <P>maintaining close contact with key people in the EU Institutions, including the Scottish MEPs; <P>sharing information and resources between the Scotland House residents as appropriate; <P>increasing the range and depth of information on EU affairs flowing back to Scottish bodies, and<P>advising Scottish bodies about EU procedures and how to become more involved.<P>In <I>Working Together for Scotland: A Programme of Government</I>, the Scottish Executive expresses a commitment to use Scotland House to best effect as a source of information and co-ordination of Scottish interests in Europe. The role that Scotland House can play in realising this commitment can be illustrated by some specific figures. To date, the residents of Scotland House have facilitated 52 visits by Scottish Executive Ministers to Belgium and Luxembourg (including several to meet Commissioners and attendance at 16 full Councils of Ministers) and attendance at over 100 working groups by Scottish Executive officials; and have seen at least 10,000 visitors pass through their doors.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151108,"EventID":"S1W-14399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to raise the profile of Scotland House in Brussels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to raise the profile of Scotland House in Brussels.","AnswerText":"Scotland House is an inclusive body that involves a range of interests. Its principal components are the Scottish Executive EU Office (SEEUO) and Scotland Europa, which in turn houses a number of its subscribers.<P>As I mentioned in my response to question S1W-4409, Scotland House already has a high profile, as its Scottish residents raise Scotland's profile in the EU in the course of their daily work. It has done this, for example, through discussions with representatives of the EU institutions, through seminars, through attending meetings of the institutions, and through meetings with the Brussels offices of other EU regions. Scotland Week, in October 1999, which was organised jointly with Scotland Europa, was the initial profile-raising event which had a very large impact. Over 1,000 delegates attended events in Scotland House during the week. Since its opening, at least 10,000 business visitors and seminar delegates have passed through the doors of Scotland House.<P>The location itself, at the heart of the Brussels EU district, means that Scotland House is not only prominent but also close to the EU institutions. Examples of the level of Scotland House's profile amongst these institutions include the fact that the Commission has hired Scotland House's conference facilities to train its own staff, and that it chose Scotland House as the venue for a major seminar in March on the recent Cohesion Report, to which all Brussels-based regional representations were invited. Several of these regional representations have said that they look upon Scotland House - with its mix of public and private sector residents - as a model for their own offices. Additionally, on 11 December 2000, the then Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture, Sam Galbraith, opened a year-long &quot;Art for Europe&quot; exhibition in Scotland House, which raises the profile of the Scottish creative industries as well as of Scotland House to a much wider Brussels-based audience.<P>The residents of Scotland House - the SEEUO included - intend to build on these successes to further promote Scotland's interests in the EU.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151109,"EventID":"S1W-14400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6954 by Susan Deacon on 2 June 2000, when the Rehabilitation Technology Information Service will report its findings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6954 by Susan Deacon on 2 June 2000, when the Rehabilitation Technology Information Service will report its findings.","AnswerText":"The Rehabilitation Technology Information Service (ReTIS) is due to provide an initial progress report in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151110,"EventID":"S1W-14401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in Scotland use a wheelchair.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in Scotland use a wheelchair.","AnswerText":"There are around 8000 children (under 18 years of age) in Scotland currently using wheelchairs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151111,"EventID":"S1W-14402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet parents from the organisation Fastrax to discuss improvements in the provision of paediatric wheelchairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet parents from the organisation Fastrax to discuss improvements in the provision of paediatric wheelchairs.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Health Department have previously met with the founders of the Fastrax Mobility Trust. They also arranged their attendance at a meeting of the Rehabilitation Technology Services Advisory Group in 1998 to allow them to address the heads of NHSScotland rehabilitation technology services.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151112,"EventID":"S1W-14403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to including assertiveness courses as part of the New Deal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to including assertiveness courses as part of the New Deal.","AnswerText":"Employment Policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead in funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.<P>By responding to individual needs, New Deal seeks to improve participants' prospects of finding and retaining employment. Where appropriate this will include help with motivation, soft and jobsearch skills.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151113,"EventID":"S1W-14404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12169 by Mr Jack McConnell on 6 March 2001, why current expenditure per pupil fell in Glasgow by #72 between 1996-97 and 1998-99 in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12169 by Mr Jack McConnell on 6 March 2001, why current expenditure per pupil fell in Glasgow by #72 between 1996-97 and 1998-99 in real terms.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not plan local authority expenditure in detail. The authorities make their own spending decisions, including the allocation of resources to the various services for which they are responsible.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151114,"EventID":"S1W-14405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12332 by Angus MacKay on 6 March 2001, when it estimates that the Scottish assigned budget's share of UK gross domestic product wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12332 by Angus MacKay on 6 March 2001, when it estimates that the Scottish assigned budget's share of UK gross domestic product will again reach the level it was at in 1996-97.","AnswerText":"2003-04 is the latest year for which a projection of GDP is available. Scottish Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL) and Non-Domestic Rate Income (NDRI) is projected to be 1.84% of UK GDP <FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The sum of DEL and NDRI will grow by 12.59% in real terms between 2000-01 and 2003-04, equating to more money being spent on the needs of the Scottish people.<P>Due to the conversion to resource accounting, the sum of DEL (Departmental Expenditure Limits) and NDRI (Non-Domestic Rate Income) is the most robust basis on which to make this comparison.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151115,"EventID":"S1W-14406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the contribution which harmonisation of VAT on building work at 5% for both new build housing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the contribution which harmonisation of VAT on building work at 5% for both new build housing and repair could make to improving the quality of housing stock in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is constantly in touch with the UK Government on a range of matters, including taxation.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151116,"EventID":"S1W-14407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Scottish economic growth rates have failed to match UK growth rates in recent years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Scottish economic growth rates have failed to match UK growth rates in recent years.","AnswerText":"Latest data show that quarterly growth in Scotland is broadly in line with the UK, although year on year growth is slower. Independent forecasters (BSL and Cambridge Econometrics) suggest that growth in Scotland will be slightly below the UK this year. <P>Short-term fluctuations aside, the central issue for policy is how Scotland's trend rate of growth can be increased. The critical element in stimulating sustainable economic growth is the enhancement of productivity throughout all Scottish enterprises. This is achieved through increasing both the quality and quantity of output per worker and through reducing costs. Improved productivity is the key source of international competitive advantage.<P>This is recognised in the Executive's recent <I>Framework for Economic Development in Scotland </I>and the<I> Enterprise Strategy - a Smart, Successful Scotland - </I>which sets out the new international conditions for economic success - growing business, ensuring Scotland is globally connected, lifelong learning and skills development.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151117,"EventID":"S1W-14408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many renal consultants were employed by head count and by full-time equivalent in each of the last three years, broken down by health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many renal consultants were employed by head count and by full-time equivalent in each of the last three years, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"The latest information available is shown in the table, which should be read in conjunction with the notes following:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7><P>Renal Consultants by Health Board area at 30 September</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P>Headcount</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3><P>WTE</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>15.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>19.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>26.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>11.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>5.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>6.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"43%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>3.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4.0</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Note:<P>1. Source: Medical and Dental Manpower Census, ISD Scotland<P>2. Latest information available is as at 30 September 1999. Data from the 2000 census will be available in the next few months.<P>3. Figures given include honorary consultants.<P>4. Health Board areas that did not have consultants working solely in the specialty of renal medicine in any of the years 1997, 1998 or 1999 are not shown.<P>5. It should be noted that in addition to those consultants in the table above, there are also a large number of general physicians with a subspecialty interest in renal medicine working in all areas of Scotland. Subspecialty statistics are not collected centrally, so it is not possible to give an exact figure for these.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151118,"EventID":"S1W-14409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any information to suggest that the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot will be delayed beyond November 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any information to suggest that the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot will be delayed beyond November 2001.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council has responsibility for the timing of the ballot.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151119,"EventID":"S1W-14410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time was for an elderly person to receive a residential care place in each of the last three years for which figures are available, broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time was for an elderly person to receive a residential care place in each of the last three years for which figures are available, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151120,"EventID":"S1W-14411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13289 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 February 2001, why the number of places available in residential care homes have fallen from 16,677","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13289 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 February 2001, why the number of places available in residential care homes have fallen from 16,677 in 1998 to 15,851 in 2000.","AnswerText":"That is likely to have been the result of a wide variety of factors, including population structure, health condition of older people, availability of alternative forms of accommodation and other factors affecting demand for and availability of places.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151121,"EventID":"S1W-14412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13289 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 February 2001, why the number of beds in private nursing homes has fallen from 23,838 in 1998 to 22","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13289 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 February 2001, why the number of beds in private nursing homes has fallen from 23,838 in 1998 to 22,950 in 2000.","AnswerText":"As indicated in footnote 2 to the table provided in the answer given to question S1W-13289, part of the apparent change may be due to incomplete returns. It may also be due to a wide variety of factors including population structure, health condition of older people, availability of alternative forms of accommodation and other factors affecting demand for and availability of places.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151122,"EventID":"S1W-14413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11227 by Susan Deacon on 8 January 2001, why the median waiting time for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant neurologi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11227 by Susan Deacon on 8 January 2001, why the median waiting time for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant neurologist following GP referral in Forth Valley Health Board has increased from 36 days for the year ending 31 March 1999 to 154 days for the year ending 31 March 2000 and what action it plans to take to address this situation.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Forth Valley Health Board.<FONT SIZE=2><P>Improvements to service provision across the health board area since March 2000 have produced a significant reduction in waiting times. The board reports that all urgent referrals are now seen within seven working days and waiting times for routine neurology appointments have been halved, despite an increase in the number of new outpatients seen.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151123,"EventID":"S1W-14414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11227 by Susan Deacon on 8 January 2001, why the median waiting time for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant neurologi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11227 by Susan Deacon on 8 January 2001, why the median waiting time for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant neurologist following GP referral in Grampian Health Board has increased from 37 days for the year ending 31 March 1999 to 77 days for the year ending 31 March 2000 and what action it plans to take to address this situation.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Grampian Health Board.<P>The answer I provided to S1W-11227 showed that the median waiting time for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant neurologist following GP referral in the Grampian Health Board area, in the year ended 31 March 1999, was 63 days (not 37 days). Provisional figures for the nine months to 31 December 2000 indicate that this performance has improved to 61 days, a better performance than the average across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151124,"EventID":"S1W-14415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11275 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 January 2001, why the number of excess winter deaths has increased from 2,610 in 1997-98 to 5,190 in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11275 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 January 2001, why the number of excess winter deaths has increased from 2,610 in 1997-98 to 5,190 in 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Year to year fluctuations in the numbers of &quot;excess winter deaths&quot;, however defined, show a close relationship with the occurrence of major influenza outbreaks. Whilst the numbers of deaths where the underlying cause is recorded as being influenza is normally relatively low, even during a relatively severe outbreak, there is invariably a sizeable increase in the numbers of deaths from related causes, notably pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. This was the case during the winter of 1999-2000, and also to a slightly lesser extent during that of 1998-99. Though complete data for the winter of 2000-01 is not yet available, provisional figures suggest that the number of \"excess winter deaths\" will be in line with that normally observed during a winter when influenza activity is limited, such as 1997-98.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151125,"EventID":"S1W-14416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many full-time equivalent members of staff it employed at 31 March 2000 and how many it estimates it will employ at (a) 31 March 2001 and (b) 31 March 2002, broken d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many full-time equivalent members of staff it employed at 31 March 2000 and how many it estimates it will employ at (a) 31 March 2001 and (b) 31 March 2002, broken down by the local authority area in which the staff are based.","AnswerText":"The number of permanent staff employed in the main departments of the Scottish Executive, its agencies and associated departments are shown in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=550><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31 March 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31 March 2001 (est.)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>ABERDEEN CITY </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">488.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">512.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>ABERDEENSHIRE </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">373.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">361.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>ANGUS </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">104.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">107.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>ARGYLL &amp; BUTE </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>CITY OF EDINBURGH </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,500.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,619.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>CLACKMANNANSHIRE </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">475.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">476.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>DUMBARTON AND CLYDEBANK</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">254.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">255.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>DUNDEE CITY </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">116.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">122.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>EAST AYRSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>EAST DUMBARTONSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">154.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">173.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>EAST LOTHIAN </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>EAST RENFREWSHIRE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>EILIAN SIAR </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>FALKIRK</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">414.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">483.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>FIFE </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">109.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">109.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>GLASGOW CITY </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,543.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,642.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>HIGHLANDS </TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">311.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TO","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151126,"EventID":"S1W-14417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking, in partnership with local authorities and private owners where appropriate, to secure cemeteries against vandalism, neglect and environmental de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking, in partnership with local authorities and private owners where appropriate, to secure cemeteries against vandalism, neglect and environmental destruction.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the distress felt by the families involved when cemeteries are vandalised or neglected and deplores such actions. These matters are, however, the direct responsibility of the local authorities and private owners concerned.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151127,"EventID":"S1W-14419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to transferring responsibility for museums and galleries from local authorities to the Scottish Executive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to transferring responsibility for museums and galleries from local authorities to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to assume responsibility for non-national museums and galleries but we are making an additional £3 million available over the next 3 years for a restructuring fund aimed at putting the museums sector on a more secure financial footing.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151128,"EventID":"S1W-14420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received for national funding to be made available for the long-term preservation of Glasgow Museum's collections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received for national funding to be made available for the long-term preservation of Glasgow Museum's collections.","AnswerText":"No such representations have been received. The Executive have met representatives of Glasgow City Council as a first step in our National Cultural Strategy commitment to work with the Council to examine the circumstances of their museum service. We agreed to continue discussions.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151129,"EventID":"S1W-14421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom its Equality Unit's database of women's organisations will be made available; what the criteria are for inclusion in the database; when it will be available, and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom its Equality Unit's database of women's organisations will be made available; what the criteria are for inclusion in the database; when it will be available, and what the reasons are for any delay in its completion.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to reviewing the Women in Scotland Consultative Forum, including the women's database. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">It is open to any organisation which has an interest in women's issues or which represents women to be included in the database.<P>We will shortly be contacting organisations currently on the database seeking their permission to widen access to the database. Subject to their views we hope to make the database more widely accessible as soon as practical thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151130,"EventID":"S1W-14422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many voluntary organisations with a remit for training people with learning disabilities receive objective 2 funding from Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many voluntary organisations with a remit for training people with learning disabilities receive objective 2 funding from Europe.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>This information is not held centrally.</B></FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151131,"EventID":"S1W-14423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to ensure that there will always be a ready supply of central heating units for installation under its central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to ensure that there will always be a ready supply of central heating units for installation under its central heating programme.","AnswerText":"When first planning for the central heating programme, we used the 1996 Scottish House Condition Survey to make an estimate of requirements and estimated that 140,000 dwellings required action. Earlier this year we asked councils and housing associations to let us know how many systems they had installed. Considerably more investment has been made in recent years than was first thought and so the actual number of public sector homes requiring central heating is now much lower than first estimated. This will allow us to accelerate the programme so that it can be completed by 2005 and enable us to extend it to include other deserving cases.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Information on the number of heating systems required for the overall programme is not held centrally. However, the commercial opportunities which the programme provides will boost the supply of central heating systems to meet the extra demand. We are ensuring that only the most efficient and cost-effective heating units are used, to maximise the benefits for householders and the public purse.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The number of engineers required to install the central heating units depends on the type of systems being installed, the geographical spread of households and the productivity of the engineers. We hold no information on the number of engineers currently in the industry or how many are expected to qualify, but the Managing Agent for the private sector will be expected to participate in recognised training and apprenticeship schemes to attract new trainees to the industry. The opportunities which the programme is generating should also encourage entry to the skills market. We are also undertaking both national and local research on the labour demands and skill requirements now being generated not just by the growing level of public spending on housing but also by the community ownership programme and other infrastructure investment.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Resources for the installation of central heating in all sectors of the stock, including housing associations, will be allocated from the central heating programme budget in the fuel poverty line of the Annual Expenditure Report.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Local authorities, housing associations and the Managing Agent for the private sector are responsible for ordering the systems for the their respective dwellings. We do not hold information on the number of ordered systems nor the cost of the units being installed. The cost of the units will vary depending upon the type of systems to be installed.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151132,"EventID":"S1W-14424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many central heating systems it estimates will have to be ordered in order to meet installation needs under its central heating programme, broken down for each of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many central heating systems it estimates will have to be ordered in order to meet installation needs under its central heating programme, broken down for each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151133,"EventID":"S1W-14425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many central heating system units are currently available for installation as part of its central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many central heating system units are currently available for installation as part of its central heating programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151134,"EventID":"S1W-14426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many central heating engineers will be required to install the central heating units under its central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many central heating engineers will be required to install the central heating units under its central heating programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151135,"EventID":"S1W-14427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people are expected to qualify as central heating engineers in each of the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people are expected to qualify as central heating engineers in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151136,"EventID":"S1W-14428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many qualified central heating engineers there currently are for each type of central heating system and what the current annual number of installations of each type","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many qualified central heating engineers there currently are for each type of central heating system and what the current annual number of installations of each type is.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151137,"EventID":"S1W-14429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  from which budgets Scottish Homes' #40 million contribution to the central heating programme will be allocated. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  from which budgets Scottish Homes' #40 million contribution to the central heating programme will be allocated. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151138,"EventID":"S1W-14430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  where the central heating units which will be installed under its central heating programme will be constructed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  where the central heating units which will be installed under its central heating programme will be constructed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151139,"EventID":"S1W-14431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any of the central heating units which will be installed under its central heating programme have yet been ordered; if so, how many, from whom and what has been ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any of the central heating units which will be installed under its central heating programme have yet been ordered; if so, how many, from whom and what has been the total cost of these units to date.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14423.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151140,"EventID":"S1W-14432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the official correspondence it has received on the issue of housing in Cumbernauld.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the official correspondence it has received on the issue of housing in Cumbernauld.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received four letters in this connection since 1 April 2000 and a number of representations have been made to the Minister by Cathie Craigie, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151141,"EventID":"S1W-14433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set any target for returning derelict and vacant land to productive use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set any target for returning derelict and vacant land to productive use.","AnswerText":"The Executive is determined that vacant and derelict sites in Scotland should be brought back into use. Planning policy encourages the re-use of previously developed sites. We have not set a national target.<P>We monitor and report annually on the extent of such land. The <I>Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2000</I> was published on 27 March 2001. It shows that the level of derelict and vacant land in Scotland fell in 2000 to an all-time low of 11,683 hectares.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151142,"EventID":"S1W-14434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many licences for the movement of farm animals have been granted by each local authority since the instigation of the licence procedures as a result of foot-and-mout","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many licences for the movement of farm animals have been granted by each local authority since the instigation of the licence procedures as a result of foot-and-mouth disease, broken down by (a) species and (b) destination of consignment.","AnswerText":"There is no centrally held record of the number of licences granted by local authorities, authorising the movement of cattle, sheep and pigs to slaughter. However, comparison of the latest slaughtering statistics covering the period commencing Sunday 18 February are in the following table. While numbers overall are down, due to the drastic drop in slaughtering in the second week of the period when livestock movements were banned, the processing sector has been catching up on throughput since then.<P>Slaughter throughput since beginning of FMD outbreak in February 2001 compared to February/March 2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=453><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Animal</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(w/e 24 Feb-24 March)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(w/e 24 Feb- 24 March)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Cattle</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40,669</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49,372</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Sheep</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">126,458</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">156,054</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Pigs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">66,156</TD><TD WIDTH=\"42%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73,165</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151143,"EventID":"S1W-14435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the findings of Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and the Risk of Cancer by the National Radiological Protection Board give rise to any concerns about the he","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the findings of Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and the Risk of Cancer by the National Radiological Protection Board give rise to any concerns about the health implications of electro-magnetic radiation from telecommunications masts located in residential areas.","AnswerText":"This review was carried out by the Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR) on behalf of the NRPB Board to assess the potential risks of cancer from electromagnetic fields and to recommend any further steps that should be taken to protect the health of the public. The AGNIR report deals specifically with the low frequency electric and magnetic fields arising from the electricity supply system. It does not cover exposure to the much higher frequencies used by mobile phone technology, and therefore does not give rise to any concerns about mobile phone base stations.<P>The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) was set up to assess the current state of knowledge on the possible health effects from mobile phone technology. Their report, which was published in May 2000, concluded that the balance of evidence does not suggest that mobile phone technologies are a risk to health.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151144,"EventID":"S1W-14436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the answer to question S1W-11942 by Wendy Alexander on 16 March 2001 conforms with clause 1.1(d) of the Ministerial code regarding openness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the answer to question S1W-11942 by Wendy Alexander on 16 March 2001 conforms with clause 1.1(d) of the Ministerial code regarding openness.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151145,"EventID":"S1W-14437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11942 by Wendy Alexander on 16 March 2001, what specific discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government, involving which mini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11942 by Wendy Alexander on 16 March 2001, what specific discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government, involving which ministers and on what dates, on the impact of the domestic fuel oil price increase of over 100% in the last 18 months on (a) its social inclusion strategy, (b) the budgets of local authorities and (c) the healthcare of elderly and vulnerable people.","AnswerText":"The impact of the recent rise in the price of domestic fuel oil has to be taken together with the effect of UK Government policy in promoting competition in the regulated energy sector, which has resulted in reductions in gas and electricity prices over the past decade.<P>The policy areas mentioned in the question are however all devolved, and the impact on them of recent oil price rises is therefore a matter for the Scottish Executive. The issue is one that requires a co-ordinated response, and in respect of fuel poverty for instance, the Scottish Executive has been working with the other devolved administrations, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions to achieve such an response.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151146,"EventID":"S1W-14438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had or is planning to have regarding extending entitlement to free school meals to school children whose parents receive Working Families Tax Cre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had or is planning to have regarding extending entitlement to free school meals to school children whose parents receive Working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Persons Tax Credit.","AnswerText":"An amendment proposing an extension of entitlement to free school meals to schoolchildren whose parents receive Working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Person's Tax Credit was considered and rejected during the passage of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc (Scotland) Act 2000. The level of Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Person's Tax Credit is a reserved matter.<P>Ministers are committed to quality school meals, other healthy eating initiatives and improving the uptake of both. However, we do not collect information about the arrangements which education authorities operate for the provision of free school meals. Authorities are aware of their responsibilities, and in making such arrangements it is for them to take into account questions surrounding the identification of pupils receiving free school meals.<P>There are no immediate plans to conduct research into best practice in the provision of free school meals in other countries or into why children do not take up their entitlement to free school meals. We have, however, raised the matter of uptake with CoSLA and have agreed to further joint discussion with them about this.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151147,"EventID":"S1W-14439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10680 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 1 December 2000, whether it will give details of the criteria on which the preferred bidder was chos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10680 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 1 December 2000, whether it will give details of the criteria on which the preferred bidder was chosen, with particular reference to the criteria on safety.","AnswerText":"As the tendering process has not yet been completed, Scottish Enterprise consider that it would not be appropriate to make public at this time details of the criteria specified for the selection of an operator for the proposed ferry service between Rosyth and Europe.<P>The operation of a ferry service of this kind will require compliance with contemporary safety standards determined by the International Maritime Organisation in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151148,"EventID":"S1W-14440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it can provide examples of local authority best and worst practice in the provision of free school meals, with particular regard to ensuring the anonymity of pup","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it can provide examples of local authority best and worst practice in the provision of free school meals, with particular regard to ensuring the anonymity of pupils receiving free school meals.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-14438.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151149,"EventID":"S1W-14441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to conduct research into best practice in the provision of free school meals in other countries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to conduct research into best practice in the provision of free school meals in other countries.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-14438.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151150,"EventID":"S1W-14442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to conduct research into why many children do not take up their entitlement to free school meals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to conduct research into why many children do not take up their entitlement to free school meals.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-14438.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151151,"EventID":"S1W-14443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the environmental programme monitoring the clean-up of the Holy Loch for each year since it began, broken down by organisation involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the environmental programme monitoring the clean-up of the Holy Loch for each year since it began, broken down by organisation involved.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151152,"EventID":"S1W-14444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10680 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 1 December 2000, what the composition and remit of the steering group are and when it will next meet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10680 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 1 December 2000, what the composition and remit of the steering group are and when it will next meet.","AnswerText":"The Steering Group established by Scottish Enterprise for the purpose of taking forward the proposal to establish a ferry service between Rosyth and Europe, included representatives of Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise Fife, Fife Council and the Scottish Tourist Board. The remit of the Steering Group was to facilitate the introduction of the service by selecting a preferred operator.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151153,"EventID":"S1W-14445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10680 by Wendy Alexander on 1 December 2000, whether it will give a definition of the \"appropriately high standard\" to which it exp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10680 by Wendy Alexander on 1 December 2000, whether it will give a definition of the \"appropriately high standard\" to which it expects the ferry service to be run.","AnswerText":"The high standard deemed appropriate for the operation of the proposed ferry service between Rosyth and the Continent includes aspects such as an operator having a record of safe and reliable provision of ferry services, the operation of technologically advanced vessels fully compliant with current safety standards, a high level of commitment to customer service and staff training, and the strict observance of safety regulations in the operation of vessels.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151154,"EventID":"S1W-14446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12259 by Susan Deacon on 6 March 2001, whether the #8,706,000 deficit incurred by North Glasgow University NHS Trust in 1999-2000 h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12259 by Susan Deacon on 6 March 2001, whether the #8,706,000 deficit incurred by North Glasgow University NHS Trust in 1999-2000 has impacted or will impact on patient care and staffing levels in the current and any future financial years and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"During 1999-2000 North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust agreed a recovery plan with Greater Glasgow Health Board. Plans were drawn up that protect patient services and restore financial balance where necessary. Details of the impact of the measures identified under the recovery plan are not held centrally. In 2001-02 Greater Glasgow Health Board received an increased allocation of 7.72%, an extra £60.6m, which should ensure standards of patient care continue to improve.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151155,"EventID":"S1W-14447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12259 by Susan Deacon on 6 March 2001, whether the #2,263,000 deficit incurred by South Glasgow University NHS Trust in 1999-2000 h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12259 by Susan Deacon on 6 March 2001, whether the #2,263,000 deficit incurred by South Glasgow University NHS Trust in 1999-2000 has impacted or will impact on patient care and staffing levels in the current and any future financial years and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"During 1999-2000 South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust agreed a recovery plan with Greater Glasgow Health Board. Plans were drawn up that protect patient services and restore financial balance where necessary. Details of the impact of the measures identified under the recovery plan are not held centrally. In 2001-02 Greater Glasgow Health Board received an increased allocation of 7.72%, an extra £60.6m, which should ensure standards of patient care continue to improve.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151156,"EventID":"S1W-14448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13199 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 February 2001, what impact the reduction in grant to North of Scotland Water Authority from #24.4 m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13199 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 February 2001, what impact the reduction in grant to North of Scotland Water Authority from #24.4 million in 1996-97 to #1.2 million in 2001-02 will have on average domestic water and sewerage charges.","AnswerText":"The grant payments relate mainly to specific schemes that have now ended. As the grants scored against the Authority's external finance limit, they effectively reduced the amount available to be borrowed. The effect on charges is therefore equivalent to the saving on interest charges.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151157,"EventID":"S1W-14449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12051 by Angus MacKay on 8 February 2001, why it has no full-time staff based in East Renfrewshire, Midlothian and North Ayrshire a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12051 by Angus MacKay on 8 February 2001, why it has no full-time staff based in East Renfrewshire, Midlothian and North Ayrshire and whether it has any plans to disperse jobs to these areas.","AnswerText":"The location of staff is determined by a range of factors. Staff of the Rural Affairs Department, for instance, provide a range of services to the agricultural community from offices around Scotland. The location of these offices relates to the efficiency and effectiveness of the service provided rather than to local authority boundaries.<P>Last December I announced to Parliament that detailed reviews of the Edinburgh operations of six public bodies would be undertaken to individual timetables based on lease breaks and other operational factors. The reviews will determine the most efficient and effective locations for the work concerned. No specific areas of Scotland will be targeted and equally no areas will be ruled out.<P>I also announced at that time that the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council would not be located in Edinburgh. Malcolm Chisholm announced on 6 March that the national offices of these two new bodies will - if the Parliament passes the necessary legislation to enable them to be established - be located in Dundee. In addition there will be 5 further regional offices for the Commission. The locations being considered are the Inverness area, the Aberdeen area, the Paisley area, the Hamilton/East Kilbride area and East Lothian. Decisions on regional offices for the Commission will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151158,"EventID":"S1W-14450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12051 by Angus MacKay on 8 February 2001, why the number of full-time staff it employs in North Lanarkshire fell from 660 in 1999 t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12051 by Angus MacKay on 8 February 2001, why the number of full-time staff it employs in North Lanarkshire fell from 660 in 1999 to 585 in 2000.","AnswerText":"The change in staff numbers relates to the Scottish Prison Service. I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:-<P>\"The decline in staff numbers is due to the closure of Longriggend\"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151159,"EventID":"S1W-14451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8508 by Mr Tom McCabe on 30 August 2000, on how many occasions since 10 July 2000 it has asked back-bench MSPs to lodge parliamenta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8508 by Mr Tom McCabe on 30 August 2000, on how many occasions since 10 July 2000 it has asked back-bench MSPs to lodge parliamentary questions in order to enable it to make an announcement; whether it will provide a list of such questions, including the date on which they were lodged and the MSP who lodged them; and whether it can provide similar details of any inspired (a) oral and (b) First Minister's questions lodged since May 1999.","AnswerText":"There are occasions when, for the convenience of members, the Executive brings a matter to the attention of the Parliament by means of a written Parliamentary question. The Procedures Committee has acknowledged this to be a useful and appropriate mechanism. The following 159 questions lodged between 10 July 2000 and 22 March 2001 inclusive were used by the Executive as a means of bringing matters to the Parliament's attention. Oral Parliamentary questions and First Minister's questions are not suited to this purpose because of the random selection process that applies to these questions and the time limits on when these questions can be answered. <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=470><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>PQ ID<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">S1W-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>MSP</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Date lodged*</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8646</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rhoda Grant</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>7 - 13/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8666</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rhoda Grant</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>7 - 13/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8655</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Karen Gillon</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>7 - 13/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8725</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tavish Scott</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>14 - 20/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8796</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dr Sylvia Jackson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>14 - 20/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8835</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Karen Gillon</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>21 - 27/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8900</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rhoda Grant</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>21 - 27/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8865</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Allan Wilson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>21 - 27/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8923</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Karen Gillon</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>21 - 27/07/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">8935</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Maureen MacMillan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28/07/00 - 3/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">8954</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rhoda Grant</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28/07/00 - 3/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>8978</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scott Barrie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28/07/00 - 3/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9020</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Duncan McNeil</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28/07/00 - 3/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9077</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Elaine Thomson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>4 - 10/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9155</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Cathy Jamieson</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>11 - 17/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9212</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scott Barrie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>11 - 17/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9332</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Rhoda Grant</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>18 - 24/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9385</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Karen Gillon</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>18 - 24/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9311</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Karen Gillon</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>18 - 24/08/00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>9481</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scott Barrie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29 - 30/08/00</TD></TR>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151160,"EventID":"S1W-14452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many of the recent appeal results from the 2000 diet of Scottish Qualifications Authority exams were delivered as 'pending'.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many of the recent appeal results from the 2000 diet of Scottish Qualifications Authority exams were delivered as 'pending'.","AnswerText":"3,785 (92%) results of the independent appeals review were sent to schools on 16 March. The remaining cases have required additional evidence to be gathered, or, in some cases, have not yet been through the normal appeals process. Since 16 March all except six cases have been concluded.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151161,"EventID":"S1W-14453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders have been (a) applied for and (b) granted in the last two years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders have been (a) applied for and (b) granted in the last two years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"A study was commissioned by the Executive from the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland in 1999 which monitored the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, as well as the extended powers of eviction for anti-social behaviour in the Act. The outcome of that survey was published in March 2000 and a copy was placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. <P>The report indicated that a total of 15 ASBOs had been applied for in the period 1 April 1999 to 1 December 1999, of which 9 had been granted and 2 breached. The study did not break the figures down by local authority area. This relatively small number is not unexpected, given that the new grounds had only been effective since 1 April 1999. A repeat of that study is due for completion shortly and will provide up to date figures on the use of ASBOs and the new eviction powers. A copy, when published will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151162,"EventID":"S1W-14454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) formal complaints by neighbours to local authorities, (b) legal actions and (c) evictions in respect of anti-social behaviour there were in each local author","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) formal complaints by neighbours to local authorities, (b) legal actions and (c) evictions in respect of anti-social behaviour there were in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. A new Scottish Executive return is being introduced from 1 April 2001 which will obtain, among other things, the following information for all local authorities each quarter: the number of eviction actions for anti-social behaviour which:(a) proceeded to court during the quarter; (b) resulted in an eviction order being issued during the quarter; (c) resulted in an eviction during the quarter. We expect the first information to be available in December 2001 for the quarter April to June 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151163,"EventID":"S1W-14455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken as a result of the study by the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland which monitored the use of new grounds for eviction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken as a result of the study by the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland which monitored the use of new grounds for eviction.","AnswerText":"The study entitled <I>The Crime and Disorder Act 1998: The use of section 23 evictions for anti-social behaviour</I>, which also reports on the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, was received in March 2000. A copy was placed in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre. A repeat of that study is currently being undertaken to establish the position to date. The Scottish Executive will consider what action needs to be taken in the light of that study which is due for completion shortly. A copy of the report, when published, will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151164,"EventID":"S1W-14456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison officers under the age of 35 at (a) HM Prison Cornton Vale and (b) HM Prison Perth have left the service in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison officers under the age of 35 at (a) HM Prison Cornton Vale and (b) HM Prison Perth have left the service in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"><CENTER><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=451><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Cornton Vale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Perth</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28.03.98-27.03.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28.03.99-27.03.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>28.03.00-27.03.01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">16</TD></TR></TABLE></CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151165,"EventID":"S1W-14457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11263 by Mr Tom McCabe on 29 November 2000, when it will provide details on the number of inspired parliamentary questions and whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11263 by Mr Tom McCabe on 29 November 2000, when it will provide details on the number of inspired parliamentary questions and whether it will provide this information in response to this parliamentary question rather than by letter.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-14451.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151166,"EventID":"S1W-14458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13054 by Susan Deacon on 19 March 2001, whether any complaints against general practitioners (GPs) who have administered the single","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13054 by Susan Deacon on 19 March 2001, whether any complaints against general practitioners (GPs) who have administered the single measles vaccination have been made under the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisation etc.) Regulations 1994 or the Medicines (Standard Provision for Licences and Certificates) Amendment Regulations 1999; whether any proceedings have been or will be brought against any GPs as a result; what the result was of any such proceedings, and whether it holds any information on the outcome of any proceedings involving the General Medical Council.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is a reserved matter. The Medicines Control Agency has advised that no proceedings are pending. The Executive holds no information about any such proceedings involving the General Medical Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151167,"EventID":"S1W-14459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance to NHS Trusts on the provision of free nebulisers for patients with lung disease living in the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance to NHS Trusts on the provision of free nebulisers for patients with lung disease living in the community.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so. The decision on whether a nebuliser should be issued rests with the patient's hospital consultant.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151168,"EventID":"S1W-14460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many classroom assistants were employed in primary schools in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many classroom assistants were employed in primary schools in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Funding for the classroom assistants initiative was established in 1999 as part of the Excellence Fund. As at April 2001, 2661.69 FTE classroom assistants have been employed in Scottish primary schools. A breakdown of the number of classroom assistants expressed in FTE's employed through the Excellence Fund in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 is set out in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=526><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Classroom Assistants</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. Employed in 1999-2000(FTE)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">No. Employed in 2000-01 (FTE)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">108.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">108</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">49</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14.87</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">55.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">64.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">64</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">69</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80.08</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">147.1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">61</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=19><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=19><P ALIGN=\"RIGH","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151169,"EventID":"S1W-14461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers were employed in primary schools in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many teachers were employed in primary schools in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The attached table shows the latest information available on the number of full-time equivalent teachers who were employed in publicly funded primary schools in September of each of the years 1996 to 1999 by local authority area. Information on the number of teachers in schools in September 2000 is not currently available.<P>The <I>Supply of Teachers</I> report, Vol 1 - Jan 2001 details the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlines planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751). The report includes a series of tables in the Annex, one of which gives numbers of FTE publicly funded teachers in the primary and secondary sectors by local authority from September 1997 to 1999 (Annex F). This Annex is currently being updated and extended to provide a wider range of information on teacher numbers.<P>Number of full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers in publicly funded primary schools by local authority, September (1996-99)<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=416><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"65%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">September</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22,483</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22,189</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22,494</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22,643</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">809</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">795</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">829</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">824</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,158</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,127</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,155</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,159</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">495</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">490</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">502</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">514</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">452</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">447</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">443</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">458</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">212</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">216</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">217</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">221</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">681</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">678</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">703</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">682</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151170,"EventID":"S1W-14462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what rate of return on net relevant fixed assets each NHS Trust achieved in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what rate of return on net relevant fixed assets each NHS Trust achieved in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"NHS Trusts report the rate of return on net relevant assets achieved in their annual accounts for each year. <P>The 1999-2000 accounts for each NHS Trust were laid before Parliament and can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Table 1 gives the report numbers and Parliaments Reference Centre Bib. numbers for each of the Trusts.<P>Table 2 provides the details for the years 1997-98 and 1998-99.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=580><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Table 1</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" BGCOLOR=\"#ffffff\" HEIGHT=34><P>NHS Trusts</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Report No: SE/2000/</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Bib No</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">121</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7981</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">125</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7972</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7976</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Borders Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">127</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7984</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Borders General Hospital NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">126</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7985</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">129</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7987</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"MIDDLE\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7989</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Fife Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">131</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7994</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Fife Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">130</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7996</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">135</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7998</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">136</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8002</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">140</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8003</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Highland Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">141</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8005</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">142</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8007</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"67%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Lomond and Argyll Primary Care NHS Trust</TD><","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151171,"EventID":"S1W-14463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is putting in place to ensure effective financial monitoring by its Health Department and improve the accountability of NHS bodies to the department fol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is putting in place to ensure effective financial monitoring by its Health Department and improve the accountability of NHS bodies to the department following the Auditor General's audit review of National Health Service bodies in Tayside.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>A plan for action, a plan for change</I> sets out the Executive's plans to improve the governance, performance management and accountability of NHSScotland. Further plans for the implementation of these changes are currently being developed.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151172,"EventID":"S1W-14464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance is now available to NHS Trusts in relation to the preparation of financial recovery plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidance is now available to NHS Trusts in relation to the preparation of financial recovery plans.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland bodies are well aware of the requirement to achieve and maintain financial balance, and to have financial plans which support that objective. The Executive has made available guidance on the way in which these plans should be presented to give a clear indication of how financial recovery will be achieved, when that is necessary.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151173,"EventID":"S1W-14465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which health boards or NHS Trusts have made payments to staff in lieu of annual leave not taken in the past three years, specifying in each case the total amount paid in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which health boards or NHS Trusts have made payments to staff in lieu of annual leave not taken in the past three years, specifying in each case the total amount paid in this respect.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the detail requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151174,"EventID":"S1W-14466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address any staff shortages in the ear, nose and throat department of Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust in response to recent instance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address any staff shortages in the ear, nose and throat department of Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust in response to recent instances of check-up appointments being cancelled several times.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust, if necessary in consultation with Grampian Health Board. These bodies are responsible for assessing health service requirements in their area and for determining priorities within the increased resources we are making available to NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151175,"EventID":"S1W-14467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to take to promote salmon farming and when it will respond to the letter sent by the Convenors of the Rural Development and the Transport and the E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to take to promote salmon farming and when it will respond to the letter sent by the Convenors of the Rural Development and the Transport and the Environment Committees on 7 February 2001 asking whether it will hold an independent inquiry into the environmental impacts of sea cage fish farming.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to support the development of salmon farming within a framework which has due regard to the environment and to the interests of other coastal stakeholders. To that end it is involved in a range of initiatives which includes a comprehensive R&amp;D programme, a fish health inspection regime and a new FIFG scheme designed to support competitiveness and to assist businesses to diversify and embrace more environmentally sustainable practices. <P>We are actively considering the Rural Development and the Transport and Environment Committees' recent request and will give our reply soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151176,"EventID":"S1W-14468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to make support tights available on prescription.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to make support tights available on prescription.","AnswerText":"Support stockings have been available from NHSScotland through GP prescribing for some years whilst support tights have only been available through the hospital service. Consideration is currently under way both at UK and Scottish level regarding whether support tights should be added to the Drugs Tariff and therefore available on prescription through GPs.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151177,"EventID":"S1W-14469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why support tights are available only through the hospital service and not on prescription, when elastic hosiery is available on prescription.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why support tights are available only through the hospital service and not on prescription, when elastic hosiery is available on prescription.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14468.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151178,"EventID":"S1W-14470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12357 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 January 2001, what related work is being taken forward by the Lord President's Advisory Committee reg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12357 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 January 2001, what related work is being taken forward by the Lord President's Advisory Committee regarding the revised Small Claims (Scotland) Amendment Order and the revised Sheriff Court (Scotland) Act 1971 (Private Jurisdiction and Summary Cause) Order and what the timetable is for the completion of this work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will fix the date to lay these Orders once the current review of the Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules and the consequential review of the Table of Fees for Solicitors in Summary Cause actions is completed. The review of the Rules is being conducted by the Sheriff Court Rules Council in the first instance, and is then a matter for the Court of Session to consider any recommendations. The Table of Fees is for the Lord President's Advisory Committee and then for the Court of Session. The Review of the Rules is, I understand, still some months from completion. The current aim of the Sheriff Court Rules Council is to submit draft Rules to the Court of Session during the course of this year. The Lord President's Advisory Committee will not be able to consider the issue of fees in detail until the content of the Rules is clear.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151179,"EventID":"S1W-14471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it can give to passengers on the Glasgow Underground that the lines will be cleared of debris and that services will return to normal as quickly as possib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it can give to passengers on the Glasgow Underground that the lines will be cleared of debris and that services will return to normal as quickly as possible, following a derailment on 22 March 2001.","AnswerText":"The operation of the Glasgow Underground railway system is the responsibility of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE). I understand that SPTE reinstated full services on 29 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151180,"EventID":"S1W-14472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to further the conservation of the capercaillie in line with the EU Wild Birds Directive and what new actions the Forestry Commission will take ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to further the conservation of the capercaillie in line with the EU Wild Birds Directive and what new actions the Forestry Commission will take to better protect capercaillie within (a) Natura 2000 sites and (b) forests adjacent to Natura 2000 sites.","AnswerText":"In view of the decline in capercaillie numbers, the Scottish Executive has decided to introduce a statutory ban on the shooting of the species. This will be effected by Scottish Statutory Instrument to reschedule the species from Schedule 2, Part I to Schedule 1, Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.<P>The Scottish Executive receives advice from its statutory nature conservation advisers, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), on the classification as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) of the most suitable territories for capercaillie under the EC Birds Directive. A suite of six SPAs has been classified in Scotland and additional sites are under consideration. These SPAs form part of the Natura 2000 network. Activities within these SPAs must comply with the provisions of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &amp;c.) Regulations 1994.<P>As required by European legislation, the Forestry Commission will make an appropriate assessment of the implications of proposed forestry operations which are likely to have a significant effect on any Natura 2000 site before deciding whether to approve those operations.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151181,"EventID":"S1W-14473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what further action is being taken in Scottish woodlands to protect capercaillie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what further action is being taken in Scottish woodlands to protect capercaillie.","AnswerText":"There is a Species Action Plan for the capercaillie developed under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The steering group for the plan is a broad partnership involving the Scottish Executive, the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the RSPB and others. The Forestry Commission has taken a number of actions, including grant aiding activities that benefit capercaillie with parallel measures in state-owned forest areas; developing policy and guidance to minimise the impact of fences on capercaillie; consulting SNH and RSPB on all new afforestation proposals that could affect capercaillie; requiring grant applicants to take advice from experts on operations that will affect capercaillie; and raising awareness of the plight of capercaillie through publications, a national conference and local workshop. The commission has also led on improved fence designs and the steering group has produced revised guidance on location of fences. In addition, the RSPB and SNH with input from the commission are co-funding a Capercaillie Project Officer who acts as an adviser to landowners as well as SNH, RSPB and commission staff on capercaillie issues.<P>SNH, the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department (SERAD) and the Forestry Commission published last year a review of capercaillie research needs. The review identified a number of research priorities including an assessment of factors associated with breeding success. Additionally, SNH in conjunction with the commission, the Scottish Executive and the RSPB, is planning a large-scale management trial in capercaillie core areas. Actions will include predator control, removal or reduced use of deer fencing, minimising disturbance of leks (breeding sites), improving brood habitat, sensitive planting, thinning and woodland management.<P>SNH, the Forestry Commission, the RSPB and other potential partners are also working on the preparation of an application under the LIFE III programme to support recovery of capercaillie.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151182,"EventID":"S1W-14474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact the timber felling recently undertaken on the Invercauld Estate in Aberdeenshire will have on the capercaillie population in the area; whether any representa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact the timber felling recently undertaken on the Invercauld Estate in Aberdeenshire will have on the capercaillie population in the area; whether any representations were made to the landowners in advance of this felling operation about the impact which it would have on capercaillie, and whether this operation complied with all relevant regulations on the protection of capercaillie.","AnswerText":"It is not known what impact the timber felling undertaken on the Invercauld Estate may have on the capercaillie population in the area. However, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will monitor the capercaillie population on the adjacent Ballochbuie Special Protection Area (SPA).<P>The Forestry Commission first consulted SNH about this proposal (the objective of which was regeneration of native woodland) in 1995. At that time SNH broadly supported the proposals, particularly the intention to utilise selective rather than clear felling, thereby reducing the visual impact of the scheme within Deeside and Lochnagar National Scenic Area. SNH also suggested further modifications to retain a more natural appearance in the remaining woodland and to safeguard wetland areas from felling operations. At that time, the proposals did not cause concern in relation to capercaillie. After the Forestry Commission approved the Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) application in 1996, the adjacent Ballochbuie SPA was classified in 1998 for its important populations of Scottish crossbill and capercaillie. Further research on the capercaillie population in the area demonstrated that birds regularly used the area affected by the WGS application. I am not aware of any representations having been made to the landowners, although I understand that the estate sought specialist advice in relation to the potential impact on capercaillie of their fencing proposals.<P>The operations were carried out in accordance with the plans approved in 1996. The Forestry Commission recognises that an assessment of the forestry proposals in these plans would have been appropriate in the changed circumstances following the classification of the SPA on adjacent ground in 1998. However, the Forestry Commission is currently identifying all the existing WGS and felling approvals given during the last five years that are likely to have a significant effect on any Natura 2000 site. In some cases assessments have already begun.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151183,"EventID":"S1W-14475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what immediate action it is taking to protect capercaillie habitats such as Invercauld Estate in Aberdeenshire and Curr Wood in the Highlands from disturbance caused by t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what immediate action it is taking to protect capercaillie habitats such as Invercauld Estate in Aberdeenshire and Curr Wood in the Highlands from disturbance caused by timber felling operations.","AnswerText":"The Forestry Commission is responsible for approving tree felling operations and is currently identifying all the existing Woodland Grant Schemes and felling approvals given during the last five years that are likely to have a significant effect on Natura 2000 sites. Where the proposed work might adversely affect capercaillie, the commission will discuss the proposals with the owners or managers of the land with a view to making specific arrangements for protecting capercaillie. At Invercauld Estate and Curr Wood, the commission has been discussing with SNH and relevant experts how best to manage the forestry operations, taking account of the needs of the capercaillie.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151184,"EventID":"S1W-14476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will intervene in relation to timber felling operations currently being undertaken in Curr Wood in the Highlands in order to protect the capercaillie populati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will intervene in relation to timber felling operations currently being undertaken in Curr Wood in the Highlands in order to protect the capercaillie population in this area and whether it will direct Scottish Natural Heritage to secure the conservation of these capercaillie.","AnswerText":"The Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have already met the owner's agents and the RSPB to discuss the felling operations in Curr Wood. I understand that the owner has now agreed to modify his felling proposals to take greater account of sensitive areas used by capercaillie and other priority species.<P>A direction to SNH is unnecessary as it is already taking all necessary steps in co-operation with the Forestry Commission. SNH has a duty in terms of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &amp; c.) Regulations 1994 to exercise its nature conservation functions to secure compliance with the requirements of the EC Habitats Directive.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151185,"EventID":"S1W-14478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Forestry Commission has reviewed all existing consents, permissions or other authorisations with the potential to affect capercaillie in Natura 2000 sites un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Forestry Commission has reviewed all existing consents, permissions or other authorisations with the potential to affect capercaillie in Natura 2000 sites under Regulation 50 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 and, if not, what powers the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage have to prevent action being taken on the basis of existing consents, permissions or other authorisations before they have been subject to such a review.","AnswerText":"The Forestry Commission is currently identifying all the existing Woodland Grant Schemes (WGS) and felling approvals granted during the last five years likely to have a significant effect on Natura 2000 sites. Where the proposed work might adversely affect capercaillie in a Natura 2000 site, the Commission will discuss the proposals with the owners or managers of the land with a view to making specific arrangements for protecting capercaillie.<P>Under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &amp;c.) Regulations 1994 the Forestry Commission is required to have regard to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. In addition, all woodland owners are required to comply with the UK Forestry Standard which states that, when carrying out any forestry operations, owners must make specific arrangements for the protection of protected habitats and protected species of wildlife. Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 forestry projects, such as afforestation and deforestation, which are likely to have significant effects on the environment can only proceed with the consent of the Forestry Commission. An environmental impact assessment of these projects is required.<P>Consideration of existing WGS and felling approvals is the responsibility of the Forestry Commission as the competent authority and Scottish Natural Heritage have no powers in this respect. The Forestry Commission has no specific statutory powers to modify or revoke existing felling approvals. Nevertheless, if conditions specified in felling licences are not complied with in individual cases, the licence can be withdrawn.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151186,"EventID":"S1W-14479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13156 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 March 2001, when it will be in a position to announce the resumption of the BCG vaccination program","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13156 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 March 2001, when it will be in a position to announce the resumption of the BCG vaccination programme.","AnswerText":"On 24 March, I announced, through Scottish Executive News Release SE0786, the resumption of the schools BCG vaccination programme in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151187,"EventID":"S1W-14480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any ban on fishing from riverbanks which currently exists, includes or exempts fishing for salmon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any ban on fishing from riverbanks which currently exists, includes or exempts fishing for salmon.","AnswerText":"As a result of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease situation, a number of proprietors of salmon rod fisheries around Scotland have closed their fisheries until further notice.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151188,"EventID":"S1W-14481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of time Louis McDonald, recently discharged under a Not Proven verdict for the murder of Christopher Cawley, served of the six year sentence he received in 19","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of time Louis McDonald, recently discharged under a Not Proven verdict for the murder of Christopher Cawley, served of the six year sentence he received in 1997 for violent assault.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>Mr McDonald did not receive a sentence in 1997 for violent assault. He was, however, convicted of Assault to Severe Injury and Permanent Disfigurement on 17 January 1995 and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment. This was subsequently reduced on appeal to 5 years effective from 5 July 1994. Mr McDonald was released on Parole Licence on 3 January 1997 and subsequently recalled to custody on 19 May 1999 and re-released on 4 July 1999.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151189,"EventID":"S1W-14482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how long, from time of appointment, James Drummond Young QC had to prepare the prosecution case against Louis McDonald and Gary Sanders, both charged with the murder of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how long, from time of appointment, James Drummond Young QC had to prepare the prosecution case against Louis McDonald and Gary Sanders, both charged with the murder of Christopher Cawley.","AnswerText":"Trial Advocates Depute are given case papers 10 days in advance of a sitting of the High Court they are prosecuting. Cases are already fully prepared by legal staff of the Procurator Fiscal Service and Crown Office before being given to Advocates Depute.<P>Mr Drummond Young was fully prepared to prosecute the case and conducted the prosecution in a highly professional manner. He is an extremely experienced and respected member of the Scottish Bar and I have full confidence in his abilities as an Advocate Depute.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151190,"EventID":"S1W-14483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation took place between the Cawley family and the Procurator Fiscal's Office from the date of the murder to the end of the trial, and whether the Procurator","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation took place between the Cawley family and the Procurator Fiscal's Office from the date of the murder to the end of the trial, and whether the Procurator Fiscal's Office provided accurate information on (a) the case against Gary Sanders and (b) the case against Louis McDonald at all times.","AnswerText":"Members of the Cawley family met with the precognoscer of the case at the Procurator Fiscal's Office in Glasgow on 8 November 2000 when the precognition process, the trial process and the options available to a jury were explained to them. The Cawley family were previously written to by the Procurator Fiscal's Office at Glasgow on 13 October 2000 and 2 November 2000 when the involvement of the Procurator Fiscal was intimated to them. They were again written to on 8 December 2000 when the indictment was served and information about the trial diet given to them. A member of the family was spoken to on the telephone by the precognoscer between 8 December 2000 and on 19 December 2000.<P>The family were informed the precognoscer was on annual leave over Christmas and given details of the High Court Unit at the High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow should they wish to discuss matters during that period. In advance of that, on 19 December 2000, the family were taken to the High Court in Glasgow for a pre-trial court visit.<P>On 8 January 2001, the precognoscer, when attending the High Court to view the trial, informally met a family member and spoke briefly with him.<P>On 10 January 2001 the precognoscer attended at court to inform the family that Gary Sanders had been liberated on bail and would be acquitted at the conclusion of the Crown case.<P>The Principal Depute at the Procurator Fiscal's Office at the High Court of Justiciary at Glasgow met with the family on 9 January 2001. She met further with the family on 10 January 2001 in the presence of the Advocate Depute.<P>The Head of the Procurator Fiscal's Office at the High Court of Justiciary met with the members of the family on 11 January 2001 after the verdict when the case was discussed with them.<P>The family were provided with accurate information on the case against Gary Sanders and Louis McDonald from their first contact with the Procurator Fiscal's Office at Glasgow until the conclusion of the case.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151191,"EventID":"S1W-14484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what further prosecutions are being considered given the number of alleged transgressions of the law revealed within transcripts of the trial in which Gary Sanders was d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what further prosecutions are being considered given the number of alleged transgressions of the law revealed within transcripts of the trial in which Gary Sanders was discharged and Louis McDonald was released on a Not Proven verdict in 1997.","AnswerText":"As far as I am aware, transcripts have not been ordered from the High Court of Justiciary in this case. I am therefore unable to comment further.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151192,"EventID":"S1W-14485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the contents of the Primary School Sex and Relationship Education Pack are appropriate for use in teaching nine-year-old primary school pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the contents of the Primary School Sex and Relationship Education Pack are appropriate for use in teaching nine-year-old primary school pupils.","AnswerText":"This resource for teachers contains some materials which may be suitable for use at the right stages of primary school. However, since the pack is designed to assist and inform teachers, and cover the differing educational needs of children at various ages, it follows that much of its content will not be appropriate for use with nine-year-old children. It is for individual schools and authorities to decide whether to use this pack, or some of the elements of it or indeed another resource altogether, but whatever resource they use, they must take into account the statutory guidance, age, understanding, stage of development and needs of their pupils. In addition, parents will, of course, be consulted about programmes of sex education in schools. This consultation, and the professionalism of teachers, will ensure that inappropriate materials are not used in Scottish classrooms.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151193,"EventID":"S1W-14486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can quantify the numbers of instances of anti-social behaviour in each of the last two years in each local authority area, using as a definition the types of b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can quantify the numbers of instances of anti-social behaviour in each of the last two years in each local authority area, using as a definition the types of behaviour described as anti-social in paragraphs 21 to 27 of Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour: The Way Ahead.","AnswerText":"Not at present. Pilot work has recently begun on improving the quality and quantity of information collected by local authorities and other landlords.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151194,"EventID":"S1W-14487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3176 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, whether it will provide details of the action areas for jobs scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3176 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, whether it will provide details of the action areas for jobs scheme.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer to S1O-3176 Action Teams for Jobs is a Department for Education and Employment initiative which provides additional, flexible assistance to jobless people in discrete areas of high unemployment. <P>The Action Team in East Ayrshire has been operational since 26 June 2000 and celebrated its 200th job entry on 10 February 2001. Action Teams focus on small areas and groups of people at a particular disadvantage in the labour market. Participation in the initiative is voluntary and help is available to jobless people in the Action Team area regardless of the type of benefit they are claiming. <P>The East Ayrshire Team is currently focusing on the Shortlees and Riccarton areas of Kilmarnock; and the areas of Muirkirk, Logan, Lugar and Netherthird &amp; Craigens in Cumnock.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151195,"EventID":"S1W-14488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3176 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, how much funding the action areas for jobs scheme will receive in each of the next thr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3176 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, how much funding the action areas for jobs scheme will receive in each of the next three years in East Ayrshire and how many jobs it estimates will be created.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer to S1W-14487 Action Teams for Jobs is a Department for Education and Employment initiative. Further to the Chancellor's budget announcement on extensions to existing Action Teams I can confirm that the East Ayrshire Team will be extended until March 2004. <P>A further £120m has been allocated to extend the initiative across Great Britain until 2004, including the creation of 2 new teams in Scotland. Details of the resources allocated to each team are still under discussion within DfEE and should be finalised in the next weeks. All Teams will be set stretching targets, with a focus on helping those furthest from active labour market involvement.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151196,"EventID":"S1W-14489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take on the conclusions of the Report of the Deferrals Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take on the conclusions of the Report of the Deferrals Working Group.","AnswerText":"The consultation with CoSLA on the Report's recommendations is not yet complete. Once it is I will make a full response on the Report.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151197,"EventID":"S1W-14490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister of Rural Development will respond to my letter of 4 December 2000 on behalf of my constituent Roy Anderson-Tyres regarding licensing of butchers shops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister of Rural Development will respond to my letter of 4 December 2000 on behalf of my constituent Roy Anderson-Tyres regarding licensing of butchers shops.","AnswerText":"A reply was issued on 28 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151198,"EventID":"S1W-14491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take on the recommendations made in the recently published research report, Obsolete Commercial and Industry Property, prepared by Ekos and Ryd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take on the recommendations made in the recently published research report, Obsolete Commercial and Industry Property, prepared by Ekos and Ryden Property Consultants for the Central Research Unit.","AnswerText":"The recommendations will inform a range of current and future work including, for example, the review of National Planning Policy Guideline 2: Business and Industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151199,"EventID":"S1W-14492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that the instances of an NHS manager's management style being \"unreasonably intimidating\" and NHS staff being treated in an \"unreason","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that the instances of an NHS manager's management style being \"unreasonably intimidating\" and NHS staff being treated in an \"unreasonable and unprofessional manner\" identified in the report of the Kilshaw Inquiry Team into Tayside Health Board are not repeated elsewhere in the NHSiS.","AnswerText":"The management style and actions of the senior management team in Tayside Health Board during the mid 1990s was clearly not acceptable. Since the Kilshaw inquiry report NHSScotland organisations have become more open and accountable to the public and action has been taken to ensure non-executive trustees are better trained to undertake their role more effectively. A centrally supported Management Development Framework is currently in preparation, this is aimed at developing professional relationships and will support the introduction of new appraisal arrangements which are predicated on recommendations on the critical leadership behaviours required to create a modern NHS. For individual staff, guidance on \"Dignity at Work: Eliminating Bullying and harassment in the Workplace\" was issued to NHS Scotland in January. That guidance recommends that organisations should have clearly defined policy and procedure for <B>all</B> employees for dealing with bullying and harassment complaints and have procedures in place which enable staff to bring issues to the attention of managers without fear of reprisal.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151200,"EventID":"S1W-14493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-13919 on 20 March 2001, whether the advice obtained on preventing the colonisation by waterfowl of the water features at the new Par","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-13919 on 20 March 2001, whether the advice obtained on preventing the colonisation by waterfowl of the water features at the new Parliament building at Holyrood will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"When further advice is obtained and has been considered by the Holyrood Progress Group, I will write to Mr Monteith and place a copy of the letter in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151201,"EventID":"S1W-14494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-13919 on 20 March 2001, what capital budget has been set aside for the new provision of an underwater pumping system in the water fe","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-13919 on 20 March 2001, what capital budget has been set aside for the new provision of an underwater pumping system in the water features at the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"Provision for the underwater pumping system is included in the capital budget for 'landscaping', which covers improvement works to the area surrounding the Holyrood building.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151202,"EventID":"S1W-14495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-13921 on 20 March 2001, whether the gla'ing specification set out in the guidelines for physical security has been incorporated into","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-13921 on 20 March 2001, whether the gla'ing specification set out in the guidelines for physical security has been incorporated into the design of the gla'ing facing Horse Wynd, at the main entrance and of the windows of MSP's offices.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that the glazing at the main entrance to the Holyrood building facing Horse Wynd, and the MSP block office windows, adhere to the Government guidelines for physical security.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151203,"EventID":"S1W-14496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13418 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 20 March 2001, what the results were of the consultation exercises and, in particular, whether a major","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13418 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 20 March 2001, what the results were of the consultation exercises and, in particular, whether a majority of respondents, in each case and overall, favoured or opposed the withdrawal of water rates relief.","AnswerText":"In June 2000, the water authorities consulted those customers benefiting from the full level of relief on water and sewerage charges in relation to their plans to withdraw those reliefs. Those customers who do not benefit from reliefs were not consulted. 11,173 letters were issued. 7,938 (71%) of those contacted did not respond. Of those who did respond, 1,682 (15% of the total contacted) believed that relief should be granted to all those in the group whose relief is to be phased out with effect from 1 April 2001; and 1,166 (10% of the total contacted) believed that relief should be granted to some members of the group. The remaining 387 either believed that none of the group should receive reliefs, or did not respond to the question.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151204,"EventID":"S1W-14497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to discuss with the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive the recent derailment, and any other incidents affecting public safety, on the Glas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to discuss with the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive the recent derailment, and any other incidents affecting public safety, on the Glasgow Underground.","AnswerText":"The operation of the Glasgow Underground railway system is the responsibility of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE). Under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998, the provision and regulation of railway services, which includes railway safety, are reserved matters. This covers both surface and underground railways. I understand that the Health and Safety Executive is currently conducting a full investigation into the cause of the recent accident on the Underground, and I have no plans to discuss it with SPTE.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151205,"EventID":"S1W-14498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to support charities and voluntary organisations in relation to water and sewerage charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to support charities and voluntary organisations in relation to water and sewerage charges.","AnswerText":"Phasing in of water charges to all organisations affected by the decision to withdraw reliefs is being made over a period of 5 years. <P>Additionally, the water authorities have offered to install water meters free where this will reduce costs. This should have the effect of reducing further any additional liability that these organisations have to face.<P>However, the Scottish Executive recognises the concerns of a number of organisations about the immediate impact of the first phase of withdrawals this year, and we are in contact with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations on this.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151206,"EventID":"S1W-14499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to owner occupiers in former Scottish Homes housing in Anderston, Glasgow who are now facing bills of up to #35,000 over 30 years as their sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to owner occupiers in former Scottish Homes housing in Anderston, Glasgow who are now facing bills of up to #35,000 over 30 years as their share of common maintenance costs in the Scottish Homes stock transfer.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for meeting the costs rests with the owners in the first instance. However we recognise that in the circumstances surrounding the Glasgow stock transfer the owners may require some assistance and the Framework Agreement states that a package of new initiatives will be developed to offer assistance.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151207,"EventID":"S1W-14500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Homes will consult on their options appraisal for stock transfer in Anderston, Glasgow and how many tenants and how many owner-occupiers will be consulted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Homes will consult on their options appraisal for stock transfer in Anderston, Glasgow and how many tenants and how many owner-occupiers will be consulted.","AnswerText":"Scottish Homes has established an Options Appraisal Group to consider future options for this stock. Membership of the group, which first meets tomorrow, will include Scottish Homes, the Anderston Tenants &amp; Residents Association and individual tenants and owner-occupiers. The group is due to report on options in July of this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151208,"EventID":"S1W-14501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Greater Glasgow Health Board or have been made to it by the Board regarding any shortage of intensive care beds at Yorkhill Children'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Greater Glasgow Health Board or have been made to it by the Board regarding any shortage of intensive care beds at Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow and what action is being taken to address any such shortage.","AnswerText":"It is primarily for Yorkhill NHS Trust and Greater Glasgow Health Board, as the local service providers, to put in place the necessary facilities to meet the needs of the local population.<P>In addition, at a national level on 17 April I announced the creation of four mobile paediatric intensive care beds, each manned by a specially trained paediatric intensive care doctor and nurse, at a cost of £1.6 million. This new service will be Scotland-wide with the two teams making up the national service based in Edinburgh and Glasgow.<P>This brings the total number of paediatric intensive care beds in Scotland to 24.5: 14 at Yorkhill, eight in Edinburgh and 2.5 at the Institute of Neurosciences in Glasgow. This underlines the Executive's commitment to the model of paediatric care advocated by the Scottish Paediatric Intensive Care Audit.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151209,"EventID":"S1W-14502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12985 by Mr Angus MacKay on 23 March 2001, whether it will provide details of the two new Scottish Executive posts created in Dumfr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12985 by Mr Angus MacKay on 23 March 2001, whether it will provide details of the two new Scottish Executive posts created in Dumfries and Galloway since July 1999.","AnswerText":"One post is within the Scottish Courts Service and is a new trainee position as a Sheriff Clerk Depute in Dumfries Sheriff Court. The other is an Agricultural Officer post in the Dumfries Area Office of the Rural Affairs Department, dealing with Agenda 2000 work.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151210,"EventID":"S1W-14503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12985 by Mr Angus MacKay on 23 March 2001, what criteria will be used in deciding the locations of the regional offices of the Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12985 by Mr Angus MacKay on 23 March 2001, what criteria will be used in deciding the locations of the regional offices of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.","AnswerText":"I have indicated that we are looking for regional offices for the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care in the Inverness, Aberdeen, Paisley, Hamilton/East Kilbride and East Lothian areas, as well as in Dundee. The main criteria which will be used in deciding on specific locations will be cost, size and availability.<P>I have also indicated that at the very least there will have to be resource centres in Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles, Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders and the Stirling area.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151211,"EventID":"S1W-14504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available to enable representatives from relevant Scottish voluntary sector or other organisations to attend the United Nations Third World C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available to enable representatives from relevant Scottish voluntary sector or other organisations to attend the United Nations Third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held in Durban, South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001 and, if not, whether it will make advice available to such organisations on other potential sources of such funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is maintaining close contact with the UK Government about the arrangements for this conference. Executive officials attended one of two consultative seminars that were recently held in Scotland, organised by the UK Government. These were intended to inform Scottish non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about the conference and to seek their views.<P>The Executive is also discussing with the UK Government emerging United Nations' proposals to support NGOs' contributions to the proceedings. There are no plans for the Scottish Executive to provide direct funding for attendance at the conference.<P>We are asking the Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland,<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2 COLOR=\"#ff0000\"> as part of their advisory work in partnership with others such as SCVO, to assist with the provision of advice on the conference, potential sources of financial assistance and longer term sharing of the outcomes from Durban more widely in Scotland.<P>The question of representation from the Scottish Executive will be considered following decisions by the UN on the overall size of government delegations and the final conference programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151212,"EventID":"S1W-14505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12985 by Mr Angus MacKay on 23 March 2001, how many jobs the proposed Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and Scottish S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12985 by Mr Angus MacKay on 23 March 2001, how many jobs the proposed Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and Scottish Social Services Council will create.","AnswerText":"The number of new staff employed by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council will depend on the number of existing staff who choose to transfer to these bodies. However, we expect that the Commission will employ around 500 staff, approximately 50 - 70 of whom will be new and the council will employ 30 staff, at least 14 of whom will be new.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151213,"EventID":"S1W-14506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it would cost to ensure that patient records held on the NHSnet would be 100% secure from hackers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much it would cost to ensure that patient records held on the NHSnet would be 100% secure from hackers.","AnswerText":"NHSnet is an UK-wide secure network connecting NHS organisations. The network service is provided by BT and Cable &amp; Wireless as a managed service. The contracts are supervised by the NHS Information Authority based in England. NHSScotland works closely with the authority to ensure effective operation of the network in Scotland. Ongoing study and improvement of the security of the network is provided as an integral part of the managed network service operated by the contractors and the authority. The authority commissions an independent organisation to carry out regular tests that have confirmed that security arrangements between the public Internet and NHSnet are effective. The cost of this work is borne by the Information Authority. NHSScotland has not undertaken any separate studies.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151214,"EventID":"S1W-14507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies there have been in relation to ensuring the security of patient records held on the NHSnet, who was consulted in the course of any such studies and what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what studies there have been in relation to ensuring the security of patient records held on the NHSnet, who was consulted in the course of any such studies and what the result of any such studies were.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14506.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151215,"EventID":"S1W-14508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost has been of any studies into the security of the NHSnet in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 to date, in both cash terms and expressed as a percentage of the NHS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total cost has been of any studies into the security of the NHSnet in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 to date, in both cash terms and expressed as a percentage of the NHS information and communication technology budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14506.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151216,"EventID":"S1W-14509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times its website and those of its agencies have been (a) accessed by unauthorised sources and (b) altered by such sources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times its website and those of its agencies have been (a) accessed by unauthorised sources and (b) altered by such sources.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive website was accessed by an unauthorised source on 8 September 1999 and the homepage was defaced. There have been no incidents since then. The website of the National Archives of Scotland was accessed by an unauthorised source on 21 March 2001 and the homepage was defaced. The websites of other Executive Agencies have not been accessed or altered by unauthorised sources.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151217,"EventID":"S1W-14510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the recent derailment, and any other incidents affecting public safety, on the Glasgow Underground and whether there are any p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the recent derailment, and any other incidents affecting public safety, on the Glasgow Underground and whether there are any plans for any investigations into these.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14497.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151218,"EventID":"S1W-14511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to public safety standards when the annual grant payment to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive is awarded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to public safety standards when the annual grant payment to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive is awarded.","AnswerText":"The Special Grant to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPTA) supports the provision of railway services within the Strathclyde Passenger Transport area under the ScotRail franchise. The grant does not support the Glasgow Underground. The Underground is run directly by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE) and is financed by SPTA's constituent local authorities through their support for the authority's activities.<P>Both the provider of the railway services and SPTE, as provider of the Underground services, are required to meet all relevant GB safety standards, which are monitored by the Health and Safety Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151219,"EventID":"S1W-14512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct the relevant body to carry out an investigation into the handling by North Ayrshire Council and its preceding authority, Cunninghame District Cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct the relevant body to carry out an investigation into the handling by North Ayrshire Council and its preceding authority, Cunninghame District Council, of revenue generated from the foreshore car park at Gallowgate Street, Largs, Ayrshire following the transfer of revenue accruing from this source from the Largs Common Good to the general funds of these local authorities from 1 April 1995.","AnswerText":"The relevant body to carry out an investigation into financial management matters within local authorities would be Audit Scotland on behalf of the Accounts Commission for Scotland, which are both independent of Ministers in this regard. Any person with a genuine concern relating to the finances of a council can refer it to the Accounts Commission at any time. If the Accounts Commission, or the Audit Scotland staff who serve the Accounts Commission, consider the subject matter to fall within their remit they will initiate preliminary enquiries.<P>I understand that the matter in question has already been raised with the Accounts Commission.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151220,"EventID":"S1W-14513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any livestock destroyed in the foot-and-mouth disease pre-emptive cull were blood sampled prior to their destruction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any livestock destroyed in the foot-and-mouth disease pre-emptive cull were blood sampled prior to their destruction.","AnswerText":"The pre-emptive cull is being carried out to control and eradicate the disease as quickly and as effectively as possible. In view of the importance and urgency of this exercise blood sampling is not being carried out at present.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151221,"EventID":"S1W-14514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the financial impact of the precautionary measures to combat foot-and-mouth disease in relation to the movement of livestock still re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the financial impact of the precautionary measures to combat foot-and-mouth disease in relation to the movement of livestock still residing on over-wintering farms.","AnswerText":"I recognise the difficulties which movement restrictions have given rise to for farmers, including those who have away-wintered animals. These restrictions are being reviewed in the light of experience and the disease situation locality.<P>An assessment is being made of the financial impact of these restrictions on farming and other businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151222,"EventID":"S1W-14515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the full business case for the Larkhall to Milngavie rail extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the full business case for the Larkhall to Milngavie rail extension.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive received the full business case from Strathclyde Passenger Transport on 19 March and is considering it as a matter of urgency.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151223,"EventID":"S1W-14516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will be represented at the United Nations Third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held in Durban, So","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will be represented at the United Nations Third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held in Durban, South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14504.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151224,"EventID":"S1W-14517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government in relation to Scotland's representation at the United Nations Third World Conference Against ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government in relation to Scotland's representation at the United Nations Third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held in Durban, South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14504.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151225,"EventID":"S1W-14518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that the views and concerns of relevant Scottish voluntary sector or other organisations are represented at the United Nations Third World Confer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that the views and concerns of relevant Scottish voluntary sector or other organisations are represented at the United Nations Third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held in Durban, South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14504.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151226,"EventID":"S1W-14520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the recent court decision in England regarding compensation for those who contracted hepatitis C from blood transfusions, whether it will make payments to thos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the recent court decision in England regarding compensation for those who contracted hepatitis C from blood transfusions, whether it will make payments to those similarly affected in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently considering the implications of the English judgement.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151227,"EventID":"S1W-14521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Building Project will be completed on schedule in 2002, when it is expected that MSPs will begin using the debating chamber at Holyrood and whether co","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Building Project will be completed on schedule in 2002, when it is expected that MSPs will begin using the debating chamber at Holyrood and whether comments attributed to Benedetta Tagliabue, as reported in The Scotsman on 27 March 2001, are accurate.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group<B> </B>has confirmed to me that the Holyrood building remains on schedule for completion of construction in December 2002 and should be ready for normal parliamentary business in early 2003.<B> </B>A statement issued last week by the architects, EMBT-RMJM Ltd, stated that the comments attributed to Ms Tagliabue were inaccurate and she herself confirmed this in a letter to the Secretary of the Holyrood Progress Group on 27 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151228,"EventID":"S1W-14522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many genetically modified crop trials are necessary for there to be sufficient evidence regarding any potential risks to health and the environment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many genetically modified crop trials are necessary for there to be sufficient evidence regarding any potential risks to health and the environment.","AnswerText":"The farm scale evaluation programme is not designed to test the safety of the GM crop. The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) and scientific advisors on other statutory bodies have advised ministers that this crop does not pose a safety threat to human health or the environment. Without this expert advice, these crops would not be granted consent to be grown.<P>The three-year farm scale evaluation programme, which began in 2000, is one of the largest ecological research projects ever undertaken and will provide valuable information on any effects that the practices needed to grow GM herbicide-tolerant crops may have on local biodiversity. The Scientific Steering Committee that oversees the programme has suggested that data from between 60 and 75 fields of each trial crop are required over the duration of the programme across the UK. It is the committee's view that this will provide sufficient data to enable significant conclusions to be drawn, taking account of the diversity of farm types and ecological conditions across the UK.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151229,"EventID":"S1W-14523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that there will be no environmental pollution arising from the use of a burial site at Birkshaw Farm, Lockerbie, for animals culled as p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that there will be no environmental pollution arising from the use of a burial site at Birkshaw Farm, Lockerbie, for animals culled as part of its measures to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"The site was selected with advice from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in order to minimise the risk of environmental pollution from the burial of culled animals. We are working closely with SEPA to undertake a risk assessment that will inform long-term management of the site. SEPA will monitor the site over the coming months as a quality check against baseline water parameters and will continue to provide pollution prevention advice on operations. The Executive has commissioned an environmental consultant to provide specialist engineering advice on excavation methods, site containment, drainage and related matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151230,"EventID":"S1W-14524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what permissions, licences or waivers it has granted for the use of Birkshaw Farm, Lockerbie, as a site for the burial of dead animals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what permissions, licences or waivers it has granted for the use of Birkshaw Farm, Lockerbie, as a site for the burial of dead animals.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Animal Health Act (1981) the SE cleared the use of the site. Site suitability has been cleared by the SVS after advice from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). SEPA has assessed the suitability of the site and is satisfied that the risks of pollution can be minimised. SEPA is also closely involved with the SE in developing plans for monitoring and the ongoing management of the site. Further advice has also been sought by SE from environmental consultants and this will be checked by SEPA so as to ensure that the risk of adverse environmental impacts will be minimised.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151231,"EventID":"S1W-14525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what date it has been given by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the completion of the pre-emptive, foot-and-mouth disease-related cull of animals on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what date it has been given by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the completion of the pre-emptive, foot-and-mouth disease-related cull of animals on farms in England which are adjacent to or within 3km of farms in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This cull has now been completed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151232,"EventID":"S1W-14526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the foot-and-mouth disease-related culls in Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria are being co-ordinated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the foot-and-mouth disease-related culls in Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria are being co-ordinated.","AnswerText":"There is regular contact between those controlling and co-ordinating the Cumbria operation and those involved in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151233,"EventID":"S1W-14527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what veterinary resources are available to carry out the pre-emptive, foot-and-mouth disease-related cull of animals in Dumfries and Galloway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what veterinary resources are available to carry out the pre-emptive, foot-and-mouth disease-related cull of animals in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"As of 1 April 2001, 17 full-time veterinary staff and 53 temporary veterinary inspectors were operational on foot and mouth duties in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151234,"EventID":"S1W-14528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will keep MSPs advised of developments in the foot-and-mouth disease situation during the Easter recess.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will keep MSPs advised of developments in the foot-and-mouth disease situation during the Easter recess.","AnswerText":"We have decided to lodge a regularly updated information note with the Parliament's Reference Centre. The first of these was submitted on Friday 30 March. The intention is to provide twice weekly updates. This will continue over Easter.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151235,"EventID":"S1W-14529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received from Dumfries and Galloway Council during the consultation process to decide where the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received from Dumfries and Galloway Council during the consultation process to decide where the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council would be located.","AnswerText":"Dumfries and Galloway Council submitted information on buildings within Crichton Business Park in response to the invitation to submit properties for consideration as offices for the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151236,"EventID":"S1W-14530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis was for its decision to locate the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council in Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis was for its decision to locate the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council in Dundee.","AnswerText":"The decision to locate the Headquarters of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council in Dundee was made on the basis of the range and cost of suitable accommodation of the required size which was available, transport and labour market considerations.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151237,"EventID":"S1W-14531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 March 2001 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the creation of 5,000 IT jobs for unemployed people, what representations it has m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement on 26 March 2001 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the creation of 5,000 IT jobs for unemployed people, what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that at least one of the five areas being chosen for the project to run is in Scotland.","AnswerText":"My officials are in close and regular contact with colleagues in DfEE and the UK New Deal Task Force Secretariat regarding development of the Ambition: IT initiative.<P>The Career Ambition strand of the initiative is a three-year pilot programme aiming to train 5,000 New Deal participants as ICT technicians in five city areas. The selection process for the final five areas has yet to be established although the shortlist of nine does include both Glasgow and Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151238,"EventID":"S1W-14532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in connection with its social justice objectives, it has carried out any research into the impact of varying take-up rates of the Working Families' Tax Credit on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in connection with its social justice objectives, it has carried out any research into the impact of varying take-up rates of the Working Families' Tax Credit on unemployment levels in deprived communities and, if not, whether it will commission such research.","AnswerText":"All tax matters, including the Working Families' Tax Credit, are reserved to the UK Government. Operational matters are therefore an issue for the Inland Revenue. The Executive will, however, continue to work closely with UK ministers on this and other issues in the pursuit of our social justice agenda.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151239,"EventID":"S1W-14533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why this year's slaughter premium payments have not yet been made to farmers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why this year's slaughter premium payments have not yet been made to farmers.","AnswerText":"Payments under the slaughter premium are paid in two instalments - an advance, set this year at 80% of the total, followed by a balance payment, comprising the remainder. Advance payments began on 30 January 2001 to farmers eligible to receive premium under the Slaughter Premium Scheme (SPS) 2000. Payments totalling £3.5 million have been issued to date.<P>Processing of balance payments is under way and payments started on 17 April 2001. This is in line with my department’s target of “mid-April” announced in the “Dear Producer” letter of 12 March 2001 which set out a planned schedule for CAP subsidy payments, a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151240,"EventID":"S1W-14534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Pig Outgoers and Pig Ongoers schemes will be in operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Pig Outgoers and Pig Ongoers schemes will be in operation.","AnswerText":"The Pig Outgoers 1 Scheme was launched on 4 December 2000 and applicants have been advised if their applications have been successful or not. The Pig Outgoers 2 Scheme, which I announced on 12 March 2001, will remain open for applications until 20 April 2001.<P>The Pig Ongoers Scheme opened on 22 January 2001; the closing date for applications will be 3 August this year or earlier if the available funds have been allocated prior to that time.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151241,"EventID":"S1W-14535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to lessen the amount of bureaucracy faced by livestock producers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to lessen the amount of bureaucracy faced by livestock producers.","AnswerText":"There are several initiatives aimed specifically at reducing bureaucracy for Scottish farmers, including livestock farmers in particular. These are the Red Tape Review, the CAP Administration Review, the CAP External Communications Strategy and the Electronic Cattle Traceability System Project. Livestock farmers have already benefited from the following:<DIR><DIR><P>-&#9;the introduction of electronic access to the central Cattle Traceability System (CTS). This is a key element of the proposed Electronic Cattle Traceability (ECT) system; it facilitates the electronic transfer of cattle information between the industry and the central database. The new system will reduce administrative burdens and the opportunity for errors.<P>-&#9;the introduction of Electronic Service Delivery (ESD). We are building on last year's successful SCPS pilot exercise to develop facilities which will allow each SCPS 2001 claimant the option of submitting their claim form electronically. Our intention is to introduce progressively arrangements for electronic claim submission under the remaining subsidy schemes.<P>-&#9;for the new Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS), the avoidance of duplication by using information already held in relation to the Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS) and the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme (SAPS). For most claimants, completion of the LFASS claim form only requires some ticks and a signature.<P>-&#9;the introduction, under IACS 2001, of a &quot;no change declaration&quot; for forage-only applicants whose circumstances have not altered from the previous year. This will avoid repetition and save time.<P>-&#9;the introduction of &quot;all bovine&quot; farm inspections from September 2000. These will reduce the number and duration of farm visits overall, saving time for the farmer and officials.<P>-&#9;the introduction of an appeals mechanism covering, amongst other schemes, all the CAP livestock subsidy schemes. We intend extending this mechanism to cover livestock quotas.<P>-&#9;the formation of an External Communications Panel which monitors and suggests improvements to scheme literature and forms. The panel's work is being extended to assist in reviewing the department's &quot;standard letters&quot;, published guidance and forms.</DIR></DIR><P>In relation to the problems arising from foot-and-mouth disease, the department has made it clear in a &quot;Dear Producer&quot; letter that it will apply the force majeure provisions of the CAP subsidy schemes as flexibly as possible. Further information will be issued to producers shortly on foot-and-mouth disease matters.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151242,"EventID":"S1W-14536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the burning of foot-and-mouth disease infected carcasses is not spreading the virus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the burning of foot-and-mouth disease infected carcasses is not spreading the virus.","AnswerText":"Epidemiologists have undertaken a thorough review of all scientific literature on the possible dangers of FMD spreading as a result of burning infected carcasses. This included the Northumberland Report on the 1967-68 outbreak which concluded there was insufficient evidence. The expert view is that FMD will <I>not</I> be spread by burning carcasses for three reasons: the concentration of virus in the smoke is relatively low, the virus falls out of the smoke within a fairly short distance from the fire, and the desiccating effect of the fire inactivates the virus (although this has not been proved conclusively). Additionally, carcasses are sprayed with disinfectant before they are cremated so there is no virus on the surface of the carcases when the fire is lit.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151243,"EventID":"S1W-14537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being carried out into the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease from the burning of infected carcasses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being carried out into the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease from the burning of infected carcasses.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14536.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151244,"EventID":"S1W-14538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 10 additional non-EU countries now being allowed to export specified offal material to the UK are free from foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 10 additional non-EU countries now being allowed to export specified offal material to the UK are free from foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"The Standing Veterinary Committee recently agreed Decision 2001/270/EC on third countries and BSE. All countries (including those not already assessed) will have to remove Specified Risk Material (SRM) before exporting meat products to the UK. The 10 countries exempt from this requirement are (recognised by the Scientific Steering Committee as being highly unlikely to present a BSE risk): Australia, Argentina, Botswana, Chile, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay and Swaziland.<P>The Office International des Epicotes currently recognise FMD free status in Australia, Chile, New Zealand and Uruguay. Botswana and Namibia are FMD free in their export zones where vaccination is banned. Paraguay is FMD free using vaccination. Nicaragua have never reported FMD but are not in the current OIE list. Argentina's status was recently suspended following a change in control policy. Swaziland's status was recently suspended due to occurrence of disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151245,"EventID":"S1W-14539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13062 by Mr Jack McConnell on 8 March 2001, whether it will define the contribution from their budgets which local authorities woul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13062 by Mr Jack McConnell on 8 March 2001, whether it will define the contribution from their budgets which local authorities would normally be expected to make.","AnswerText":"In addition to Scottish Executive grant support, local authorities are expected to fund an element of their total expenditure from local taxation. The exact level of expenditure on specific services is dependent on local policy decisions. However, the grant provision we are making over the next three years more than meets our commitment to fund the additional McCrone costs in full.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151246,"EventID":"S1W-14540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funding distributed from the Scottish budget was distributed through non-departmental public bodies in each year for which figures are available, given as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funding distributed from the Scottish budget was distributed through non-departmental public bodies in each year for which figures are available, given as a cash figure and as a percentage of the overall budget.","AnswerText":"Annex 2 of the 2000 Annual Expenditure Report, <I>Investing In You</I> shows Non-Departmental Public Bodies expenditure within Total Budget for 1994-95 to 2000-01.<P>This is published on the Scottish Executive's website at:<P><A HREF=\"http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library2/doc14/iiy-20.asp\">http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library2/doc14/iiy-20.asp</A><P>The table shows these figures expressed as a percentage of Total Budget:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=584><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>£ million cash</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995-96</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996-97</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>NDPB expenditure</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1903.8</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1959.2</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1990.9</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1961.5</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2011.6</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2048.2</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Total Budget</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14278</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14940</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14850</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15254</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16303</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16852</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>NDPB as % Total Budget</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.3</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.1</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13.4</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.3</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.2</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151247,"EventID":"S1W-14541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8717 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 September 2000, whether it will list the applications made to draw funding from the UK reserve in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8717 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 September 2000, whether it will list the applications made to draw funding from the UK reserve in each year from 1970 to date. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-8717 which sets out information for 1999-2000. Reserve access for 2000-01 is set out in SE 2000/194 <I>Scotland's Budget Documents 2000-01,</I> <I>Scotland's Autumn Budget Revisions</I> and SE 2001/4 <I>Scotland's Budget Documents 2000-01, Scotland's Spring Budget Revisions</I> which list the resources received from the UK reserve. Information on past reserve claims is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151248,"EventID":"S1W-14542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total estimated cost to the Scottish budget is of the changeover to resource account budgeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total estimated cost to the Scottish budget is of the changeover to resource account budgeting.","AnswerText":"The cost of the change was met from within existing administration budgets.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151249,"EventID":"S1W-14543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of net public sector capital investment in Scotland was in each year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of net public sector capital investment in Scotland was in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The table sets out capital expenditure in the public sector for the period 1999-2000 to 2003-04.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=510><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">actual</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">plan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">plan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2002-03<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">plan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2003-04<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">plan</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,768</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,283</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,409</TD><TD WIDTH=\"21%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,515</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151250,"EventID":"S1W-14544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS Trusts are able to consider utilising midwife-led units remote from obstetrician access when the report of the Tayside Acute Services Review recommends that the s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS Trusts are able to consider utilising midwife-led units remote from obstetrician access when the report of the Tayside Acute Services Review recommends that the safety issues surrounding these units should be fully explored in order to find if such units are safe.","AnswerText":"Evidence from midwife-led units around Great Britain suggests that, where there is a geographical imperative, community maternity units may be considered for low-risk women with a normal pregnancy. This may provide a model of care for remote and rural areas, offering a local service choice for women. The <I>National Framework for Maternity Services</I>, published in February 2001, recommends that every community maternity unit have a clearly established link - support, advice and transfer - to a consultant-led maternity and neonatal unit. Risk and contingency plans for referral and transfer should be fully discussed with every woman who chooses to use a midwife-led unit.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151251,"EventID":"S1W-14545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider further relaxation of the rules governing movement of livestock in areas of low risk from foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider further relaxation of the rules governing movement of livestock in areas of low risk from foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"I refer to the ministerial statement I gave to Parliament on 5 April 2001 where relaxation of movement controls were announced.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151252,"EventID":"S1W-14546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to restore confidence in Scottish industries affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to restore confidence in Scottish industries affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14552.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151253,"EventID":"S1W-14547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give a substantive answer to question S1W-13248.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give a substantive answer to question S1W-13248.","AnswerText":"Parliamentary question S1W-13248 was answered on 30 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151254,"EventID":"S1W-14548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stocks of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine there are in Scotland and, if there are none, what steps it has taken to obtain stocks and in particular whether it has dire","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stocks of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine there are in Scotland and, if there are none, what steps it has taken to obtain stocks and in particular whether it has directly or through Her Majesty's Government applied for any of the stocks of the vaccine held in the EU.","AnswerText":"Contingency plans are in place to obtain from several sources adequate supplies of vaccine to help combat the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Scotland. The use of the vaccine in Scotland will only be considered where veterinary advice based on science and epidemiology recommends its use. The final decision to vaccinate will be taken by Scottish Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151255,"EventID":"S1W-14549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4387 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 February 2001, whether it will provide the updated average time period figures for the same courts for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4387 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 February 2001, whether it will provide the updated average time period figures for the same courts for each quarter from January 2000 to date.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the average waiting periods between plea and trial, in summary criminal proceedings, at the conclusion of each quarter of the year 2000 for the sheriff courts at Linlithgow, Stirling, Falkirk, Dundee, Hamilton, Lanark, Dunfermline and Haddington. The Parliament's Reference Centre currently receive monthly updates on the average waiting periods for summary criminal and ordinary civil proceedings for all sheriff courts.<P>Average Waiting Periods:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">March 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">June 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Sept 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Dec 2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Linlithgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Stirling</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Hamilton</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanark</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dunfermline</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Haddington</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"20%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151256,"EventID":"S1W-14550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has had with senior officials of (a) Railtrack and (b) ScotRail over the past three months; what matters were discussed at any such meetings; what ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has had with senior officials of (a) Railtrack and (b) ScotRail over the past three months; what matters were discussed at any such meetings; what action was agreed, and whether satisfactory progress is being made in relation to any such agreed action.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials regularly meet representatives of Railtrack and ScotRail to discuss a wide range of issues regarding the operation of railways in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151257,"EventID":"S1W-14551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9992 by Mr Tom McCabe on 4 October 2000, whether the result of the study to establish the average cost of parliamentary questions i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9992 by Mr Tom McCabe on 4 October 2000, whether the result of the study to establish the average cost of parliamentary questions is now available and, if so, what that average cost is.","AnswerText":"The Executive has considered the initial findings of the study of the costs of answering Scottish Parliamentary questions. The preliminary results suggested that the average cost of answering a PQ was £82, which is broadly in line with the experience in Westminster. However, there were a number of outlying results from the study that it has not been possible to clarify. For that reason, the Executive is reluctant to draw any firm conclusions from the study and has therefore decided to extend the study into a second phase now that processes for handling PQs have settled down. This will be taken forward over the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151258,"EventID":"S1W-14552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support businesses affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support businesses affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"Following extensive consultation with the industry affected, the Executive has decided to put resources behind a three-part emergency package of assistance for 2001-02 to help stabilise businesses in Scotland hit by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. This is in addition to the commitments already provided by the UK Government.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The additional Scottish emergency package consists of:<P>First, a range of measures to help affected businesses with their rates will be available, initially estimated to be worth £3.5 million. The Scottish Executive will fund 95% of the cost of hardship relief for the most affected businesses. The funding will be available for businesses with a rateable value up to £12,000 in rural local authority areas. For other businesses we will fund 75% of the costs of hardship relief. We are encouraging local authorities to consider deferring rates payments for affected businesses. Local authorities can grant relief for premises which are not in use because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Businesses can also apply for a reduction in their rateable value.<P>Secondly, an initial £5 million will be made available now for visitscotland to tackle the misconceptions in key markets about the outbreak, build on the framework provided by the Comeback Code published on Friday 23 March, and to bring forward a range of other measures including support for local marketing initiatives. visitscotland will work closely with the British Tourist Authority to achieve the maximum benefit for Scotland from the work which they are doing around the world to put the facts across. Further support for a longer term recovery plan will be available.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Thirdly, a £5 million immediate boost for the Enterprise Networks to provide emergency advice and assistance to affected businesses to support survival workshops, one-to-one counselling, assistance on minimising liabilities and access to other sources of support such as the banks, the Inland Revenue and the Customs and Excise.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Executive is particularly conscious of the severity of the impact in Dumfries and Galloway and will discuss with the Enterprise Networks and visitscotland ways of ensuring that the help gets to those who need it most.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>This £13.5 million emergency package adds to the measures announced by the UK Government on 20 March, which include:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">1. Request from Ministers to Inland Revenue and Customs officials to take a very sympathetic approach to businesses experiencing financial problems as a result of the outbreak. The Revenue Departments already have power in specific circumstances to defer payment of taxes and National Insurance contributions and agree extended arrangements for time to pay. They will make maximum use of this flexibility for agricultural, transport, tourism and related retail businesses in the countryside that cannot pay debts because of cash flow problems, where cash flow assistance through rescheduling tax or NIC liabilities would help.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">2. Discussions with the banks to ensure continuing credit for small businesses badly affected by the impact of foot-and-mouth disease, including the use of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Fund.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">3. Indication from the Benefits Agency that Job Seekers Allowance may be available to both employees and self-employed people, out of work as a result of foot-and-mouth; and the Department of Social Security will be making their procedures as fast and flexible as possible.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>This represents a comprehensive plan of action to tackle the immediate difficulties facing Scottish businesses. The Executive is also engaging in developing plans for longer-term recovery and to build a way forward from the present difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151259,"EventID":"S1W-14553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence that new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred as a result of the burning of infected carcasses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence that new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred as a result of the burning of infected carcasses.","AnswerText":"There is no evidence to suggest that new outbreaks of FMD have occurred as a result of burning infected carcasses. Epidemiologists believe that FMD will <I>not</I> be spread by burning carcasses for three reasons: the concentration of virus in the smoke is relatively low; the virus falls out of the smoke within a fairly short distance from the fire, and the desiccating effect of the fire inactivates the virus (although this has not been proved conclusively). Additionally, carcasses are sprayed with disinfectant before they are cremated so there is not virus on the surface of the carcasses when the fire is lit.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151260,"EventID":"S1W-14554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which primary schools are taking part in pilot projects in which children are provided with free fruit and vegetables.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which primary schools are taking part in pilot projects in which children are provided with free fruit and vegetables.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14557.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151261,"EventID":"S1W-14555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and vegetables will last.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and vegetables will last.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14557.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151262,"EventID":"S1W-14556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of how often and how much fruit is made available in the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of how often and how much fruit is made available in the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and vegetables.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14557.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151263,"EventID":"S1W-14557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aims are of the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and vegetables.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aims are of the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and vegetables.","AnswerText":"The Executive's recent provision of resources from its £26 million Health Improvement Fund to all health boards is enabling them to work with their local partners to introduce a range of initiatives, including the provision of fruit for infants in pre-school settings and fruit and salad bars and breakfast clubs in schools. Initiatives are supported according to local needs, and projects vary in their format, length and costs from area to area. Each of these initiatives is designed specifically to stimulate children's interest in, and enjoyment of, fruit and vegetables.<P>Funding for the Health Improvement Fund has been committed until 2003-04, and health boards have been asked to give a full public account of how these resources are being invested, and what they have helped local people to achieve, through their annual reports and the accountability review process.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151264,"EventID":"S1W-14558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and vegetables are costing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the pilot projects in which primary school children are provided with free fruit and vegetables are costing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14557.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151265,"EventID":"S1W-14559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to provide free fruit for all primary school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to provide free fruit for all primary school children.","AnswerText":"As part of their allocations from the £26 million Health Improvement Fund, health boards are tasked with supporting the provision of fruit to infants, and breakfast clubs and fruit/salad bars in schools according to local needs.<P>A reliable estimate of the cost of a uniform national scheme is not available. The Glasgow &quot;Fruit to Schools&quot; project estimates that it will cost £722,150 a year to provide one piece of fruit three days per week to 56,129 primary pupils. The 1997 school census reported a total of 452,500 primary school pupils in Scotland. The cost per pupil would be higher in less densely populated and more remote areas of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151266,"EventID":"S1W-14560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Health Technology Board for Scotland is not evaluating any drug treatments this year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the Health Technology Board for Scotland is not evaluating any drug treatments this year.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland's (HTBS) assessment of interventions to maintain recovery from alcohol dependency, one of the first 3 topics for assessment, includes the evaluation of several drugs.<P>Additionally, HTBS will comment on all National Institute for Clinical Excellence Appraisals to place them in a Scottish context. This work will include several topics related to drug treatments. <P>The HTBS will announce further topics later in the year and is actively canvassing interested parties for suggestions. As outlined in its process documents, HTBS will ensure there is a balance of drugs, devices, clinical procedures, and healthcare settings considered in its work programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151267,"EventID":"S1W-14561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland's assessment topics for this year reflect the three clinical priorities of cancer, mental health and heart disease as ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland's assessment topics for this year reflect the three clinical priorities of cancer, mental health and heart disease as outlined in the Scottish Health Plan.","AnswerText":"Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning in cancer, organisation of screening services for diabetic retinopathy, and interventions to overcome alcohol dependency will be the first Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) performed by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) and reflect major commitments in Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Specifically, these HTAs support the commitment for continued improvements in cancer survival rates from better diagnosis and treatment, the establishment of a national screening strategy to raise the standard of diabetes care, and a plan for action on alcohol misuse.<P>The national clinical priorities influence HTBS's approach to its work and are considered when topics for assessment are being selected.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151268,"EventID":"S1W-14562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why only six medical oncologists in Scotland are funded by the NHS, given that cancer is one of the top three clinical priorities in the Scottish Health Plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why only six medical oncologists in Scotland are funded by the NHS, given that cancer is one of the top three clinical priorities in the Scottish Health Plan.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer to Ms Scanlon's question S1W-10403 there were 14 medical oncology consultants at September 2000. Of these, eight consultants held an honorary contract with the NHS and a substantive contract with a university or research organisation. For this, as for every other specialty, honorary consultants have a service delivery in addition to a teaching and research role, and there may well be NHS funding provided by local agreement. The position in medical oncology reflects the international standing of Scotland in research in this field, which makes a significant contribution to the quality of cancer services for the people of Scotland.<P>In addition to the consultants, there are other doctors providing medical oncology services. 17 Specialist Registrars together with two non-consultant career grade doctors provide a high level of expertise, and Senior House Officers and Pre-Registration House Officers provide support.<P>The clinical priority of cancer is also supported by clinical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons specialising in cancer work and a whole range of other specialist staff. Six additional consultants and a proportion of the additional 100 junior doctors announced in June last year will provide cancer services. The further 375 junior doctors I announced on 1 April will be allocated according to service needs and I expect a proportion of those to support cancer services.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151269,"EventID":"S1W-14563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it is expected that the Electronic Clinical Communications Initiative will be available throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it is expected that the Electronic Clinical Communications Initiative will be available throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"Electronic Clinical Communications Implementation (ECCI) is a Scotland-wide programme to ensure the development of electronic clinical communications between primary and secondary care throughout NHSScotland. By 2003 it is expected that extensive implementation of clinical communications will be in place, including:<UL><LI>widespread clinical email</LI><LI>co-ordinated referral information</LI><LI>outpatient appointment booking - protocol-based where appropriate</LI><LI>test ordering and results receiving</LI><LI>discharge letters and summaries and clinic letters</LI></UL><P>information in support of shared care","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151270,"EventID":"S1W-14564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cancer patients are currently participating in clinical trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cancer patients are currently participating in clinical trials.","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally in the format requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151271,"EventID":"S1W-14565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will decide whether Vitamin D supplements will be given to elderly people in long-term care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will decide whether Vitamin D supplements will be given to elderly people in long-term care.","AnswerText":"The Executive plans to establish an expert group in the near future to provide recommendations on the prescribing of vitamin D supplements.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151272,"EventID":"S1W-14566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that patients with mental illness are given high quality nutritional care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that patients with mental illness are given high quality nutritional care.","AnswerText":"<I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>Our National Health </I>contains clear commitments to ensure that high quality, nutritious food is available to all patients. The plan commits the NHS to implement the recommendations of the National Nutritional Audit and the relevant recommendations of <I>Eating for Health - a Diet Plan for Scotland</I> by April 2001. The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland will review local performance annually against these national standards.<P>I expect the particular needs of those with a mental illness or any others who may perhaps be limited in their explanations or expression of preferences to be taken into account by staff as part of the whole person consideration that should apply in all cases.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151273,"EventID":"S1W-14567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many employees from each local authority's social work department left such employment in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many employees from each local authority's social work department left such employment in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151274,"EventID":"S1W-14568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled posts there currently are in each local authority's social work department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many unfilled posts there currently are in each local authority's social work department.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151275,"EventID":"S1W-14569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the attendance levels of local authority social work department employees were in each of the last five years for which figures are available, broken down by local ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the attendance levels of local authority social work department employees were in each of the last five years for which figures are available, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Local authorities should collect this information which is not held centrally. In his recently published annual report, based on a round of visits to each local authority, the Chief Inspector of Social Work Services made reference to the fact that social work and social care can be very stressful occupations and that the levels of sickness amongst staff are frequently the highest in the local authority. The Association of Directors of Social Work has produced a management resource pack designed to support frontline staff which, amongst other things, tackles the issue of absences. As a consequence of monitoring and following up, absences have been reduced in some authorities (for example, East Renfrewshire reported reduced levels from 14% to 6%). The Chief Inspector's annual report underlines the importance for local authorities of good employment practices as a means of improving attendance levels.<P>Information on the related issue of recruitment and retention of staff will be collected centrally for the first time this year by the SEHD Social Work Statistics Division. This will be published towards the end of 2001. The next Chief Inspector's annual report also intends to return to the issue.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151276,"EventID":"S1W-14570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that the morale of local authority social work department employees is improved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that the morale of local authority social work department employees is improved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S10-3249 on 5 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151277,"EventID":"S1W-14571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants were interviewed for the post of chair of visitscotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants were interviewed for the post of chair of visitscotland.","AnswerText":"Five applicants were interviewed for this post.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151278,"EventID":"S1W-14572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for the post of chair of visitscotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for the post of chair of visitscotland.","AnswerText":"There were 27 applicants for this post.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151279,"EventID":"S1W-14573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the event of the three water authorities being replaced by a single water authority for Scotland, whether the water charges for customers of the existing North of Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the event of the three water authorities being replaced by a single water authority for Scotland, whether the water charges for customers of the existing North of Scotland Water Authority are expected to reduce, increase or remain the same.","AnswerText":"In advance of the Water Industry Commissioner's Strategic Review of Charges, it is difficult to predict precisely how water and sewerage charges will change. Given the need to invest, as set out in the Quality and Standards consultation paper, it is unlikely that charges in the north will fall. It is, however, the case that if a single water authority for Scotland is established, then we would expect that charges in the north would need to rise far less sharply than if the three authorities remained separate.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151280,"EventID":"S1W-14574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary school children are covered by the pilot projects in which children are provided with free fruit and vegetables.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary school children are covered by the pilot projects in which children are provided with free fruit and vegetables.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14557.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151281,"EventID":"S1W-14575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the pilot projects providing free fruit and vegetables for pre-school and primary pupils will be assessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the pilot projects providing free fruit and vegetables for pre-school and primary pupils will be assessed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14557.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151282,"EventID":"S1W-14576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to combat rogue traders in the construction and related industries by expanding the remit of the building control system to cover quality control issue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to combat rogue traders in the construction and related industries by expanding the remit of the building control system to cover quality control issues and whether its powers in this area would enable it to introduce compulsory registration or licensing for tradespeople. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151283,"EventID":"S1W-14577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12945 by Allan Wilson on 14 February 2001, whom sportscotland intends to appoint as consultants in connection with the review of as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12945 by Allan Wilson on 14 February 2001, whom sportscotland intends to appoint as consultants in connection with the review of aspects of their organisation and operations; why any such appointment is being made by sportscotland rather than by the Executive; what the cost of this review will be, and how much will be paid to any consultants appointed.","AnswerText":"In view of the importance of sport within the Executive's overall programme, and notwithstanding the wider review of NDPBs being carried out by the Executive, we agreed with <B>sport</B>scotland's assessment that the early review of aspects of their organisation and effectiveness would ensure the best possible contribution to that overall agenda. Following the development of a remit in discussion with the Executive, <B>sport</B>scotland has appointed KPMG to assist in the conduct of the review. The review is being undertaken in close partnership with the Executive and we shall oversee the consideration and implementation of recommendations for improvement identified in the review.<P>The appointment was made in consultation with the Executive. The level of fees to be paid to the consultants is a matter for <B>sport</B>scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151284,"EventID":"S1W-14578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much the Camanachd Association will receive in core funding from sportscotland over the next four years and how much core funding the association has sought from spo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much the Camanachd Association will receive in core funding from sportscotland over the next four years and how much core funding the association has sought from sportscotland for this period.","AnswerText":"<B>Sport</B>scotland's financial planning cycle covers the next three years. The Camanachd Association has been allocated £15,000 per year for the next three years from Exchequer funding for the period covered by the cycle. The association has also been allocated an additional £56,000 per year for the next three years, again from Exchequer funding. The total amount being made available will therefore be £71,000 per year. This funding will enable the association to continue to meet the costs of a national youth sport co-ordinator and two local development officers. The amounts requested by the association were £49,670 for the current year, £51,315 for 2002-03 and £52,920 for 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151285,"EventID":"S1W-14579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2956 by Sarah Boyack on 15 February 2001, what implications its current trunk road and motorway tourist signposting policy has for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2956 by Sarah Boyack on 15 February 2001, what implications its current trunk road and motorway tourist signposting policy has for individual tourist businesses and what assessment it has made of any cost to the industry as a whole of the length of time permission for such signs takes to obtain or of tourist businesses being unable to obtain permission for such signs.","AnswerText":"The purpose of the Trunk Road Motorway Tourist Signposting Policy which was produced in consultation with the Scottish Tourist Board is to provide clear and consistent directions for travellers on Scottish Trunk Roads.<P>Tourist signs are not a substitute for effective marketing and the implications of the policy for individual businesses or the tourist industry has not been assessed.<P>Applications, meeting policy requirements, are processed promptly and once the applicant has provided complete information, permission to erect signs is granted within two weeks. The applicant is responsible for the design, manufacture and installation of the signs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151286,"EventID":"S1W-14580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Gaelic broadcasting plays in its strategy to encourage the use of Gaelic; whether an extension of its powers in this area would enhance its ability to promote G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Gaelic broadcasting plays in its strategy to encourage the use of Gaelic; whether an extension of its powers in this area would enhance its ability to promote Gaelic language and culture and, if so, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government requesting that responsibility for Gaelic broadcasting be fully legislatively devolved.","AnswerText":"Gaelic broadcasting, for which the Scottish Executive provides a grant of £8.5 million a year, is an important part of our strategy for Gaelic. While Gaelic broadcasting, in common with other aspects of broadcasting, is a reserved subject, this has not prevented us from supporting a wide range of educational and cultural provision for Gaelic. We have no plans to change the present arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151287,"EventID":"S1W-14581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives involving Scotland's written heritage are currently being taken forward or planned as part of its National Cultural Strategy and what plans it has to ens","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives involving Scotland's written heritage are currently being taken forward or planned as part of its National Cultural Strategy and what plans it has to ensure that the archive sector is fully involved in cultural initiatives.","AnswerText":"In the National Cultural Strategy we recognised the importance of the written heritage to the culture of Scotland and wish to make it as widely available as possible. The National Archives of Scotland currently provide content from the national archive collections to the SCRAN (Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network) project. It is also a partner in a range of complementary projects, some funded by the higher education sector, which are further extending access to the written heritage preserved in archive institutions across Scotland, both by developing the detailed catalogues and by creating digital images of documents.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151288,"EventID":"S1W-14582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what business targets it has set for the Scottish Prison Service in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what business targets it has set for the Scottish Prison Service in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have taken the opportunity to review the targets which I set for the Scottish Prison Service. The service's performance in previous years has shown a continuing improvement against a series of progressively more difficult targets. However, the targets do not fully reflect the range of SPS's work on behalf of the public. I have therefore extended their scope. The new targets are set out in the following table. They continue to ensure that there is full and proper focus on the maintenance of secure custody and good order. These are essential to ensure protection of the public, SPS staff and prisoners.<P>I have enhanced and increased the targets which are set for the opportunities made available to prisoners. The target on prisoner programmes moves the focus away from simple numbers of programmes delivered and directs SPS's efforts towards a continuing improvement in quality. I have introduced a target for education which is a key element in the correctional agenda and SPS will be required to show progress on a year-to-year basis in this important area. I have also introduced a measure of the performance in combating drugs in prisons, thus reinforcing our commitment to addressing the issue of drug abuse in Scotland.<P>The slightly increased cost per prisoner place reflects the additional investment, including sums to address the drug issue, which the Executive is making in Scottish prisons. I expect SPS to make efficiency savings in revenue costs over the coming year will allow some £12.5 million to be redirected to the capital building programme.<P>These new targets will measure success and ensure effective and efficient management of the SPS. They are more demanding than those set in previous years and, in order to ensure that comparison with previous years is possible, the table gives figures for previous performance in the same format as the 2001-02 targets. The outturn figures for 2000-01 are provisional and subject to confirmation.<P>Scottish Prison Service<P>Targets 2001-02 and Performance against Targets 1998-2001<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=649><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>The number of prisoners unlawfully at large</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01 (projected)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2001-02</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2><P>Category A prisoners</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Target</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Outturn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2><P>Category B prisoners</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Target</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.7 per 1,000 cat Bs = 6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.4 per 1,000 cat Bs = 5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.1 per 1,000 cat Bs = 4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.9 per 1,000 cat Bs = 3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Outturn</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"37%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=2><P>Category C prisoners</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Target</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5.2 per 1,000 cat Cs = 10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.5 per 1,000 cat Cs ","AnswerDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151289,"EventID":"S1W-14583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of the road alignment scheme between Gaich and Craggan on the A95 which is targeted f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of the road alignment scheme between Gaich and Craggan on the A95 which is targeted for completion in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The plans for the A95 Gaich to Craggan improvement scheme require to be reviewed and once completed they will be subject to public consultation prior to construction which is programmed for 2001-02. Details will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre when finalised.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151290,"EventID":"S1W-14584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the barnase gene will be tested in any genetically modified crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the barnase gene will be tested in any genetically modified crop trials.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14585.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151291,"EventID":"S1W-14585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what genetically modified material types will be used in GM crop trials and at which sites and whether the so called \"terminator gene\" will be tried anywhere.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what genetically modified material types will be used in GM crop trials and at which sites and whether the so called \"terminator gene\" will be tried anywhere.","AnswerText":"The two varieties of oilseed rape which are currently being grown as part of the farm scale evaluations both contain the following introduced genetic sequences:<P>- PssuAra (a promoter)<P>- <U>bar </U>(a gene conveying tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium)<P>- 3`g7 (stop signal)<P>- PTA29 (a promoter)<P>- barnase (a gene conveying male sterility)<P>- barstar (a gene conveying fertility restoration)<P>- 3`nos (stop signal)<P>The outcome of this modification is a hybrid crop resistant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium, which is widely used in agriculture to control annual and perennial weeds. Further details of the construction of these varieties is contained in the public register along with precise location details for each of the trial sites.<P>The term &quot;terminator gene&quot; is understood to apply to genetic modifications which leave a plant incapable of producing seed able to germinate (seed sterility). Crop varieties containing these genes have neither been developed nor grown in Scotland. The varieties of modified oilseed rape which are grown in Scotland are fully fertile and produce viable pollen.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151292,"EventID":"S1W-14586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total number of staff employed by the core departments, agencies and associated departments of the Scottish Office was in May 1997 and how many staff it currentl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total number of staff employed by the core departments, agencies and associated departments of the Scottish Office was in May 1997 and how many staff it currently employs.","AnswerText":"The full-time equivalent number of permanent staff employed in the core departments, agencies and associated departments of the Scottish Executive are shown in the table. The figures for the agencies include the Scottish Prison Service, which accounts for over half of all agency staff.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=538><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">May 1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">March 2001</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Core Departments</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3495.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4004.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Agencies</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7892.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8155.8</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Associated Departments</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1386.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1602.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"40%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12773.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13762.8</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151293,"EventID":"S1W-14587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether selenium deficiency is the cause of any major heart problems in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether selenium deficiency is the cause of any major heart problems in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There is no evidence to suggest that a deficiency of selenium is a significant factor in the development of coronary heart disease in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151294,"EventID":"S1W-14588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further disperse Scottish Executive staff from Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further disperse Scottish Executive staff from Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made progress in locating public sector jobs outwith Edinburgh by establishing the Food Standards Agency in Aberdeen, by establishing the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department in its entirety in Glasgow and setting up the new Public Guardian's Office in Falkirk.<P>Subject to Parliament approving the principles of the Regulation of Care Bill, it is proposed to co-locate the Scottish Social Services Council and the headquarters of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care in Dundee<B>.</B> The headquarters building will also serve as the commission's regional office for that region. Decisions regarding the locations of the other regional offices of the commission are expected soon. <P>We are also undertaking detailed reviews of the Edinburgh operations of six public bodies based on lease breaks and other operational factors.<P>We expect to be in a position to make a decision on the location of the Scottish Public Pensions Agency shortly and on the Health Education Board for Scotland by mid-2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151295,"EventID":"S1W-14589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11911 by Mr Tom McCabe on 27 March 2001, what budget has been allocated to the series of \"Question Time\" events for (a) 2000-01 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11911 by Mr Tom McCabe on 27 March 2001, what budget has been allocated to the series of \"Question Time\" events for (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02, including the amount allocated for market research, external consultants, hire of facilities and publicity, and what actual costs have been incurred to date.","AnswerText":"No specific budget was allocated for undertaking the series of Question Time events in 2000-01 and we are still considering our plans for this year. The only costs so far incurred relate to the Inverness event. The cost of actually staging the event was £7,000.<P>We intend to go out to competitive tender to identify audiences representative of a broad section of the community for future events and it would be inappropriate to reveal costs for Inverness during a tender process. However, as promised in my earlier answer, I will write to Mr Harding once that process is complete.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151296,"EventID":"S1W-14590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum period of time should elapse between the notification of slaughter of animals on farms contiguous to those on which foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum period of time should elapse between the notification of slaughter of animals on farms contiguous to those on which foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed and the slaughter of those animals.","AnswerText":"I refer to the ministerial statement I gave to Parliament on 5 April 2001 which outlined the disease control strategy being implemented.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151297,"EventID":"S1W-14591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is provided regarding the transport of unaffected animals to slaughterhouses through foot-and-mouth disease infected areas and whether the use of cattle float","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is provided regarding the transport of unaffected animals to slaughterhouses through foot-and-mouth disease infected areas and whether the use of cattle floats with open side flaps is permitted.","AnswerText":"Animals can only be moved under licence direct from farm to slaughterhouse. Journeys through an Infected Area are permitted by trunk road, motorway or railway and may come within 3km of an infected premise. Animals going to slaughter are checked for any signs of foot-and-mouth disease before leaving the farms and hence are most unlikely to be excreting any FMD virus. Closing vents is unnecessary and could give rise to welfare problems in transit.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151298,"EventID":"S1W-14592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there are no foot and mouth disinfection points on the M74 and the A76.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there are no foot and mouth disinfection points on the M74 and the A76.","AnswerText":"Veterinary advice, based on risk assessment, is that the disinfection of trunk roads is not necessary in order to prevent any risk of the disease spreading. However, if a council wishes to proceed with the installation of disinfection facilities this is acceptable provided the conditions laid down by the Scottish Executive Development Department are met.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151299,"EventID":"S1W-14593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any problems which may be caused by the slaughter of hefted sheep as a consequence of foot-and-mouth disease, and whether additional re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any problems which may be caused by the slaughter of hefted sheep as a consequence of foot-and-mouth disease, and whether additional resources will be available to train new hill flocks.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the difficulties of replacing any hefted sheep which have to be slaughtered. However, eradication of the disease is the top priority. Sheep are masking this disease and for that reason any flocks within 3km of an infected premises will need to be disposed of.<P>The longer term needs of those affected are being looked into.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151300,"EventID":"S1W-14594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the use of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease prior to the slaughter of animals within the 3km firebreak 'one.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the use of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease prior to the slaughter of animals within the 3km firebreak 'one.","AnswerText":"I refer to the ministerial statement I gave to Parliament on 5 April 2001 where policy on the use of vaccination was clarified.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151301,"EventID":"S1W-14595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that wild animals are not removed from their natural habitat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that wild animals are not removed from their natural habitat.","AnswerText":"The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats &amp; c.) Regulations 1994, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, together with a range of related nature conservation and anti-cruelty legislation, regulate the taking of animals, birds and plants from the wild. Enforcement of these measures is undertaken primarily by the police. Wildlife Inspectors appointed jointly by the Scottish Executive and DETR have a statutory role in certain types of cases.<P>A strict licensing regime operated by the Executive and Scottish Natural Heritage controls those limited circumstances where certain species may legitimately be removed from their natural habitat. The circumstances under which such licences may be issued are defined in statute.<P>On 7 March the Executive set out in a policy statement, \"The Nature of Scotland\", its intention to reform a range of conservation provisions, which include new measures to deter, detect and punish those who take protected species from the wild.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151302,"EventID":"S1W-14596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the assistance available to promote the use of liquid petroleum gas as a vehicle fuel in rural areas is available to all rural communities, as defined in Appendix","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the assistance available to promote the use of liquid petroleum gas as a vehicle fuel in rural areas is available to all rural communities, as defined in Appendix 1 of Rural Scotland: A New Approach.","AnswerText":"The definition of rural used in appendix 1 of <I>Rural Scotland: A New</I> <I>Approach</I> is based on the population density of local authority areas. It was used for the purposes of analytical simplicity and as a consequence of the way in which many socio-economic statistics are currently presented.<P>Assistance to convert vehicles to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through the Powershift vehicle conversion scheme is available to applicants throughout Scotland. However, in rural areas priority was given to applicants living over 30 minutes drive-time from settlements with a population of 10,000. In the light of the substantially increased resources available to Powershift between 2001 and 2004 the Scottish Executive is considering how to promote Powershift most effectively in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151303,"EventID":"S1W-14597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of secondary school children in (a) Scotland and (b) Stirling constituency have personal e-mail accounts at school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of secondary school children in (a) Scotland and (b) Stirling constituency have personal e-mail accounts at school.","AnswerText":"Local authority plans indicated that, by September 2000, 66% of Scottish secondary school pupils would have e-mail accounts at school. Conclusive statistics will be available when the results from the September 2000 School Census are published in the next few months.<P>The information requested is not available on a constituency basis. Stirling Council reported that, in their local authority area, 21% of secondary school pupils would have an e-mail address at school by September 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151304,"EventID":"S1W-14598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people with (a) learning difficulties and (b) profound and complex needs aged (i) under five, (ii) 5 to 16 and (iii) over 16 there are in each local authority a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many people with (a) learning difficulties and (b) profound and complex needs aged (i) under five, (ii) 5 to 16 and (iii) over 16 there are in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in the form requested. The table, however, gives the number of pre-school children and primary and secondary pupils, with special educational needs, by local authority area. The School Census collects data on pupils with special educational needs. For this purpose, special educational needs is defined as learning difficulties. Records of Needs are opened for those whose special educational needs have been assessed as pronounced, specific or complex and which require continuing review.<P>Information about post-school numbers of people with learning disabilities is not available. The Learning Disability Review Report, launched on 11 May 2000, estimated that there are around 120,000 children and adults with learning disabilities in Scotland.<P>The report recommends that local authorities and health boards should jointly draw up &quot;partnership in practice&quot; (PiP) agreements by June 2001 which will serve as the strategic planning document for meeting the needs of people with learning disabilities. A key component of these first PiPs should set out how local authorities and health boards will set up and maintain local registers of adults and children with learning disabilities.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=10 HEIGHT=17><P>Number of pupils with Special Educational Needs &amp; Records of Needs, by Local Authority</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=34><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Pre-School</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=34><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"36%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=4 HEIGHT=34><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Primary, Secondary &amp; Special</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Special Educational Needs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Records of Needs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Special Educational Needs</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Records of Needs</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,779</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">440</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38,185</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15,689</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,707</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">755</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">146</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,072</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">680</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">36</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">630</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">270</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">84</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">732</TD><TD ","AnswerDate":"2001-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151305,"EventID":"S1W-14599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what expenditure is currently planned for each of the continuing and new trunk road projects referred in Scottish Executive News Release SE0818/2001 in each year from 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what expenditure is currently planned for each of the continuing and new trunk road projects referred in Scottish Executive News Release SE0818/2001 in each year from 2001-02 to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. These estimates may vary as procurement proceeds.</P></FONT><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=586><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Motorway and Trunk Road Schemes</P><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Estimated Costs</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2001-02</P><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2002-03</P><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2003-04</P><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2004-05</P><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2005-06</P><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£000</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>A68 Soutra</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,295</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>A726 West Mains to Peel Park Roundabout</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">530</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>A76 Enterkinfoot (Phase 6)</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">525</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>A77 Hansel Village Footbridge</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">600</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>A77 Sandyford Roundabout</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">600</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>A77 Turnberry Climbing Lane</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGH","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151306,"EventID":"S1W-14601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much and what percentage of the #640 million funding for roads projects will be spent in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 and (c) 2003-04, within each local authority bounda","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much and what percentage of the #640 million funding for roads projects will be spent in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 and (c) 2003-04, within each local authority boundary.","AnswerText":"On 27 March 2001 I announced a £680 million programme of investment in motorways and trunk roads for the three years to March 2004. Table 8.2 of the Executive's Annual Expenditure Report published on 30 March sets out detailed categories of spending. The estimated costs of individual schemes costing more than £0.5 million are shown in my answer to question S1W-14599 on 23 April. Details of planned spending are not held by local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151307,"EventID":"S1W-14602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that money allocated to local authorities from the learning disability services change fund is spent on implementing the recommendations of The same a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that money allocated to local authorities from the learning disability services change fund is spent on implementing the recommendations of The same as you? A review of services for people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The resources for 2001-02 were distributed through the Grant Aided Expenditure for services for people with disabilities. The GAE <I>Green Book</I>, setting out the elements for each authority, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 12261).<P>Guidance on the change funds issued on 26 March, advising that local authorities, with their partners, should use new and existing resources to achieve improvements in services and to deliver the review's objectives. Authorities are expected to apply Best Value principles to ensure maximum benefits for agencies and the best outcomes for all those who require services.<P>We will assess the development of services and the use of resources through the Partnership in Practice agreements which are due to be submitted in June.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151308,"EventID":"S1W-14603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make money from the learning disability services change fund available directly to voluntary organisations rather than via local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make money from the learning disability services change fund available directly to voluntary organisations rather than via local authorities.","AnswerText":"Funds have already been distributed to local authorities.<P>The funds are provided as revenue grant, and local authorities have been advised that they can agree the flexible use of the funds with their partners locally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151309,"EventID":"S1W-14604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of hospital acquired infection have been recorded in each year since 1997 at (a) Ninewells Hospital, (b) Perth Royal Infirmary and (c) Stracathro Hospital","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many cases of hospital acquired infection have been recorded in each year since 1997 at (a) Ninewells Hospital, (b) Perth Royal Infirmary and (c) Stracathro Hospital.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151310,"EventID":"S1W-14605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11262 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, how many teachers took part in the New Opportunities Fund ICT training and what conclus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11262 by Mr Jack McConnell on 1 March 2001, how many teachers took part in the New Opportunities Fund ICT training and what conclusions it has drawn or expects to draw from the 27 evaluation questionnaire responses received between 1 April 2000 and 28 March 2001.","AnswerText":"The latest take-up data provided by the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) confirmed that 11,927 teachers and school librarians had signed up for the programme in Scotland at 31 December 2000. Figures from NOF are based on returns made by approved training providers. Data for the next period are due in mid May 2001.<P>The 27 evaluation questionnaire responses in Scotland represent too small a statistical sample from which to draw any firm and accurate conclusions about the training. The NOF is currently looking at options for encouraging greater take-up of the evaluation questionnaire.<P>In addition, HM Inspectorate of Education is currently conducting a Scottish electronic survey of trainees' views on the quality of the training as part of its remit to provide quality assurance of the programme in Scotland, and a UK-wide Aspect Report will be produced within a few months.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151311,"EventID":"S1W-14606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review current emissions standards and, in particular, what steps it will take to monitor or restrict emissions of particles less than four microns i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review current emissions standards and, in particular, what steps it will take to monitor or restrict emissions of particles less than four microns in si'e.","AnswerText":"The air quality objectives set under the Air Quality Strategy are kept under a rolling review. Consideration is currently being given to whether it will be possible to set a more stringent objective for particles than the existing one for PM<SUB>10</SUB>. The Scottish Executive hopes to be in a position to consult on a new objective for particles this summer.<P>The Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards (EPAQS) was set up in 1991 to advise the Government on air quality standards. As part of the current review of particles, the panel was asked to consider whether a different component of the particle mixture in air would be more appropriate for an air quality standard for the UK. <P>The panel published a report entitled <I>Airborne Particles: What is the appropriate measurement on which to base a standard?</I> on 3 April 2001. (The report can be viewed at <A HREF=\"http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/airq/aqs\">http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/airq/aqs</A> and copies are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre). The panel concluded that the particle fraction PM<SUB>10</SUB> remains the most appropriate. In doing so they noted that the health studies suggest that the toxic effects of particles are not limited to fine particles, but that bigger particles are also associated with effects. Measurement of PM<SUB>10</SUB> allows the capture of both the fine and course fraction.<P>However, the panel recommended that the development of a standard which better represents the toxic components of the particle mixture might be technically possible with further research. We have already introduced measurement of a wide range of particle metrics (including PM<SUB>2.5</SUB>, particle numbers, chemical composition and a trial on surface area measurements) into the national monitoring networks to support such studies in the future.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151312,"EventID":"S1W-14607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the number of its staff located on Eilean Siar by relocating departments or parts thereof from Edinburgh and what discussions it has ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the number of its staff located on Eilean Siar by relocating departments or parts thereof from Edinburgh and what discussions it has held with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and others regarding any such relocation.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no current plans to relocate staff from Edinburgh to Eilean Siar. Discussions have been held with Highlands and Islands Enterprise about opportunities across their area, with the agreement of the local authorities concerned.<P>Last December I announced to Parliament that detailed reviews of the Edinburgh operations of six public bodies would be undertaken to individual timetables based on lease breaks and other operational factors. The reviews will determine the most efficient and effective locations for the work concerned. No specific areas of Scotland will be targeted and equally no areas will be ruled out.<P>I also announced at that time that the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the Scottish Social Services Council would not be located in Edinburgh. Mr Chisholm announced on 6 March that the national offices of these two new bodies will - if the Parliament passes the necessary legislation to enable them to be established - be located in Dundee. In addition there will be five further regional offices for the Commission. The locations being considered are the Inverness area, the Aberdeen area, the Paisley area, the Hamilton/East Kilbride area and East Lothian. Decisions on regional offices for the Commission will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151313,"EventID":"S1W-14608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication (design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and costs of launch) of (a) Scottish Economic Sta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication (design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and costs of launch) of (a) Scottish Economic Statistics 2001 and (b) Scottish Social Statistics 2001 and how many copies of each were produced.","AnswerText":"The total cost of publication for <I>Scottish Social Statistics 2001</I> was £22,971, with a print run of 1,000 copies. The total cost of publication for <I>Scottish Economic Statistics 2001</I> was £16,689, with a print run of 700 copies.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151314,"EventID":"S1W-14609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will clarify the criteria to be used by local authorities in applying their discretion to the award of rates relief to businesses affected by the foot-and-mou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will clarify the criteria to be used by local authorities in applying their discretion to the award of rates relief to businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Guidance on the rate relief available for businesses affected by foot-and-mouth disease has been issued to local authorities. A copy is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. no. 12527).","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151315,"EventID":"S1W-14610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3176 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, on what evidence the statement that \"the policy is resulting in a fall in unemployment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3176 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, on what evidence the statement that \"the policy is resulting in a fall in unemployment in East Ayrshire at three times the rate in the rest of Scotland\" (Official Report, col. 870) is based.","AnswerText":"The claimant count unemployment rate for Scotland in February 2001 was 4.5%, showing a fall of 0.6% from the previous year. In East Ayrshire, the rate was 5.9%, showing a fall of 2.1% from the previous year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151316,"EventID":"S1W-14611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13883 by Mr Jack McConnell on 23 March 2001, how many students started a secondary teacher training course with technological educa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13883 by Mr Jack McConnell on 23 March 2001, how many students started a secondary teacher training course with technological education as their main subject at each institution in each year since 1997-98.","AnswerText":"Entrants to Technical Education Teacher Training courses 1997-98 to 1999-2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=531><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">90</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P>Moray House<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>University of Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Northern College of Education</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>University of Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">26</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"57%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>University of Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">27</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency.<P>Notes:<P>1. Moray House merged with the University of Edinburgh in 1998-99.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151317,"EventID":"S1W-14612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to launch its consultation document on whether a Human Rights Commission should be established in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to launch its consultation document on whether a Human Rights Commission should be established in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The document, <I>Protecting our Rights. A Human Rights Commission for Scotland? Consultation Document</I>, is being launched today. The consultation period lasts until the end of June. Copies are being distributed widely and can be obtained from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151318,"EventID":"S1W-14613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure the availability of core funding for community health projects and initiatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure the availability of core funding for community health projects and initiatives.","AnswerText":"A range of funding support is available, in recognition of the valuable contribution that community health projects and initiatives can make. Each year, as part of the Section 16B Grant Award Scheme, some £4 million is provided to voluntary sector local initiatives by health boards (in addition to the funding provided at national level by the Scottish Executive). Health boards have also been advised that their allocations from the new Health Improvement Fund should be invested in projects and services that have been discussed with local partner organisations, including voluntary/community agencies, and that those allocations may be invested through such partner organisations. A further £34.5 million is being made available from the lottery-supported New Opportunities Fund, to facilitate the creation of a network of Healthy Living Centres in communities across Scotland: the first four were announced by Susan Deacon last November and further successes have brought the total to10.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151319,"EventID":"S1W-14614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the establishment of self-sustaining community food co-operatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the establishment of self-sustaining community food co-operatives.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports and funds the Scottish Community Diet Project, which directly supports the establishment of community food co-operatives. In collaboration with other public and private sector partners, we are also setting up a new investment fund, Social Investment Scotland, to provide development advice and loan funding for social economy organisations. Food co-operatives are one of the types of social economy organisations which could benefit from the fund.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151320,"EventID":"S1W-14615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what barriers exist to the uptake by 16- to 21-year-olds with mental health needs of statutory mental health services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what barriers exist to the uptake by 16- to 21-year-olds with mental health needs of statutory mental health services.","AnswerText":"Potential barriers to accessing mental health services by 16- to 21 year olds with mental health needs can exist in various forms and for various reasons. In making mental health a priority, the Executive is committed to working on a variety of fronts with partner care agencies to tackle these issues, where they occur.<I><P>Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change</I> sets the context within which mental health services in Scotland will operate for the immediate future. The plan emphasises the importance of various initiatives, including the investment of £4 million over three years specifically to promote positive mental health and well being; the development of a national suicide prevention framework, and implementation of the <I>Framework for Mental Health Services,</I> which as a blueprint for comprehensive mental health services, aims to ensure the provision of safe, responsive care and support services which meet individually assessed needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151321,"EventID":"S1W-14616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it plans to have to encourage East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Lanarkshire Councils to make a contribution towards the fundin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it plans to have to encourage East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Lanarkshire Councils to make a contribution towards the funding of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board.","AnswerText":"None. The powers of local authorities to fund Area Tourist Boards are discretionary. It is for these councils to decide whether or not to contribute to the funding of Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board. Scottish Ministers have no powers to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151322,"EventID":"S1W-14617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage local authorities to make appropriate contributions towards the funding of their local area tourist boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage local authorities to make appropriate contributions towards the funding of their local area tourist boards.","AnswerText":"No. Local authority powers to fund Area Tourist Boards are discretionary. It is for councils to decide the level of support that they provide to ATBs. We are, however, monitoring local authority funding decisions.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151323,"EventID":"S1W-14618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a statutory Best Value regime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a statutory Best Value regime.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Executive's <I>Programme for Government</I> highlighted our intention to legislate for a duty of Best Value on local authorities. I intend to make further announcements regarding our proposals in this area following the Easter recess.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151324,"EventID":"S1W-14619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13777 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 March 2001, why the capital allocation to Strathclyde Police fell from #9.732 million in 1999-2000 to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13777 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 March 2001, why the capital allocation to Strathclyde Police fell from #9.732 million in 1999-2000 to #9.076 million in 2000-01 and whether this has had any impact on the operational performance of Strathclyde Police.","AnswerText":"Capital allocations are designed to meet both routine expenditure (such as maintenance and the replacement of vehicles) and the cost of large projects.<P>Strathclyde's allocation for 1999-2000 included £3.528 million for major work at the Saltcoats and Kirkintilloch stations as well as Phase 3 of the force's Traffic Complex. In addition, the force received £1.060 million to help with millennium compliance costs, leaving £5.144 million for routine expenditure.<P>In 2000-01, £3 million was set aside for the completion of Phase 3 of the Traffic Complex, leaving £6.076 million for routine capital expenditure, an increase of over 18% on the previous year's figure for similar costs. The allocation of resources is an operational matter for the Chief Constable, in consultation with the Joint Police Board, to decide upon. Given the increase in resources for routine expenditure, however, any impact on operational performance is likely to have been beneficial.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151325,"EventID":"S1W-14620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11853 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 March 2001, how many additional jobs will have to be created in Glasgow before the employment rat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11853 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 March 2001, how many additional jobs will have to be created in Glasgow before the employment rate of working age males rises from 65.2% to the Scottish average of 77.4% and over what time period it would be possible for this to be achieved.","AnswerText":"To increase the male employment rate in Glasgow from 65.2% to 77.4%, an extra 24,000 men in Glasgow need to move into work. No forecasts for the number of male workers in Glasgow have been made by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151326,"EventID":"S1W-14621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much inward investment has been attracted to Scotland directly as a result of the activities of Scotland House in Brussels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much inward investment has been attracted to Scotland directly as a result of the activities of Scotland House in Brussels.","AnswerText":"Scotland House has a critical role in representing and promoting Scotland in a wide range of interests. It is not in itself directly responsible for inward investment projects although it continues to offer support and assistance to Locate in Scotland in this regard. As of September 2000, Locate in Scotland has run its field operations for France and Benelux from an office in Scotland House.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151327,"EventID":"S1W-14622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional tourist revenue has been generated as a result of the activities of Scotland House in Brussels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional tourist revenue has been generated as a result of the activities of Scotland House in Brussels.","AnswerText":"No estimates are available of the additional tourist revenue generated directly by Scotland House.<P>Scotland House is an inclusive body that involves a range of interests. Its principal components are the Scottish Executive EU Office (SEEUO) and Scotland Europa, which in turn houses a number of its subscribers. Scotland House does not have direct responsibility for generating additional tourist revenue. Most of the bodies located in Scotland House have the following functions in common:<UL><LI>Maintaining close contact with key people in the EU institutions, including the Scottish MEPs</LI><LI>Following the European legislative process and highlighting issues of relevance to Scotland</LI><LI>Sharing information and resources between the Scotland House residents as appropriate </LI><LI>Increasing the range and depth of information on EU affairs flowing back to Scottish bodies - including visitscotland</LI><LI>Advising Scottish bodies about EU procedures and how to become more involved - including the highlighting of Scottish best practice in Europe.</LI></UL><P>Scotland House is also active in raising Scotland's profile in the EU. This has included some tourism aspects, namely:<UL><LI>visitscotland promoted a travel offer between Scotland and the Benelux countries to coincide with the October 1999 Scotland Week organised by Scotland House</LI><LI>Scotland House has supported a number of festivals/events celebrating links between the Low Countries and Scotland and also supported tourism to Scotland</LI><LI>Scotland House recently organised a cultural tourism seminar examining other European approaches to cultural tourism with a view to developing further the Scottish approach</LI><LI>Literature from visitscotland is prominently displayed in Scotland House for all visitors and enquiries.</LI></UL><P>In addition, visitscotland is a member of Scotland Europa and both it and the Tourism Cluster Group of Scottish Enterprise are alerted to all EU opportunities and developments by Scottish Enterprise International Operations.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151328,"EventID":"S1W-14623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it will take to raise the profile of Scotland House in Brussels and its activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it will take to raise the profile of Scotland House in Brussels and its activities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14399.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151329,"EventID":"S1W-14624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it will have with Scotland House in Brussels on improving its physical and public profile.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it will have with Scotland House in Brussels on improving its physical and public profile.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14399.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151330,"EventID":"S1W-14625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it will have with Her Majesty's Government and the European Union to ensure that EU structural funding for Scotland from 2006 is maximised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it will have with Her Majesty's Government and the European Union to ensure that EU structural funding for Scotland from 2006 is maximised.","AnswerText":"As I announced at the debate on Structural Funds on 5 April, we are already in close contact with the UK Government and the European Union on the future of Structural Funds following the enlargement of the European Union. Our aim is to make sure that Scottish interests are fully accounted for in the wider debate concerning Structural Funds and related enlargement issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151331,"EventID":"S1W-14626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allow payments for prescription season tickets to be spread over the course of a year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allow payments for prescription season tickets to be spread over the course of a year.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so.<P>Prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) are available to cover periods of either 12 months or four months. We recognise that people who have difficulty in paying for the annual prescription season ticket may prefer to use the four-monthly PPC, which also offers savings.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151332,"EventID":"S1W-14627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future role and function the Joint Nature Conservation Committee will have in Scotland in the light of the Stage 1 Report by the Department of the Environment, Trans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future role and function the Joint Nature Conservation Committee will have in Scotland in the light of the Stage 1 Report by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), Review of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee 2001, and how Scottish interests will be promoted if the committee is entirely funded and sponsored by the DETR as recommended in the report.","AnswerText":"No decisions have yet been taken on the future of JNCC. Whatever arrangements are finally reached will need to reflect Scottish circumstances, and Scottish Ministers will be fully involved in the decision-taking.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151333,"EventID":"S1W-14628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of children in Clydesdale took up a pre-school nursery place in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000 and (e) 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of children in Clydesdale took up a pre-school nursery place in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000 and (e) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of children attending pre-school education is not available on a constituency basis. However, the number and percentage of children receiving publicly funded pre-school education in South Lanarkshire Council area in the spring term of (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000 and (e) 2000-01 are shown in the table.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Number and Percentage of Eligible 3- &amp; 4-Year-Olds Attending a Publicly Funded Pre-school Education Place in South Lanarkshire Council<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>School Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">3-Year-Olds</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4-Year-Olds</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>(a) 1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P>(b) 1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,518 (93.8%)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>(c) 1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">N/A</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,287 (88.6%)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>(d) 1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,778 (49.6%)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,436 (97.3%)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>(e) 2000-01</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,270 (61.9%)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,457 (99.2%)</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151334,"EventID":"S1W-14629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many and what percentage of (a) primary 1, (b) primary 2 and (c) primary 3 children in Clydesdale were in class si'es of 30 or more in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-1998, (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many and what percentage of (a) primary 1, (b) primary 2 and (c) primary 3 children in Clydesdale were in class si'es of 30 or more in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-1998, (iii) 1998-1999, (iv) 1999-2000 and (v) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Class size information was first collected through the School Census in 1997 and the results of the 2000-01 Census are not yet available. The information which is available is set out in the tables below. Substantial resources have been made available through the Excellence Fund throughout Scotland to assist local authorities lower class sizes in primary one to three classes. This year £20.1 million will be available. The Scottish Executive is committed to reducing class sizes in primary one to three to 30 or less by 1 August 2001.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=638><TR><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"90%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=15 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997 Number of pupils of 30 and more</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">P1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">P2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">P3</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class of 30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class over 30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class 30 or more</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">All P1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"4%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">%<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"> 30 or more</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class of 30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class over 30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"> 30 or more</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">All P2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">%<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"> 30 or more</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class of 30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class over 30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Class<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\"> 30 or more</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">All P3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=46><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">%<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">30 or more</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Clydesdale</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">90</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">122</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,028</TD><TD WIDTH=\"4%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">159</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">159</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,047</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">125</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">185</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151335,"EventID":"S1W-14630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that children in the workforce are not exploited.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to ensure that children in the workforce are not exploited.","AnswerText":"Existing legislation and regulations already cover matters such as the ages at which children can work, the length of time they can work, and the types of work that they can undertake. Most recently we laid the Children (Protection at Work) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 in May 2000. These raised to thirteen the minimum age at which children may be employed in light agricultural or horticultural work and stipulated that persons taking part in performances of a dangerous nature must be aged at least sixteen, in addition (as previously) to being over compulsory school age.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151336,"EventID":"S1W-14631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place to deal with any foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place to deal with any foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"Based on the action taken in Dumfries and Galloway and the results achieved, we are confident that a similar operation could be implemented should further outbreaks occur in any other part of Scotland. The aims and priorities for action would be as outlined in my statement of 5 April 2001 to the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151337,"EventID":"S1W-14632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of people donating bone marrow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of people donating bone marrow.","AnswerText":"Officials are liaising with colleagues in Department of Health in England over the setting up of workshops to look at ways of improving recruitment and broadening the range of ethnic groups currently on the registries. Representatives from the bone marrow registries will be included in the workshops.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151338,"EventID":"S1W-14633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the experience of the National Advocacy Co-ordinator (NAC) for residential schools, what plans it has to introduce NACs in relation to children and young peo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the experience of the National Advocacy Co-ordinator (NAC) for residential schools, what plans it has to introduce NACs in relation to children and young people for through care and after care, foster care and special needs education.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans at the present time.<P>A network of advocacy services for children and young people looked after away from home is currently provided by local authorities in Scotland through joint working with Who Cares? Scotland and the deployment of children's rights workers. The Scottish Executive provides grant funding to Who Cares? Scotland and additional targeted funding to local authorities to assist with the provision of this service.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151339,"EventID":"S1W-14634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage or direct public sector bodies to source suppliers from Constructionline registered companies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage or direct public sector bodies 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 NHS organisations in Scotland to use Constructionline when sourcing contractors and suppliers of professional services. During the first half of 2000 the Executive worked with Constructionline in the presentation of seminars to existing users and other public sector bodies to encourage the wider use of the register. The Executive is a member of the Constructionline Scottish Advisory Committee.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151340,"EventID":"S1W-14635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the plans for the proposed improvements to the A82 Dumbuck junction will be made available for public inspection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the plans for the proposed improvements to the A82 Dumbuck junction will be made available for public inspection.","AnswerText":"The A82 Dumbuck Junction scheme is programmed for design in 2002-03. Plans will be subject to public consultation prior to construction in 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151341,"EventID":"S1W-14636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many new rehabilitation services have been established with the #21 million given to the Scottish Drugs Forum for this purpose, whether any of these are aimed at you","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many new rehabilitation services have been established with the #21 million given to the Scottish Drugs Forum for this purpose, whether any of these are aimed at young people and, if so, where these are located.","AnswerText":"No funds have been provided to the Scottish Drugs Forum to establish drug rehabilitation services.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151342,"EventID":"S1W-14637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what alternative activities it has funded to divert young people into positive, drug-free lifestyles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what alternative activities it has funded to divert young people into positive, drug-free lifestyles.","AnswerText":"In addition to existing expenditure by local authorities and other agencies, we are making available an extra £21 million over the next three years specifically for services to combat the risks of drug misuse by children and young people. This includes preventive and educational projects which focus on the benefits of positive drug-free lifestyles.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151343,"EventID":"S1W-14638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the recent guidance to local authorities in England and Wales on social care for deafblind children and adults, what steps it is taking to ensure that a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the recent guidance to local authorities in England and Wales on social care for deafblind children and adults, what steps it is taking to ensure that a similar approach is adopted in relation to deafblind children and adults in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In 1998 the Scottish Executive published its <I>Sensing Progress</I> report which examined the planning, delivery, commissioning and management of social work services for people who had visual or hearing impairment or who were deafblind.<P>Following a number of seminars, many local authorities took up the recommendations contained in the report. A check on the implementation of the recommendations will be made by the Executive this year to help secure better identification, assessment and services for deafblind children and adults and those with visual or hearing impairment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151344,"EventID":"S1W-14639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to implement the recommendations of the 1998 Scottish Office Report Sensing Progress.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to implement the recommendations of the 1998 Scottish Office Report Sensing Progress.","AnswerText":"In examining services for the Chief Social Work Inspector's Annual Report for 2002, officials will seek up to date information on local progress in implementing the recommendations of <I>Sensing Progress</I>.<P>A working group consisting of representatives from various deafblind organisations and appropriate officials has been set up under the auspices of the Equality Unit. The aim is to look at a positive way forward to identify the various cross-cutting issues facing people with sensory impairment.<P>The working group on certification and registration in relation to people with visual impairment has produced its report, which is now being considered by ministers.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151345,"EventID":"S1W-14640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's proposals for redistributing funding among institutions and subjects in its recent interim report on teaching fund","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's proposals for redistributing funding among institutions and subjects in its recent interim report on teaching funding are consistent with the Executive's policy objectives, in particular those relating to the development of the knowledge economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council issued a consultation paper with its proposals for teaching funding on 19 December and a further paper providing more information on 9 February. It has not issued an interim report on teaching funding. The consultation period has just concluded and the council is considering its proposals in the light of the response to this and the need to minimise disruption and deliver the Executive's priorities. I have asked the council to keep me in touch with developments prior to any final decisions being taken.<P>The teaching funding consultation paper included proposals for the introduction of premiums to institutions for students from under-represented groups and disabled students. SHEFC published its allocation for academic year 2001-02 at the end of March which will rise from £618 million this year to £673 million and included a 5% premium on teaching grant to improve the retention and progression of students from under-represented groups at a cost of over £3 million and £1 million to support disabled students. These are consistent with our priorities and will support the development of the knowledge economy.<P>I also welcome the fact that the allocation includes a 4% increase on the units of funding for teaching and research, 1,000 additional funded places, an additional £10 million for science research infrastructure, an additional £2.1 million to improve IT infrastructure, £2.5 million to support the development of greater pervasiveness of ICT, and a recurrent stream of funding to support knowledge transfer including an additional £2 million for conversion of previous initiatives. All of which are consistent with the priorities of the Executive and will support the development of the knowledge economy.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151346,"EventID":"S1W-14641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 1,000 reforming drug users assisted by the #6.5 million given to Scottish Drugs Forum have (a) gained employment and (b) stayed in the employment gained.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 1,000 reforming drug users assisted by the #6.5 million given to Scottish Drugs Forum have (a) gained employment and (b) stayed in the employment gained.","AnswerText":"The funding commenced on 1 April 2001 and will be channelled through Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151347,"EventID":"S1W-14642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the #21 million given for young people and families to the Scottish Drugs Forum has been utilised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the #21 million given for young people and families to the Scottish Drugs Forum has been utilised.","AnswerText":"The Executive's extra investment of £21 million over the next three years will target areas of work with young people at risk of misusing drugs and forms part of the £100 million Spending Review package in support of our anti-drugs strategy. £3 million will be deployed on taking forward our agenda on drug education in schools. £18 million will be administered through the Changing Children's Services Fund on new preventive and treatment services for young people. The allocations to local authorities take account of deprivation and other factors affecting children and young people. All proposals for service development must have the support of the local Drug Action Team and involve multi-agency approaches to programmes or projects delivered.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151348,"EventID":"S1W-14644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide core funding to enable Who Cares? Scotland to appoint national support staff to help local workers in their work with young people in care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide core funding to enable Who Cares? Scotland to appoint national support staff to help local workers in their work with young people in care.","AnswerText":"We have offered core grant of £122,500 to Who Cares<I>?</I> Scotland for the current financial year. The organisation is currently trying to develop a broader funding base. There are currently no plans to provide additional funding for extra staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151349,"EventID":"S1W-14645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is on the possible appointment of a Children's Commissioner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is on the possible appointment of a Children's Commissioner.","AnswerText":"Following a suggestion from the Scottish Executive last year, the Parliament's Education, Culture and Sport Committee is conducting an inquiry into the issue of a possible Children's Commissioner in Scotland. The committee invited written evidence on 26 February.<P>The Scottish Executive is sympathetic to the possibility of a Children's Commissioner but would wish to be clear about the functions a Commissioner might have and the added value he or she might bring. We will wait for the committee to report before considering the issue further.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151350,"EventID":"S1W-14646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to produce an integrated after care service throughout Scotland for young people who have been in care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to produce an integrated after care service throughout Scotland for young people who have been in care.","AnswerText":"We set up the Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group to advise on appropriate arrangements for a one stop shop approach to providing advice and assistance for careleavers. I expect the Group's report later this year following completion of research currently underway by York University on behalf of the Executive into current service provision by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151351,"EventID":"S1W-14647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it will take to ensure that children identified by a children's panel as being in need of supervision are allocated a social worker within 14 days.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it will take to ensure that children identified by a children's panel as being in need of supervision are allocated a social worker within 14 days.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a legal duty to give effect to supervision requirements made by children's hearings in their area.<P>Inter-agency guidance on national standards for the processing of cases through the children's hearings system sets a maximum target of 15 working days from the issue of a supervision requirement for allocation of a social worker. The Scottish Executive will be monitoring performance against the standards. In individual cases it is for the local authority to be satisfied that it is meeting its statutory obligations.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151352,"EventID":"S1W-14648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many vacancies for social workers there currently are, broken down by local authority, and what steps it has taken or plans to take to address any shortages. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many vacancies for social workers there currently are, broken down by local authority, and what steps it has taken or plans to take to address any shortages. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14568.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151353,"EventID":"S1W-14649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what average time is taken by each local authority to provide a social worker for a child identified as being in need of supervision by a children's panel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what average time is taken by each local authority to provide a social worker for a child identified as being in need of supervision by a children's panel.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally at present. We will be monitoring the performance against national standards of all agencies involved in the processing of cases through the children's hearings system.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151354,"EventID":"S1W-14650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prepare detailed maps capable of being used to assess flood risks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prepare detailed maps capable of being used to assess flood risks.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency already has indicative flood risk maps showing the main areas where flooding should be considered a possibility. The Executive has no plans to duplicate this work.<P>The Executive is, however, considering ways in which the maps can be improved and the additional information that can be obtained from them.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151355,"EventID":"S1W-14651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer  how many staff are currently employed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and whether there are any plans to disperse any staff outwith Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer  how many staff are currently employed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and whether there are any plans to disperse any staff outwith Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Body currently employs 424 staff (figures as at 30.3.01). There are no plans to disperse any staff outwith Edinburgh<B>.</B>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151356,"EventID":"S1W-14653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies have been given, and from what sources, for municipal waste incineration in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies have been given, and from what sources, for municipal waste incineration in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"We make no direct subsidy for municipal waste incineration. However, under the Scottish Renewables Obligation (SRO), there is a subsidy towards the cost of electricity generated by a SRO project. The only SRO energy-from-waste plant in operation in Scotland is at Baldovie in Dundee. For reasons of commercial confidentiality, we cannot provide detailed information in the form of the breakdown required. <P>Level Playing Field Support, however, has been provided over the past two years to Dundee City Council for the Baldovie energy-from-waste Public/Private Partnership project. The provision was £0.8 million in 1999-2000 and £2.3 million in the current year. Support will be provided at the current year's level over 25 years.<P>The general local government finance settlement allocations do not include any specific provision for waste incineration. It is for councils to consider their expenditure priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151357,"EventID":"S1W-14654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and where ash from municipal waste incinerators closed since 1990 was disposed of.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and where ash from municipal waste incinerators closed since 1990 was disposed of.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151358,"EventID":"S1W-14655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of the authorised limits have been reported from each municipal waste incinerator in each year since 1990 and whether it will provide details of each br","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of the authorised limits have been reported from each municipal waste incinerator in each year since 1990 and whether it will provide details of each breach.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151359,"EventID":"S1W-14656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the definition of recycling to exclude ash from municipal waste incinerators, in line with the National Waste Strategy for England and W","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the definition of recycling to exclude ash from municipal waste incinerators, in line with the National Waste Strategy for England and Wales, and, if it does, when the definition will be amended.","AnswerText":"The definition of recycling, for the purpose of setting targets, is being considered by the Recycling Targets Group which has been established by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and is made up of representatives from SEPA, the Scottish Executive, CoSLA, local authorities and Recycling Market Development Scotland (REMADE). A consultation paper will be issued to local authorities in the next few weeks and a final report issued later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151360,"EventID":"S1W-14657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to exclude energy from waste from renewable energy funding in the light of the majority of the responses to the consultation exercise on the Scottish Ren","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to exclude energy from waste from renewable energy funding in the light of the majority of the responses to the consultation exercise on the Scottish Renewables Order objecting to its inclusion and given the position in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"A final decision on the technologies to be included within the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) has not yet been taken. We will consider the options carefully in the light of responses to the recent consultation paper, and in the light of the various energy from waste technologies available, and an announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151361,"EventID":"S1W-14658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the exclusion of energy from waste from the Scottish Renewables Order would reduce the achievability of its target for electricity from renewable sources by 2010.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the exclusion of energy from waste from the Scottish Renewables Order would reduce the achievability of its target for electricity from renewable sources by 2010.","AnswerText":"The achievement of our renewable energy target for 2010 under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) will be dependent on many factors, of which the inclusion or otherwise of any particular technology will be only one.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151362,"EventID":"S1W-14659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many items of business regulation it intends to repeal in the coming financial year as a result of the \"regulatory MOT\" announced by the Minister for Enterprise and L","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many items of business regulation it intends to repeal in the coming financial year as a result of the \"regulatory MOT\" announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 15 February 2001.","AnswerText":"The introduction of the Review Regulatory Impact Assessment (Review RIA), or &quot;regulatory MOT&quot;, represents a significant step forward in securing for Scottish businesses the most effective regulatory environment. The Review RIA will ensure all regulations introduced by the Scottish Executive which impact on business will remain &quot;fit-for-purpose&quot;. Requiring review of the regulation within 10 years of its introduction, it commits the Executive to reconsidering options, including repeal. The Executive would not wish to prejudice the success of this work by forcing arbitrary &quot;quotas&quot; for repeal on individual departments.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151363,"EventID":"S1W-14660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles in its fleet have the ability to use liquid petroleum gas fuel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles in its fleet have the ability to use liquid petroleum gas fuel.","AnswerText":"There are 83 cars within the Scottish Executive vehicle fleet which can operate on either liquid petroleum gas or unleaded petrol. In addition, the Scottish Executive has two electric cars for use on short journeys in the Edinburgh area.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151364,"EventID":"S1W-14661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use in the health service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use in the health service.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the detail requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151365,"EventID":"S1W-14662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use in the police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use in the police force.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151366,"EventID":"S1W-14663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many local authority vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many local authority vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use.","AnswerText":"Since 1996 the Powershift grant scheme in Scotland has assisted the purchase or conversion of 133&nbsp;local authority vehicles to run on either liquid petroleum gas or compressed natural gas. The Executive does not hold statistics on vehicle conversions or purchases that have taken place without Powershift assistance.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151367,"EventID":"S1W-14664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use in the ambulance service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles have been converted to date for liquid petroleum gas fuel use in the ambulance service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service has looked at the possibility of such a fuel conversion for their fleet of vehicles and decided that it is not feasible.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151368,"EventID":"S1W-14665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions or guidance it has issued or plans to issue to local authorities to streamline and manage development plans in the light of the Research Paper 1998/50, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions or guidance it has issued or plans to issue to local authorities to streamline and manage development plans in the light of the Research Paper 1998/50, Review of Development Planning in Scotland, by Hillier Parker, Dundas & Wilson.","AnswerText":"The revised <I>NPPG 1: The Planning System</I>,<I> </I>published in November 2000, includes guidance on the need for brevity, clarity and precision when preparing development plans and on the importance of managing the process of the preparation of plans more efficiently. It also encourages planning authorities to set and publish demanding timetables for the preparation of plans, and gives examples of what those timetables should be. This guidance echoes a number of the research recommendations.<P>The researchers' emphasis on the need for better management of the process is also reflected in the shift in focus of the work of the Scottish Executive Planning Audit Unit (PAU) from development control to development planning. The PAU has carried out pilot audits of three planning authorities' development plan procedures, to identify best practice and changes that might be made to improve procedures. An overview of preliminary findings is contained in the <I>Third Annual Report of the Planning Audit Uni</I>t, which was published on 30 March and copies are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre. The findings will be fed into the current review of strategic planning. Consultation will take place this summer on the review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151369,"EventID":"S1W-14666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified vets there currently are in Scotland and how many have been employed by government agencies in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified vets there currently are in Scotland and how many have been employed by government agencies in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of qualified vets in Scotland is not held centrally by Government. The State Veterinary Service (SVS) is a GB body sponsored by MAFF. A breakdown of vets employed by the SVS in each of the countries year by year is not readily available.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151370,"EventID":"S1W-14667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the implementation of conservation measures for the scallop fishing industry; whether the introduction of any such measures have been postp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the implementation of conservation measures for the scallop fishing industry; whether the introduction of any such measures have been postponed and, if so, on how many occasions and for what reasons.","AnswerText":"The Executive will issue a draft Scottish Statutory Instrument on possible technical measures to protect scallop stocks for consultation immediately after the Easter recess. Our aim is a uniform and rational series of measures throughout the United Kingdom and we envisage other UK fisheries departments producing their own parallel legislation.<P>Any implementation of agreed conservation measures will take place as soon as practicable after the end of the three-month consultation period.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151371,"EventID":"S1W-14668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessels, broken down by sector, will be decommissioned under the #25 million decommissioning package recently announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessels, broken down by sector, will be decommissioned under the #25 million decommissioning package recently announced.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not yet available.<P>Details of the proposed decommissioning scheme, including targeting of the scheme and eligibility criteria, are still to be worked up in consultation with the fishing industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151372,"EventID":"S1W-14669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to other EU member states to secure support for the concept of 'onal management as referred to in the European Commission's proposals in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to other EU member states to secure support for the concept of 'onal management as referred to in the European Commission's proposals in relation to the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"The reference to the establishment of regional advisory committees in the European Commission's Green Paper on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy reflects the hard work already undertaken by UK fisheries departments and the UK fishing industry.<P>The Executive has also promoted the idea of a strengthened regional dimension to the CFP with its contacts from other member states. In particular, amongst northern states, familiar with the way in which the various stock recovery plans have been developed, there is an increasing recognition of the benefits of a more regional and inclusive approach.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151373,"EventID":"S1W-14670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministerial responsibility for the water industry was offered to the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning following the resignation of the Minister for E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministerial responsibility for the water industry was offered to the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning following the resignation of the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture and, if so, what her response was.","AnswerText":"I have nothing to add to what I said about this matter on Thursday 29 March (<I>Official Report</I>,<I> c</I>ol. 1116-7).","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151374,"EventID":"S1W-14671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to ensure that the fishing fleet is not disadvantaged by any delay in the implementation of the new mesh si'es being negotiated with the Norwe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps are being taken to ensure that the fishing fleet is not disadvantaged by any delay in the implementation of the new mesh si'es being negotiated with the Norwegian authorities as part of the North Sea cod recovery plan.","AnswerText":"Additional technical measures, which may or may not include new mesh sizes, will be the subject of negotiations between the EU and the Norwegian authorities beginning on 18 April. Issues relating to the timing of implementation of any new measures will be considered. The Executive has already made clear its views about the need for appropriate lead-in times.<P>The Executive does not believe the Scottish fishing fleet would be disadvantaged should there be any delay to the introduction of any new measures.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151375,"EventID":"S1W-14672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which geographic areas will not be included in the first wave of broadband technology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which geographic areas will not be included in the first wave of broadband technology.","AnswerText":"Infrastructure may allow the technical possibility of broadband connections but companies can be expected to provide connections and services according to the likely level of demand and return on investment. This has tended to favour urban areas.<P>We are currently investigating how the aggregation of public sector demand for broadband could stimulate wider supply by the industry. As well as identifying public sector demand, we are considering whether different procurement strategies for public sector services could improve general access to broadband.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151376,"EventID":"S1W-14673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many companies manufacture (a) wind turbines and (b) offshore renewable energy technology and how many have headquarters in Scotland and/or are Scottish owned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many companies manufacture (a) wind turbines and (b) offshore renewable energy technology and how many have headquarters in Scotland and/or are Scottish owned.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally, although we are aware of at least one Scottish owned company that manufactures wind turbines and another developing offshore renewable energy technology.<P>One of the principal objectives of our policy in respect of the promotion of renewable energy is to help Scottish industry to benefit from the increasing exploitation of renewable energy in Scotland. We have been working closely with both economic development agencies to do this.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151377,"EventID":"S1W-14674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lord Advocate has referred, or intends to refer, under section 33 of the Scotland Act 1998, section 1(1), which establishes a graduate endowment, of the Educa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lord Advocate has referred, or intends to refer, under section 33 of the Scotland Act 1998, section 1(1), which establishes a graduate endowment, of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) (No.2) Bill as passed by the Parliament on 29 March 2001 to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for a decision on whether this provision is within the legislative competence of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151378,"EventID":"S1W-14675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing home alcohol detoxification services, as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol: rep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing home alcohol detoxification services, as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently consulting on a national Plan for Action on alcohol misuse which is to be published by the end of this year. The expert seminar <I>Women and Alcohol </I>was funded by the Scottish Executive and we have noted the recommendations emerging from it. We will take these into account in developing the Plan for Action.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151379,"EventID":"S1W-14676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for alcohol services to conduct assessments that include routine screening for psychiatric disorders, as recommended in the Health Education Board fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for alcohol services to conduct assessments that include routine screening for psychiatric disorders, as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14675.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151380,"EventID":"S1W-14677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to assess the implications of current high levels of drinking amongst young women and the development of problem drinking in later life, highli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to assess the implications of current high levels of drinking amongst young women and the development of problem drinking in later life, highlighted as a research priority in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14675.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151381,"EventID":"S1W-14678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to monitor the marketing strategies used by the drinks industry as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to monitor the marketing strategies used by the drinks industry as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14675.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151382,"EventID":"S1W-14679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether alcohol educational materials have been developed to target middle-aged and older women, as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether alcohol educational materials have been developed to target middle-aged and older women, as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14675.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151383,"EventID":"S1W-14680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of outreach services to meet the particular needs of women with dependent children and who suffer from alcohol related problem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of outreach services to meet the particular needs of women with dependent children and who suffer from alcohol related problems, as recommended in the Health Education Board for Scotland document, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14675.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151384,"EventID":"S1W-14681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are any plans to establish women only residential alcohol rehabilitation centres in Scotland similar to the Headway Halfway House in Devon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether there are any plans to establish women only residential alcohol rehabilitation centres in Scotland similar to the Headway Halfway House in Devon.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any plans to establish women-only residential alcohol rehabilitation centres in Scotland. Alcohol misuse services will be at the heart of the proposed national Plan for Action on alcohol misuse, and in developing that component of the plan the needs of specific groups such as women will require to be taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151385,"EventID":"S1W-14682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children are currently on the child protection register, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children are currently on the child protection register, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Child protection registers are maintained by individual local authorities in Scotland. The following table illustrates the total number of children recorded on these registers as at 31 March 1999, and is the most current information held centrally.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=455><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P>Local authority area</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number on Register</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Rate per 1,000 population aged 0-15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Aberdeen City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">201</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">5.2</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">86</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1.8</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2.7</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">41</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2.5</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Clackmannanshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1.6</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2.5</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Dundee City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">44</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1.6</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.4</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.5</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">72</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4.0</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1.2</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Edinburgh, City of</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">360</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">4.6</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">3.5</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">80</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2.8</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1.2</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Glasgow City</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">380</TD><TD WIDTH=\"39%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><I><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">3.2</I></TD></TR><TR><TD","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151386,"EventID":"S1W-14683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many vacancies there currently are for social workers in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many vacancies there currently are for social workers in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14568 on 2 May 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151387,"EventID":"S1W-14684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many vacancies there currently are for children's social workers in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many vacancies there currently are for children's social workers in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not currently held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151388,"EventID":"S1W-14685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the John West company have made any application for a licence to import salmon for use in a television advert filmed in Deeside; whether any such licence has bee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the John West company have made any application for a licence to import salmon for use in a television advert filmed in Deeside; whether any such licence has been granted, and what controls exist on the import of salmon and other foods following arrival elsewhere in the UK.","AnswerText":"No such licence was sought or granted. The imported fish were intended for use in the television advert but they were not in fact used for that purpose. We understand that although the import documentation was not appropriate, in that the fish were not eviscerated, the disposal of the fish did not pose any significant health risk for native stocks. There are no controls on the movement into Scotland of food imported elsewhere in the UK.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151389,"EventID":"S1W-14686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in the discussions about how the E-Learning Foundation's initiative on the provision of computer equipment for young people might apply in Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what progress has been made in the discussions about how the E-Learning Foundation's initiative on the provision of computer equipment for young people might apply in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to tackling problems of digital inclusion and to achieving universal access to the web by 2005. A new Digital Inclusion Unit has been created within the Executive to take this work forward. A meeting between Executive officials and representatives of the e-Learning Foundation will take place shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151390,"EventID":"S1W-14687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce statistics on the use of the Internet by households since 1999, on a monthly and quarterly basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce statistics on the use of the Internet by households since 1999, on a monthly and quarterly basis.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive gathers and publishes statistics on the use of the Internet by households as a part of the Scottish Household Survey. The most recent figures available for mid-2000 show 21.7% of households having access to the web from home. However given the rapid growth of household access to the web the figures are likely to understate the percentage of households now connected to the web.<P>Full figures from the Scottish Household Survey for 2000 will be published in September 2001. Figures are not available on a monthly basis. Quarterly figures are given in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=606><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=6 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Percentage of Scottish households with access to the internet from home by quarter</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Year</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Quarter</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=34><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Percentage of households with access to the internet from home</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>February-March</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11.7</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>April-June</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.9</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>July-September</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14.5</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>October-December</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17.7</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2000</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>January-March</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21.1</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"28%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>April-June</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"56%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21.7</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: Scottish Household Survey.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151391,"EventID":"S1W-14688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce statistics on the use of the Internet by businesses since 1999, on a monthly and quarterly basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce statistics on the use of the Internet by businesses since 1999, on a monthly and quarterly basis.","AnswerText":"As part of their annual benchmarking exercise, Scottish Enterprise produces an ICT connectivity indicator that shows the proportion of companies using a website, e-mail and/or Electronic Data Interchange. Figures are currently available for 1998, 1999 and 2000. Neither the public resources nor the burden on businesses required to conduct this exercise on a monthly and quarterly basis could be justified.<P>There are, however, other sources of e-commerce statistics available for Scotland. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce, for example, have recently added e-commerce questions to their quarterly surveys. In May, the Office for National Statistics is due to publish the results of a survey of interconnectivity and the level of sales over the Internet, which will provide information at a regional level.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151392,"EventID":"S1W-14689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it uses to benchmark its performance in creating a knowledge economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it uses to benchmark its performance in creating a knowledge economy.","AnswerText":"There is no accepted definition of the knowledge economy and this raises difficult conceptual and measurement issues.<P>Scottish Executive officials are liaising with the Office of National Statistics, Scottish Enterprise and other bodies on the development of a number of indicators measuring the wide range of activities covered by the term knowledge economy. <P>Information on some of these indicators was included in my written evidence to the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee investigation on the impact of the New Economy in Scotland. A copy of this evidence has been placed on the committee website:<P>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_report/cttee/enter-01/elp01-05.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151393,"EventID":"S1W-14690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will adopt the draft list of common services proposed by the European Commission in its communication to the European Council and the European Parliament, eEur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will adopt the draft list of common services proposed by the European Commission in its communication to the European Council and the European Parliament, eEurope, Impact and Priorities.","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Executive to formally adopt the proposed full draft list, as many of the services included relate to reserved matters. But we are considering how we might use the approach taken in the list to take forward the Executive's own active promotion and monitoring of the electronic delivery of public services in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151394,"EventID":"S1W-14691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many retailers were prosecuted in Scotland under the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991 in the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 and ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many retailers were prosecuted in Scotland under the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991 in the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 and how this compares with the equivalent figure for England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The available information is for calendar year 1999. During that year no persons were proceeded against in Scottish courts where the main offence was under the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991. The corresponding figure for persons proceeded against in England and Wales was 136.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151395,"EventID":"S1W-14692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much funding Scotland House in Brussels receives annually from (a) the Scottish Executive and (b) other Scottish public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much funding Scotland House in Brussels receives annually from (a) the Scottish Executive and (b) other Scottish public bodies.","AnswerText":"Scotland House is an inclusive body that involves a range of interests. Its principal components are the Scottish Executive EU Office (SEEUO) and Scotland Europa, which in turn houses a number of its subscribers.<OL TYPE=\"a\"><LI>The SEEUO budget for 2000-01 was £500,000, which was funded entirely by the Scottish Executive.</LI></OL><P>Scottish Enterprise contributed £455,000 in 2000-01 towards the costs of Scotland Europa, Brussels. A number of other Scottish public bodies, including Highlands and Islands European Partnership and CoSLA provided indirect support by means of fees or subventions paid in relation to membership of Scotland Europa or residence in Scotland House. A full list of Scotland Europa members is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151396,"EventID":"S1W-14693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what lessons it has learned from the last round of discussions on EU structural funds, taking into account the success of the Republic of Ireland in retaining Objective ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what lessons it has learned from the last round of discussions on EU structural funds, taking into account the success of the Republic of Ireland in retaining Objective One status for much of the country.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that the outcome of the last round of discussions on EU Structural Funds represents a good deal for Scotland and the UK as well as the EU as a whole. We are now seeking to build on that experience to make sure that Scottish interests are fully accounted for in the wider debate now beginning concerning regional policy and enlargement.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151397,"EventID":"S1W-14694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government requesting that the use of Thimerosal as a preservative in vaccines be reviewed in the light of any possible","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government requesting that the use of Thimerosal as a preservative in vaccines be reviewed in the light of any possible adverse health effects of such use.","AnswerText":"The regulation and control of medicines is a reserved matter. Information on which vaccines used in Scotland over the last 10 years contained the preservative Thiomersal is not held centrally by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151398,"EventID":"S1W-14695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14131 by Susan Deacon on 29 March 2001, whether it will name the members of the sub-group of the Health Department's Advisory Group","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14131 by Susan Deacon on 29 March 2001, whether it will name the members of the sub-group of the Health Department's Advisory Group on Infection and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The members are:<P>Dr David Old (Chairman), Chairman, Advisory Group on Infection (recently retired Reader in Medical Microbiology and Consultant Microbiologist, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School)<P>Professor Sebastien Amyes, Head of Department, Medical Microbiology,<P>University of Edinburgh Medical School <P>Dr Jim Chalmers, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Information and Statistics Division, Common Services Agency for NHS Scotland<P>Mr Richard Clark, Information and Statistics Division, Common Services Agency for NHS Scotland<P>Professor Peter Davey, Clinical Pharmacology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School<P>Dr Ian Gould, Consultant Microbiologist, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary <P>Dr Norman Lannigan, Trust Chief Pharmacist, Western General Hospital<P>Dr Chris Low, Scottish Agricultural College<P>Mr John McCormick, Consultant Surgeon, Medical Director, Dumfries Royal Infirmary <P>Dr Ahilya Noone, Consultant Epidemiologist, Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health <P>Dr Gabby Phillips, Consultant Microbiologist, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School <P>Professor Bill Reilly, Consultant in Veterinary Public Health, Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health<P>Professor Lewis Ritchie, Professor of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen <P>Ms Sarah Stevenson, Infection Control Nurse, Stirling Royal Infirmary <FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dr Charles Swainson, Medical Director, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh<P>Mr Eric Taylor, Consultant Surgeon, Surgical Department, Vale of Leven Hospital<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dr Andrew Todd, Consultant Physician, Infectious Diseases, Monklands Hospital<P>Dr Tom Turner, Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill<P>Dr Pauline Upton, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Lothian Health<P>Representatives from the Scottish Executive","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151399,"EventID":"S1W-14696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all patients with early rheumatoid arthritis are referred for a specialist rheumatology opinion and treatment within 12 weeks of the onset of symptoms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether all patients with early rheumatoid arthritis are referred for a specialist rheumatology opinion and treatment within 12 weeks of the onset of symptoms.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally in the form requested. Patients do not necessarily present to their GP as soon as symptoms appear.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151400,"EventID":"S1W-14697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how public awareness of rheumatoid arthritis will be increased in order that symptoms can be recognised at an early stage and the progression of the disease delayed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how public awareness of rheumatoid arthritis will be increased in order that symptoms can be recognised at an early stage and the progression of the disease delayed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), which is funded by the Scottish Executive Health Department, produced a clinical guideline on the Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis in December 2000, which includes advice on diagnosis. SIGN guidelines are distributed to all GPs and hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151401,"EventID":"S1W-14698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #26 million allocated to the Health Improvement Fund for 2000-01 each health board received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #26 million allocated to the Health Improvement Fund for 2000-01 each health board received.","AnswerText":"Details are as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=396><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.636</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.631</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.436</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.622</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.318</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.973</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.819</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4.052</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.042</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.006</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.871</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.082</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.096</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1.608</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.181</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Health Education Board for Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.950</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Common Services Agency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.793</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"74%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>TOTAL </TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22.116</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The remainder of the £26 million has been used to meet the costs of centrally commissioned services, including the extra costs arising from the enhanced flu vaccination programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151402,"EventID":"S1W-14699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its position is in relation to the introduction of a UK tobacco regulatory authority with responsibility for all aspects of tobacco regulation, including monitoring","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what its position is in relation to the introduction of a UK tobacco regulatory authority with responsibility for all aspects of tobacco regulation, including monitoring tobacco advertising regulations, controlling the manufacture, sale and content of tobacco and nicotine products and advising government on the health risks of passive smoking.","AnswerText":"The introduction of a UK tobacco regulatory authority would be a matter for the UK Government. The regulation of tobacco advertising is, however, for the Scottish Parliament to determine.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151403,"EventID":"S1W-14700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-03-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it proposes to modify the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan to allow Dawsholm Park in Glasgow to be used for industrial development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it proposes to modify the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan to allow Dawsholm Park in Glasgow to be used for industrial development.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have proposed a modification to the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Structure Plan in order to make provision for new employment opportunities through the expansion of the West of Scotland Science Park. As the proposed modification relates to a strategic provision, it is not site specific and it would be wrong to assume that it represents a threat to the amenity woodland at Dawsholm Park. Any consequential land allocations would be a matter for the Glasgow City plan which is currently approaching consultative draft stage.<P>The proposed modification has been the subject of a substantial number of representations which are being carefully considered prior to a final decision on the submitted structure plan.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151404,"EventID":"S1W-14701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a commitment to the long-term, sustained funding of the national tobacco control strategy once the three-year funding announced in conjunction with t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a commitment to the long-term, sustained funding of the national tobacco control strategy once the three-year funding announced in conjunction with the publication of Smoking Kills ends.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to tackling smoking and will make funding available for this purpose to the end of the current Spending Review period i.e. 2003-04. Funding beyond that date will be considered as part of the next Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151405,"EventID":"S1W-14702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what account is taken of football clubs' own financial position in making decisions about the award of public funds to clubs for the establishment of football academies ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what account is taken of football clubs' own financial position in making decisions about the award of public funds to clubs for the establishment of football academies and whether such decisions are subject to any assessment of whether the provision of such assistance to large clubs represents best value.","AnswerText":"As with all Lottery Fund applications and irrespective of applicant, financial need is a factor considered in determining whether an award is made. Value for money and financial viability, both in capital and revenue terms, are other finance-related factors which are assessed by <B>sport</B>scotland before it reaches a decision on an application.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151406,"EventID":"S1W-14703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14238 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 16 March 2001, from which departmental budgets the additional funding for Scottish Opera in the period","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14238 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 16 March 2001, from which departmental budgets the additional funding for Scottish Opera in the period from 2000-01 to 2003-04 came.","AnswerText":"Additional funding for Scottish Opera in 2000-01 has been met from underspends within the Executive's budget. Funding for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04 will be met from additional resources allocated to the Scottish Arts Council as a result of Spending Review 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151407,"EventID":"S1W-14704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to engage local authorities on work relating to the trunk road schemes announced by the Minister for Transport and the Environment on 27 March 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to engage local authorities on work relating to the trunk road schemes announced by the Minister for Transport and the Environment on 27 March 2001 and, if so, what work will be allocated in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Where local authorities are currently engaged on trunk road minor improvement schemes outwith the new term maintenance contracts they will continue to work on these schemes for the time being. A review is currently under way to determine which schemes will remain with local authorities, which will be passed to the new operating companies and which new schemes could be allocated to local authorities. The outcome of the review is unlikely to be known until later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151408,"EventID":"S1W-14705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues regarding standards of portakabins used as temporary classrooms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues regarding standards of portakabins used as temporary classrooms.","AnswerText":"We do not issue guidance on this matter. Education authorities are, however, aware of the classroom accommodation needs of pupils and teachers and should take that into account when use is made of installations of this kind.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151409,"EventID":"S1W-14706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many letters it has received concerning the planned extension to Hyndland Primary School and how many it has replied to.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many letters it has received concerning the planned extension to Hyndland Primary School and how many it has replied to.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive received a total of 46 letters about the proposal to extend Hyndland Primary School. Of these, 29 did not receive a reply because they were in the form of a standard letter with no return address, however, those standard letters which included the writer's address did receive a reply.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151410,"EventID":"S1W-14707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it had in its budget for 2000-01 for reducing class si'es and how much of this has been spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it had in its budget for 2000-01 for reducing class si'es and how much of this has been spent.","AnswerText":"In 2000-01 the class size reduction programme within the Excellence Fund had a budget of £15.6 million. It was spent in full.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151411,"EventID":"S1W-14708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it allocated to Glasgow City Council for reducing class si'es in 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it allocated to Glasgow City Council for reducing class si'es in 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Within the Excellence Fund class size reduction programme for 2000-01 Glasgow City Council was allocated £2,324,945.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151412,"EventID":"S1W-14709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to introduce student teacher training allowances of #6000 in Scotland, similar to those being offered by the Department of Education and Employment in E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to introduce student teacher training allowances of #6000 in Scotland, similar to those being offered by the Department of Education and Employment in England, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The <I>Supply of Teachers</I> report, Vol 1 - Jan 2001 details the background to the current position on the collection of information relevant to teacher supply and outlines planned improvements to current methods. Copies of this report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 10751). The report at paragraphs 16 and 18 provides the information that there are no training allowances of £6,000 available for those undertaking initial teacher education in Scotland. There is however a fee waiver for all Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students entering from an undergraduate course. There is a further concession that, despite previous postgraduate study, students undertaking a PGCE course in a priority subject will be assisted with their tuition fees, regardless of that study. In other circumstances candidates who have previously studied at postgraduate level or who qualified for a vocation e.g. doctor, dentist, architect, vet, with or without assistance from public funds, are excluded from receiving assistance.<P>The need for financial incentives will be kept under review in light of the effect on recruitment to the profession of the introduction of the package agreed on teachers' conditions and pay.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151413,"EventID":"S1W-14710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding any impact on Scottish based exporters of cross-channel rail freight operators being fined #","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding any impact on Scottish based exporters of cross-channel rail freight operators being fined #2,000 for each clandestine entrant to the UK on their services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including cross-channel rail freight services.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151414,"EventID":"S1W-14711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to encourage local authorities to emulate West Lothian Council's multi-agency, one stop shop where visitors can deal with all main services at one","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to encourage local authorities to emulate West Lothian Council's multi-agency, one stop shop where visitors can deal with all main services at one location.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive encourages all local authorities to consider innovative forms of service delivery such as the development of &quot;one-stop-shops&quot;. <P>It has provided practical encouragement to this kind of innovation through the Modernising Government Fund (MGF). This has awarded £2 million towards the &quot;Wired West Lothian&quot; project, which is one of a series of MGF supported initiatives that promote inter-agency working and the use information and communications technology (ICT) to provide more joined up services to the public.<P>MGF projects are scheduled to run until March 2002. All of the projects will be monitored, with regular updates and results published on the Scottish Executive's 21st Century Government website. This way all local authorities will benefit from the good practice that results from the projects.<P>The Executive has also established the Central Local 21st Century Government Forum, which includes representatives of West Lothian Council. This has been set up to endorse and promote new models of service delivery across local authorities.<P>In addition the Executive has also agreed to consider whether there are unnecessary barriers to the development of service solutions such as one-stop shops within constraints on local authority trading and, if so, how best to deal with them.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151415,"EventID":"S1W-14712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that its civil servants remain politically neutral.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that its civil servants remain politically neutral.","AnswerText":"The conduct of civil servants is governed by the Civil Service Code which requires that they &quot;conduct themselves with integrity, impartiality and honesty&quot;. The full code is available at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/central/1999/cscode.htm","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151416,"EventID":"S1W-14713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the guidelines relating to the working relationships between Ministers and civil servants are the same in Scotland as in the rest of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the guidelines relating to the working relationships between Ministers and civil servants are the same in Scotland as in the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151417,"EventID":"S1W-14714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8508 by Mr Tom McCabe on 30 August 2000, on how many occasions since 10 July 2000 it has asked back-bench MSPs to lodge parliamenta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8508 by Mr Tom McCabe on 30 August 2000, on how many occasions since 10 July 2000 it has asked back-bench MSPs to lodge parliamentary questions in order to enable it to make an announcement, whether it will provide a list of such questions including the date on which they were lodged, and whether any of its officials have written authorisations to lodge parliamentary questions in the names of back-bench MSPs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14451. It remains the case that officials do not have authorisation to lodge questions on behalf of members.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151418,"EventID":"S1W-14715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its principles of good practice for Ministers with regard to the requirement for civil servants to be impartial and non-party political are to be changed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its principles of good practice for Ministers with regard to the requirement for civil servants to be impartial and non-party political are to be changed.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151419,"EventID":"S1W-14716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review or change the Scottish Ministerial Code.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review or change the Scottish Ministerial Code.","AnswerText":"I have no plans at present to amend the Scottish Ministerial Code.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151420,"EventID":"S1W-14717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends three-year budgets for local authorities to be set annually on a rolling programme or set every three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends three-year budgets for local authorities to be set annually on a rolling programme or set every three years.","AnswerText":"The settlement announcements will fit with the Spending Review cycle. The next Spending Review, scheduled for 2002, will allow us to roll forward the settlement for a further three-year period.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151421,"EventID":"S1W-14718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all the PFI and PPP projects entered into since 1996, detailing the capital cost and level of advisory fees involved in each project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will list all the PFI and PPP projects entered into since 1996, detailing the capital cost and level of advisory fees involved in each project.","AnswerText":"The information requested for Scottish Executive PFI contracts entered into since 1996 is detailed in the table. An up to date list of all currently active projects known to the Executive showing, among other things, the estimated capital value is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre. Information on advisory fees for non-Scottish Executive projects is a matter of commercial confidentiality between the parties to the contract.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=612><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Project Name</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Procuring Agency</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Financial Close</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Capital Value<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Advisory Fees<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(£ million)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>M6 DBFO</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Development Department</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>April 1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.46</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Kilmarnock Prison</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scottish Prison Service</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>November 1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">32</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.23</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151422,"EventID":"S1W-14719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it uses to analyse (a) urban and (b) rural deprivation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it uses to analyse (a) urban and (b) rural deprivation.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to tackling poverty and deprivation wherever it exists across urban and rural Scotland. A range of data is used to assess deprivation, such as proportions of income support recipients, employment data, the deprivation index and indicators in the Social Inclusion Partnership monitoring framework. Our recent annual report on social justice sets out the indicators being used to track progress towards the milestones for delivering social justice in Scotland.<P>The current Scottish Deprivation Index, revised in 1998, ranks postcode sectors by combining 1991 Census indicators with more recent non-Census indicators of deprivation. We intend to further revise this index as part of our Neighbourhood Statistics initiative and update it as data becomes available from Census 2001.<P>In addition, for rural deprivation, part of the remit of the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group is to ensure that existing indicators are appropriately developed for, and measurable in, rural areas. The group will make recommendations on general data availability for rural areas, including ways of improving monitoring of progress against the social justice milestones for rural areas. We expect the group's report soon.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151423,"EventID":"S1W-14720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what incentives are in place to ensure that local authorities maximise their non-domestic rates collection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what incentives are in place to ensure that local authorities maximise their non-domestic rates collection.","AnswerText":"Levels of collection of non-domestic rates are generally high. Nevertheless, the Scottish Executive is currently in discussion with Audit Scotland about assembling detailed information on collection rates and the possible introduction of a performance indicator for non-domestic rates collection.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151424,"EventID":"S1W-14721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new jobs will be created at Anniesland Village Business Park and over what time period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new jobs will be created at Anniesland Village Business Park and over what time period.","AnswerText":"A developer is carrying out a phased development at Anniesland Village Business Park which aims to create or safeguard up to 480 jobs by mid-2002.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151425,"EventID":"S1W-14722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage health boards to increase their funding to local voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage health boards to increase their funding to local voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"Local voluntary organisations make an important contribution to health improvement and health care services across Scotland. Health boards are best placed to judge, in consultation with local voluntary organisations and other partners, how to use their discretionary powers to provide financial assistance to the voluntary sector. The Scottish Executive would not expect to be involved in these decisions. Overall, health board allocations have increased by an average of 6.5% from 2000-01 to 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151426,"EventID":"S1W-14723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many vacant posts there currently are in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many vacant posts there currently are in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament Information Centre has a complement of 41 posts, seven of which are vacant as at 17th April 2001. Candidates have been appointed to four of these posts; the recruitment process is under way to fill a further two posts; the remaining vacancy is a result of temporary promotion, and is currently filled by a temporary member of staff.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151427,"EventID":"S1W-14724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many vacant posts within the Scottish Parliament Information Centre involve work in the subject areas of land, environment, ecology, agriculture and animal experiments","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many vacant posts within the Scottish Parliament Information Centre involve work in the subject areas of land, environment, ecology, agriculture and animal experiments.","AnswerText":"Researchers within the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) each have responsibility for providing research services across a range of subject areas. These 18 subject specialists currently work in pairs, with each pair covering one of the following portfolios: civil law &amp; parliament; economic development &amp; lifelong learning; education, family law &amp; the arts; environment &amp; transport; health &amp; public finance; housing, planning &amp; social inclusion; law and order &amp; legal aid; local government, social work &amp; voluntary sector; rural affairs &amp; conservation. The research service is in the process of restructuring into teams of four or five researchers covering wider subject portfolios. This will provide a greater degree of flexibility and enable staff to cope with vacancies and other unanticipated demands.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The Senior Research Specialist covering the rural affairs<I> </I>&amp;<I> conservation</I> portfolio began a two-year secondment to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in November 2000. A replacement to cover this secondment period started work with SPICe on 17th April 2001. Included within this portfolio are the subjects of land, ecology, agriculture and animal experiments.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">There are currently two vacant Senior Research Specialist posts, covering the portfolios of transport &amp; the environment and education, family law &amp; the arts. When a vacancy exists relating to a particular portfolio, a designated Research Specialist, with assistance from SPICe colleagues, takes responsibility for providing research services relating to that portfolio until the post is filled.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>An updated edition of <I>Who Does What in SPICe</I> for spring 2001 is now available on the Parliament's intranet. This provides guidance to MSPs and their researchers as to whom they should approach if they have a particular enquiry.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151428,"EventID":"S1W-14725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliament Information Centre is adequately staffed and which subject areas do not have an assigned researcher.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliament Information Centre is adequately staffed and which subject areas do not have an assigned researcher.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) has a complement of 41 posts. This includes 20 staff in the information services team (which includes reference, resources and document supply services) and 20 in the research team, 18 of whom are responsible for specific subjects across the range of areas devolved to the Parliament.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The priority for SPICe researchers is to provide research support to the Parliament's Committees. This includes general advice and support in the work of each Committee, specific SPICe briefings and on occasion the commissioning of external research. SPICe researchers also prepare briefings on Bills and in relation to key parliamentary debates. They also respond to enquiries from individual MSPs, and provide research support to other areas of the Parliament. Currently there are no devolved subject areas that do not have at least one designated researcher. Information and briefing on reserved matters is provided at a reference level, and there are no researchers assigned to reserved areas.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Full details of SPICe services are available on the Parliament's Intranet.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151429,"EventID":"S1W-14726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for the introduction of (a) solar heating and (b) solar electricity generation (photovoltaics).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for the introduction of (a) solar heating and (b) solar electricity generation (photovoltaics).","AnswerText":"Whilst the Executive is committed to increasing the proportion of electricity in Scotland accounted for by renewable energy, it is not our policy to set specific targets for any individual technology.<P>As part of its research and development programme, the Department of Trade and Industry recently announced a major initiative aimed at expanding the use of solar photovoltaics across the UK. £10 million has been committed for the first three years of this programme, and we will remain in close contact with DTI colleagues as the details are developed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151430,"EventID":"S1W-14727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors from (a) Norway and (b) Scandinavia visited Scotland and how many of these came via ferry to Newcastle, in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors from (a) Norway and (b) Scandinavia visited Scotland and how many of these came via ferry to Newcastle, in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The numbers of tourists from Norway and Scandinavia is noted in the table below. Data on entry by specific ferry port is not available.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=470><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Norway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">24,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">23,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">29,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">40,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scandinavia</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">85,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">111,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">135,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">204,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">120,000</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: IPS.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151431,"EventID":"S1W-14728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in promoting cruise ship visits to Scotland, in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in promoting cruise ship visits to Scotland, in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for visitscotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151432,"EventID":"S1W-14729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in promoting direct air routes into Scotland on low cost or other carriers and what routes were involve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in promoting direct air routes into Scotland on low cost or other carriers and what routes were involved, in each year since 1995. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151433,"EventID":"S1W-14730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in (a) the USA, (b) Canada, (c) Germany, (d) Italy, (e) France, (f) the Netherlands and (g) B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in (a) the USA, (b) Canada, (c) Germany, (d) Italy, (e) France, (f) the Netherlands and (g) Belgium, in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151434,"EventID":"S1W-14731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in marketing Scotland in (a) the USA, (b) Canada, (c) Germany, (d) Italy, (e) France, (f) the Netherlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in marketing Scotland in (a) the USA, (b) Canada, (c) Germany, (d) Italy, (e) France, (f) the Netherlands and (g) Belgium, in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151435,"EventID":"S1W-14732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors to Scotland were from (a) the USA, (b) Canada, (c) Germany, (d) Italy, (e) France, (f) the Netherlands and (g) Belgium, in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors to Scotland were from (a) the USA, (b) Canada, (c) Germany, (d) Italy, (e) France, (f) the Netherlands and (g) Belgium, in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:<U><P>Number of Tourists to Scotland (000) 1995-99</U><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 BORDERCOLOR=\"#000000\" CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=394><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>USA</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">406</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">406</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">429</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">470</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">451</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Canada</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">124</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">133</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">143</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">136</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">119</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Germany</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">237</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">237</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">239</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">211</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">196</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Italy</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">79</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">92</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">105</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>France</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">155</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">150</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">149</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">133</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">132</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Netherlands</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">60</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">76</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">108</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">107</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">78</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Belgium</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">46</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151436,"EventID":"S1W-14733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the genes used in GM crop trials can (a) cross the species barrier and (b) cause harm to animals and humans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the genes used in GM crop trials can (a) cross the species barrier and (b) cause harm to animals and humans.","AnswerText":"Separation distances have been put in place around the trial crop to minimise the possibility of cross-pollination with other related species. Oilseed rape can only cross-pollinate with some closely related species, which are in flower at the same time. The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) is satisfied that if successful pollination occurred between genetically modified herbicide tolerant oilseed rape and these species, the resultant hybrids will not raise any safety concerns for animals, humans or the environment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151437,"EventID":"S1W-14734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether GM crops can cause harm to other forms of plant life.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether GM crops can cause harm to other forms of plant life.","AnswerText":"Prior to the release of any GM crop in this country, the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) undertakes a thorough risk assessment to identify whether the GM crop may cause harmful effects to humans or the environment. This includes consideration of the potential for both direct and indirect impacts on local biodiversity and the wider environment. All current GM crops including the GM oilseed rape being grown in Scotland have been tested in laboratory and glasshouse conditions and in small-scale plots before being given approval to be grown as part of the farm-scale evaluation programme.<P>ACRE has concluded that GM crops themselves do not pose a threat to human health or the environment and remain confident that the current GM crops on which they have advised pose no greater risk to health or the environment than non-GM varieties.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151438,"EventID":"S1W-14735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is going ahead with GM crop trials in the Highlands and Aberdeenshire given concerns from the Highland Council and others.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is going ahead with GM crop trials in the Highlands and Aberdeenshire given concerns from the Highland Council and others.","AnswerText":"The legislative framework which underpins the release of GM crops at both European and UK level makes it very clear that approval can only be refused if there is scientific evidence that the GM crop poses a threat to human health or the environment. <P>The concerns expressed by Highland Council and others related to the wider socio-economic and political arguments but did not raise any new<U> </U>scientific evidence which would have given grounds for the approval to be withheld. If however, any such information becomes available subsequently, I will have no hesitation in reviewing the decision.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151439,"EventID":"S1W-14736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is waiting for a new European Directive before bringing forward revised legislation to take account of public opinion in relation to GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is waiting for a new European Directive before bringing forward revised legislation to take account of public opinion in relation to GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"The present regulatory framework at both European and UK level is governed by the European Council Directive 90/220/EEC. Based on a scientific assessment of risk, the Directive does not enable wider socio-economic arguments and public opinion to be considered as part of the overall decision-making process.<P>I fully expect that the revised Directive will be published in the Official Journal within the next few days. Thereafter, member states will have 18 months in which to implement the provisions into national legislation. The Scottish Executive will consult widely on the content of any new legislation. Until this is in place it would be illegal to act in contravention of existing European and UK law.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151440,"EventID":"S1W-14737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which farmland wildlife are being examined in order to collect information on any impact the new herbicide regimes associated with the GM crop trials in the Highlands and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which farmland wildlife are being examined in order to collect information on any impact the new herbicide regimes associated with the GM crop trials in the Highlands and Aberdeenshire might have.","AnswerText":"The ecological research, which is being undertaken by a consortium of independent scientists is designed to study the effect, if any, that the management practices associated with genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops might have on farmland wildlife when compared with those used with non-GM crops.<P>The research involves a comparison of key indicators of biodiversity between the GM and non-GM cropping systems, including:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Soil seed bank;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Arable plant diversity, biomass and estimated seed return;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Field margin and boundary vegetation, noting species in flower and signs of unintentional spray drift of weed-killer during its application to the field;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Gastropods: abundance, activity and diversity measures;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Arthropods on vegetation, concentrating on plant bugs, spring tails and the caterpillars of butterflies and moths, sawflies (related to wasps (Hymenoptera)); diversity and biomass measures;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Ground (Carabid) beetles and other ground dwelling arthropods; abundance and diversity measures;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Bees and butterflies; observational studies;<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Birds and mammals; observational studies.<P>The scientific validity of this research programme is being overseen by a Scientific Steering Committee of independent experts in agriculture and ecology. The results of this research will be published at the end of the farm-scale evaluation programme.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151441,"EventID":"S1W-14738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why objections to GM crop trial applications have to be on a clearly established scientific basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why objections to GM crop trial applications have to be on a clearly established scientific basis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14735.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151442,"EventID":"S1W-14739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of the Scottish ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of the Scottish Budget.","AnswerText":"The costs of publishing The Scottish Budget: Annual Expenditure Report of the Scottish Executive detail document are set out below:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=283><TR><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Design</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">8,159</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Printing</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2,959</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Internet connection of text</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1,355</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Costs for photocopying and distribution were met within normal Scottish Executive running costs. There were no launch costs.<P>This document is required by Parliament under the written agreement on the Budget process. Its format and content are in line with the recommendations of the Finance Committee's 11th report, 2000.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151443,"EventID":"S1W-14740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of the summary ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of the summary report The Scottish Budget.","AnswerText":"The costs of publishing <I>The Scottish Budget: Annual Expenditure</I> <I>Report of the Scottish Executive</I> summary document are shown in the table:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=302><TR><TD WIDTH=\"69%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"69%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Design*</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,742</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"69%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Printing**</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,369</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"69%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Internet connection of text</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">440</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"69%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Distribution***</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">600</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">* includes £400 purchase of photograph used by both summary and detail publications.</P><P>** includes £135 for work to both summary and detail documents.</P><P>*** estimate of costs of distribution.</P><P>Costs of photocopying were met from within normal Scottish Executive running costs. There were no launch costs.</P><P>The committees asked for a large amount of additional information to be included in this year’s Annual Expenditure Report. Due to the resulting size of the detailed document we therefore also produced a summary, picking out the main points for spending in each area.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151444,"EventID":"S1W-14741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of Protecting O","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of Protecting Our Rights: A Human Rights Commission for Scotland? Consultation Document.","AnswerText":"The total cost of producing and distributing the document, of all the factors mentioned in the question was about £3,800.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151445,"EventID":"S1W-14742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of Costs, Sente","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of Costs, Sentencing Profiles and the Scottish Criminal Justice System 1999.","AnswerText":"The total cost of this publication was £4089.19 excluding Value Added Tax.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151446,"EventID":"S1W-14743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of Costs, Sente","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the total costs were of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, Internet connection of text, distribution and cost of launch, of Costs, Sentencing Profiles and the Scottish Criminal Justice System 1999.","AnswerText":"The total costs of the Annual Report of the Scottish Parliament Committees&nbsp;2000 were as follows:  the total for design, printing, binding and publishing was £8,600;  the photography costs were £3,747;  distribution cost £371, making a total of £12,718.  There were no additional costs for \"Internet connection of text\".  There was no \"launch\".<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><FONT SIZE=2><P>&nbsp;","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151447,"EventID":"S1W-14744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether livestock hauliers will be eligible for assistance and support under the emergency relief package announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether livestock hauliers will be eligible for assistance and support under the emergency relief package announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 28 March 2001.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151448,"EventID":"S1W-14745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many livestock haulage businesses it estimates may have to cease trading in the absence of any immediate financial assistance and whether it will ensure that such ass","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many livestock haulage businesses it estimates may have to cease trading in the absence of any immediate financial assistance and whether it will ensure that such assistance is made available.","AnswerText":"I appreciate fully the impact which livestock movement restrictions and other foot-and-mouth disease controls are having on livestock hauliers' businesses. The relaxation in controls which I referred to in my Statement to the Parliament on 5 April should help these businesses recover. The financial impact of the foot-and-mouth disease on businesses generally is being assessed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151449,"EventID":"S1W-14746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage diversification in the Scottish electronics industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage diversification in the Scottish electronics industry.","AnswerText":"There is a wide range of support available to the electronics sector from the Executive and from the Enterprise Networks to assist it to diversify into new markets. This assistance includes scenario-planning, investigations of possible future outcomes at sectoral and individual company levels and support to enhance competitiveness to enable companies to break into new markets.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151450,"EventID":"S1W-14747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will build on the skills of the Scottish electronics industry workforce to ensure that the industry is able to compete globally for higher value, higher skilled w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will build on the skills of the Scottish electronics industry workforce to ensure that the industry is able to compete globally for higher value, higher skilled work.","AnswerText":"The electronics industry is presently undergoing worldwide restructuring and it is crucial that the industry in Scotland acquires the skills to compete for high value work. Scottish Enterprise is currently conducting an audit of existing skills in the sector aimed at developing a strategy to meet the future requirements of the hi-tech industry.<P>The new Future Skills Scotland unit will also have a key role in identifying current and future skills needs, and the labour market information and intelligence required to ensure relevant education and training provision to meet these needs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151451,"EventID":"S1W-14748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has made, or will make, representations to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Postal Services Commission regarding the impact on rural area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has made, or will make, representations to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Postal Services Commission regarding the impact on rural areas in Scotland of any moves towards increasing competition in the provision of postal services, in particular any reduction in the weight limits of packages handled by a universal postal service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government and the Postal Services Commission on a wide range of issues, including moves to promote liberalisation of postal markets. The Executive fully recognises the importance of the universal availability of postal services in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151452,"EventID":"S1W-14749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) have taken to encourage departments of Her Majesty's Government to transmit records belonging to Her Majesty and relat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) have taken to encourage departments of Her Majesty's Government to transmit records belonging to Her Majesty and relating exclusively or mainly to Scotland to the Keeper of the Records of Scotland under section 4 of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937 and, in particular, whether any representations have been made regarding the transfer to NAS of the military and pension records of Scottish regiments.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows:<DIR><DIR><P>The National Archives of Scotland (NAS) has received all the documents specified in section 4 of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. These are Scottish records dating from 1189 to 1284.<P>Under section 5(1) of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937 and section 3(8) of the Public Records Act 1958, NAS has in the last 10 years received more than 1,000 shelf metres of records relating to Scotland from UK Government bodies, including the Cabinet Office, Customs and Excise, Inland Revenue, Property Services Agency and the Board of Trade.</DIR></DIR><P>The main operational records of the Scottish regiments consist of official war diaries, sent to the War Office and now available for consultation in the Public Record Office in London. Records up to 1,920 of individual soldiers' service and pensions are also available in the Public Record Office. Later service records are still in the custody of the Ministry of Defence. The NAS sees no reason to interfere with these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151453,"EventID":"S1W-14750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many elderly people in Scotland are currently receiving long-term care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many elderly people in Scotland are currently receiving long-term care.","AnswerText":"The latest information about various long-term care arrangements for older people in Scotland relates to 31 March 2000:-<P>An estimated 8,940 people aged 65+ are receiving intensive home care services (defined for this purpose as being in receipt of more than 10 hours service per week).<P>There were 13,160 residents aged 65 years and over in Residential Care Homes. <P>There were 18,353 residents, aged 65 and over, in private nursing homes in Scotland.<P>Provisional information shows that there were 4,415 residents, aged 65 and over, receiving long stay NHS hospital care in the specialty of Geriatric Medicine.<P>Provisional information shows that there were 5,127 residents, aged 65 and over, in mental illness or learning disability specialties in NHS Hospitals in Scotland. These specialties are not specifically for patients receiving long term care. However, of the residents at 31 March 2000, 3,783 (73.8%) had been resident for 6 months or more.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151454,"EventID":"S1W-14751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Health Technology Board for Scotland, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network and the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland are made aware of the outcomes o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Health Technology Board for Scotland, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network and the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland are made aware of the outcomes of clinical trials in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As with any evidence-based organisation, the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN) maintain a high level of awareness of clinical outcomes data. This is broadly derived from four sources: clinical scientific literature, scientific/professional meetings, national professional networks and personal contact.<P>In developing standards, the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) draws heavily on the work of SIGN, HTBS and other equivalent organisations.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151455,"EventID":"S1W-14752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Nursing Homes Scotland Core Standards (Nutritional Care) NHS MEL (1999) 54 will be applied to local authority and private residential home","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Nursing Homes Scotland Core Standards (Nutritional Care) NHS MEL (1999) 54 will be applied to local authority and private residential homes as recommended by the Clinical Resources Audit Group.","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Care Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament will end the distinction between residential care homes and nursing homes. From April 2002 all care homes will be registered and inspected by an independent body, the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.<P>The National Care Standards Committee (NCSC) is currently drawing up the standards against which the Commission will register and inspect care homes. In drawing together these standards, the NCSC is taking account of existing legislation and guidance including the Nursing Homes Scotland Core Standards on Nutrition. The NCSC will also take into account the recommendations of the CRAG Report.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151456,"EventID":"S1W-14753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects criminal record certificates under Part V of the Police Act 1997 to be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects criminal record certificates under Part V of the Police Act 1997 to be available.","AnswerText":"We are aiming to align as closely as possible the start date in Scotland with that in England and Wales and we now expect the certificates to become available here from 1 January 2002 following full and proper testing of the systems being put in place to process applications.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151457,"EventID":"S1W-14754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will write off the debts of the three existing regional water authorities in the event that they are replaced by a single water authority for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will write off the debts of the three existing regional water authorities in the event that they are replaced by a single water authority for Scotland.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151458,"EventID":"S1W-14755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of the three regional water authorities spends annually on the servicing of debts (a) in cash terms, (b) as a percentage of income and (c) as a percentage o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of the three regional water authorities spends annually on the servicing of debts (a) in cash terms, (b) as a percentage of income and (c) as a percentage of their operating budgets.","AnswerText":"The figures requested may be calculated from those given in each of the water authorities' published accounts, copies of which are held by the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151459,"EventID":"S1W-14756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates the proposed single water authority would spend annually on the servicing of debts (a) in cash terms, (b) as a percentage of its income and (c) as a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates the proposed single water authority would spend annually on the servicing of debts (a) in cash terms, (b) as a percentage of its income and (c) as a percentage of its operating budget in the event that all outstanding debts of the three existing regional water authorities were transferred to it.","AnswerText":"It is not appropriate to make an estimate at this stage as neither the investment programme nor the proposed charge increases for the years beyond 2001-02 have been agreed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151460,"EventID":"S1W-14757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost will be of merging the three existing regional water authorities to form a single water authority for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost will be of merging the three existing regional water authorities to form a single water authority for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The proposed merger of the three existing water authorities is dependent on the successful passage of the Water Services Bill through Parliament, during which information of this nature will be presented. If the merger is accepted, there will be some transition costs, the exact level of which will be dependent upon decisions which have yet to be made. These are likely to be insignificant in comparison to the reduction in operating and capital costs generated by the rationalisation of the industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151461,"EventID":"S1W-14758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income it estimates the proposed single water authority would lose annually if the existing discrepancy in the charge levels between the current North of Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income it estimates the proposed single water authority would lose annually if the existing discrepancy in the charge levels between the current North of Scotland Water Authority area and the remaining two water authority areas were removed by bringing charge levels in the north into line with those in other areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no estimate for this scenario. The proposals to create a single water authority have as one of their objectives facilitating the optimum efficiency savings for the benefit of all consumers.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151462,"EventID":"S1W-14759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14119 by Mr Peter Peacock on 26 March 2001, how many of the 22 projects being funded from the Modernising Government Fund and led b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14119 by Mr Peter Peacock on 26 March 2001, how many of the 22 projects being funded from the Modernising Government Fund and led by local authorities are being led by Dumfries and Galloway Council and how much funding any such projects will receive.","AnswerText":"Dumfries and Galloway Council will lead one of the Modernising Government Fund projects. The council made a bid for £72,000 from the fund to pilot, test and evaluate the use of kiosks in delivering information services to places that are not served by a high bandwidth telecommunications infrastructure. The council project has been fully funded.<P>The kiosks are based upon a product provided by &quot;StartHere&quot;. The support from the Fund will allow the Council to cover the costs of the kiosks and to provide additional content relating to services in the Dumfries and Galloway area.<P>In addition to the agreed funding for the Council project the Scottish Executive will provide additional funds to support the development of national content for the &quot;StartHere&quot; kiosks. Initial discussions have taken place with the Council to determine what this content should be, and how much additional support will be necessary.<P>The Council will provide progress reports on the project for the Executive's 21st Century Government website and will carry out an assessment of the project to determine its suitability for other parts of the public sector and across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151463,"EventID":"S1W-14760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in IT companies were made redundant in each of the last two years in (a) West Lothian, (b) Renfrewshire and (c) Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in IT companies were made redundant in each of the last two years in (a) West Lothian, (b) Renfrewshire and (c) Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not collect data on local area redundancies by sector.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151464,"EventID":"S1W-14761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assistance is given by it to help redundant employees re-train and find alternative employment in or near their communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assistance is given by it to help redundant employees re-train and find alternative employment in or near their communities.","AnswerText":"In the event of a redundancy situation, support will be provided to those affected in accordance with the principles set out in our PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) document. Local response teams, involving key local and national agencies, have been established across Scotland and stand ready to offer the necessary support and advice to those affected.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151465,"EventID":"S1W-14762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what notification is given to it by employers when large scale redundancy programmes are planned and implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what notification is given to it by employers when large scale redundancy programmes are planned and implemented.","AnswerText":"The legal basis under which employers must notify the Government of significant redundancies is the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. The Act states that employers must notify the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in writing, if they intend to make significant redundancies. The Department of Trade and Industry, under Concordat arrangements between that department and the Scottish Executive, will in turn notify the Executive of those in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151466,"EventID":"S1W-14763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to the letter of 26 February 2001 from Mr S Taylor of Sheildhill, Falkirk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to the letter of 26 February 2001 from Mr S Taylor of Sheildhill, Falkirk.","AnswerText":"A Health Department official replied to Mr Taylor on 30 March.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151467,"EventID":"S1W-14764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the NHS Direct service is not available in Scotland approximately two years after it was established in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the NHS Direct service is not available in Scotland approximately two years after it was established in England.","AnswerText":"NHS 24, the Scottish equivalent to the NHS Direct service in England, will provide the people of Scotland with nurse-led advice, guidance, referral and information on healthcare services in one phone call.<P>To ensure that this service is as integrated as possible with existing NHS services in Scotland, the Scottish Executive Health Department has carried out an extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including GP out-of-hours services, accident and emergency departments, the Scottish Ambulance Service and patient representatives. This process was designed to ensure NHS 24 meets the particular needs and circumstances of the Scottish public and NHS Scotland.<P>The establishment of NHS 24 as a national service, requires detailed planning and design in order to address many complex issues. A detailed blueprint and implementation plan is currently being developed.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151468,"EventID":"S1W-14765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review adoption services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review adoption services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As part of our commitment to improve the position of children and young people looked after by local authorities, I am concerned about the place of adoption services within the range of options that should be considered when their needs are being assessed. With my colleagues, I have concluded that there should be a review of adoption law and practice in Scotland focussing initially on children and young people in the care system.<P>Changes in adoption law were last introduced in the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The key change was to place the lifelong interests of the child at the heart of the adoption process. The time is now right to review the operation of the relevant provisions in the 1995 Act, including their impact upon the lives and life chances of young people within the care of local authorities.<P>We have already signalled our intention to close a number of loopholes within the legislation governing inter-country adoption. The review will concentrate therefore on domestic adoption arrangements. <P>I propose to set up an Adoption Policy Review Advisory Group with former Sheriff Principal Graham Cox as Convenor. The group will comprise representatives of the local authorities, specialist voluntary sector agencies, children's panels and legal interests. I will also ensure representation from adoptive parents and young people who have gone through the adoption process. <P>The remit for the review will be discussed with the Education, Culture and Sport and with the Justice Committees of the Parliament. I am arranging for a copy of the memorandum to both Committees to be placed today in the Parliament's Reference Centre.<P>I will finalise other appointments to the Advisory Group very shortly and, subject to consultations with the Parliamentary Committees, hope to see the Advisory Group start its deliberations in the course of April and submit a first report to me within 6 months. With colleagues I will consider the findings and recommendations together with any other points made to me by the Group about possible further work that may be required.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151469,"EventID":"S1W-14766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what key targets it has set for the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for the financial year 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what key targets it has set for the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for the financial year 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have set the Student Awards Agency for Scotland the following key performance targets for the financial year 2001-2002:<B><P>Service:</B><P>To acknowledge 85% of applications within 7 calendar days of receipt and the remainder within 12 calendar days of receipt.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">To process 85% of applications within 21 days of receipt and the remaining 15% within 28 days.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">To raise the customer satisfaction rating for processing times from 89% to 95% or higher within two years.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">To issue replies to 85% of written correspondence queries within 14 days of receipt and the remaining 15% within 21 days of receipt.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">To respond to queries sent by e-mail within 5 days of receipt.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">To conduct annually a survey of customers' opinions on the levels of service provided by SAAS and to publish the results in the Agency's Annual Report.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Answer 85% of calls to the Agency's Enquiry Unit within 40 seconds and the remaining 15% within 3 minutes.<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Ensure that the average time delay for incoming calls to Teams is no longer than 20 seconds.<B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Agency Management:</B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">To reach an average unit cost of £32 to process each application (based on full relevant costs).<P>The Chief Executive will be directly responsible to me for ensuring that these targets are achieved and full details of the actual results will be published in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151470,"EventID":"S1W-14767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the recruitment of audiologists and hearing therapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the recruitment of audiologists and hearing therapists.","AnswerText":"The recruitment of audiologists and hearing therapists in NHSScotland is a matter for NHS Trusts and is subject to Trusts' assessment of local needs and priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151471,"EventID":"S1W-14768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much of the #10 million announced on 22 February 2001 for community care will be spent on (a) hearing aids, (b) audiologists and (c) hearing therapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much of the #10 million announced on 22 February 2001 for community care will be spent on (a) hearing aids, (b) audiologists and (c) hearing therapists.","AnswerText":"That is a matter for individual health boards in light of local circumstances and priorities. Boards are required to submit to the Scottish Executive by 30 April proposals for spending the £10 million which have been agreed with local authority partners. However I do not intend to require them to provide the level of detail you are currently seeking.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151472,"EventID":"S1W-14769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve audiology services, including hearing aid provisions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve audiology services, including hearing aid provisions.","AnswerText":"Good practice guidance for adult hearing aid fitting and services, which distils the results of current research and practice in the field of audiology, was issued by the Scottish Executive Health Department to NHSScotland on 2 March. We now intend to conduct a review of audiology services in Scotland, and a working group has been established to consider the remit and scope of this review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151473,"EventID":"S1W-14770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any NHS Trusts are unable to operate the new MRI scanners provided by the Executive and what reasons they have given for this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any NHS Trusts are unable to operate the new MRI scanners provided by the Executive and what reasons they have given for this.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is making available substantial resources for NHSScotland to procure new and replacement radiology equipment. In 2001-02, this includes six MRI scanners and seven CT scanners. All the NHS Trusts receiving this equipment have demonstrated that they will be able to operate it.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151474,"EventID":"S1W-14771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is happening to any MRI scanners it has purchased which are not being used by NHS Trusts due to insufficient resources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is happening to any MRI scanners it has purchased which are not being used by NHS Trusts due to insufficient resources.","AnswerText":"There are no MRI Scanners in that position in Scotland. Every MRI Scanner purchased by NHSScotland is being used to benefit patient care.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151475,"EventID":"S1W-14772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will give details of its plans to place patients' health records on the Internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will give details of its plans to place patients' health records on the Internet.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland patients' health records are not held on the Internet and there are currently no plans to hold them there.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151476,"EventID":"S1W-14773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for processing animal disposal under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme from (a) application submission to validation or otherwise, (b) validat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for processing animal disposal under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme from (a) application submission to validation or otherwise, (b) validation to slaughter and (c) slaughter to payment of compensation.","AnswerText":"I am aware that producers who have entered stock into the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme have experienced delays in their claims being processed and consequently their stock have not been slaughtered as quickly as they hoped. Since this became apparent, my officials have been in contact with the Intervention Board Executive Agency, who operates this scheme on behalf of the Agricultural Departments, to try and resolve any difficulties. They have been given assurances that significant slaughter throughput under this scheme will begin in the week commencing 9 April. The Intervention Board advises me that animals are dealt with in order of welfare priority and according to the availability of suitable slaughter and disposal facilities and it is therefore not possible for them to give precise time-scales in the form requested. However, the time between issue of the movement licence and collection of the animals must not exceed 24 hours. The Intervention Board will aim to make payments within 21 days of slaughter.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151477,"EventID":"S1W-14774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for animal disposal under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme have been processed to slaughter since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for animal disposal under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme have been processed to slaughter since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-14775.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151478,"EventID":"S1W-14775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for animal disposal under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme have been (a) submitted and (b) validated since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for animal disposal under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme have been (a) submitted and (b) validated since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"The Intervention Board Executive Agency operates the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme on behalf of the GB Agriculture Departments. They advise me that over 4,000 applications have been received for nearly 1.8 million animals across all of Great Britain. Applications are continuing to be received. At close on 9 April, Scottish applications accounted for 582 of the total, representing 115,915 sheep, 50,876 pigs and 8,658 cattle. Of these 14,225 sheep, 12,361 pigs and 537 cattle had been passed for slaughter.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151479,"EventID":"S1W-14776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many animals have been slaughtered under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many animals have been slaughtered under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Intervention Board Executive Agency, who operate the scheme across Great Britain, that that 93,162 animals had been slaughtered under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme by the end of 9 April. This represents 66,154 sheep, 23,345 pigs and 3,663 cattle. Separate figures are not available for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151480,"EventID":"S1W-14777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which slaughterhouses have been approved by the Intervention Board Agency since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease as being suitable for animal disposal under the Liv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which slaughterhouses have been approved by the Intervention Board Agency since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease as being suitable for animal disposal under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme.","AnswerText":"As of 9 April, abattoirs at Annan, Kilmarnock, Brechin have agreed a contractual relationship with the Intervention Board Executive Agency to slaughter animals entered into the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme. I am advised that the Intervention Board intend to obtain further slaughter capacity in Scotland for this scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151481,"EventID":"S1W-14778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which slaughterhouses approved by the Intervention Board Agency since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease as being suitable for slaughtering under the Livestock Welfar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which slaughterhouses approved by the Intervention Board Agency since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease as being suitable for slaughtering under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme are being utilised.","AnswerText":"Slaughter under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme began at Brechin abattoir on 6 April and at Annan abattoir on 10 April, with slaughter at Kilmarnock abattoir projected to commence during the course of week ending 13 April.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151482,"EventID":"S1W-14779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had and with whom relating to the closure of the Drambuie factory, Kirkliston prior to this announcement of closure and what action it intends to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had and with whom relating to the closure of the Drambuie factory, Kirkliston prior to this announcement of closure and what action it intends to take regarding the proposed closure.","AnswerText":"There were no recent discussions between the Scottish Executive, its agencies and Drambuie prior to the closure announcement. Drambuie have now undertaken to keep the Scottish Executive aware of any developments relating to the closure of their factory. In the event of a redundancy situation, support will be provided to those affected in accordance with the principles set out in our PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) document but Drambuie have made it clear that it is too early at this stage to say if there will be job losses.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151483,"EventID":"S1W-14780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current level of unemployment is among young people leaving care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the current level of unemployment is among young people leaving care.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151484,"EventID":"S1W-14781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the member development and member training programmes for councillors carried out in Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council can be implemented in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the member development and member training programmes for councillors carried out in Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council can be implemented in Scotland.","AnswerText":"CoSLA are currently considering the development of a training and development programme for councillors in the light of the modernising local government agenda.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151485,"EventID":"S1W-14782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to analyse the best practice of the customer services team of Northamptonshire County Council to ensure that such best practice is transferred to Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to analyse the best practice of the customer services team of Northamptonshire County Council to ensure that such best practice is transferred to Scottish local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive maintains a strong interest in the development of new approaches to local service delivery, and expects Scottish local authorities to do the same. It is important for local authorities to consider all options for securing local services, on the grounds that what matters is what works.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151486,"EventID":"S1W-14783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities it believes could benefit from implementing the investment in people policy developed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which local authorities it believes could benefit from implementing the investment in people policy developed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.","AnswerText":"Local authorities, like all other employers, have a responsibility to ensure the highest standards of training and development for their staff and to keep their policies under constant review to ensure success and continuous improvement.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151487,"EventID":"S1W-14784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it can learn from Manchester City Council's nuisance strategy group with regard to preventing anti-social behaviour on council estates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it can learn from Manchester City Council's nuisance strategy group with regard to preventing anti-social behaviour on council estates.","AnswerText":"We will ask the Sociable Neighbourhood Champion, supported by the Executive and CoSLA, to examine the lessons that can be learned from the specialist team in Manchester, as well as similar approaches elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151488,"EventID":"S1W-14785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it can learn from Camden Borough Council's rough sleepers initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it can learn from Camden Borough Council's rough sleepers initiative.","AnswerText":"I understand that Camden Borough Council has a street population strategy, which aims to minimise the impact of street activity in the borough. This includes reducing rough sleeping by at least two thirds, but also aims to reduce begging, street drinking and street trading. Our approach to rough sleeping in Scotland is to find solutions by involving those who have experience and knowledge of the problems. We are not targeting particular groups, such as beggars-we are addressing the underlying reasons for their situation.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151489,"EventID":"S1W-14786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it can learn from Portsmouth City Council's Best Value approach.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it can learn from Portsmouth City Council's Best Value approach.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14782.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151490,"EventID":"S1W-14787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to encourage an extension of Moray Council's Fair Travel Scheme to other local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to encourage an extension of Moray Council's Fair Travel Scheme to other local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes discounted fare initiatives such as the Fair Travel Scheme in Moray, which is a joint initiative between Stagecoach Bluebird and Moray Council. It is a matter for individual local authorities and public transport operators to consider whether similar schemes might be set up elsewhere in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151491,"EventID":"S1W-14788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients and their representatives are given accurate information on cost and choice before referral and placement in residential care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients and their representatives are given accurate information on cost and choice before referral and placement in residential care.","AnswerText":"The primary responsibility rests with local authority social work functions. We have provided guidance to authorities and issued copies of the booklet <I>Thinking about moving into a Care Home? </I>to assist.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151492,"EventID":"S1W-14789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities will finance any necessary upgrading of their residential homes in order to comply with the terms of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities will finance any necessary upgrading of their residential homes in order to comply with the terms of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"It is not yet clear what cost implications might arise for residential homes from the implementation of the National Care Standards. However before making any final decisions on the standards, the Scottish Executive is committed to consulting on the possible cost implications for service providers.<P>It is proposed to carry out the cost consultation in two stages. Stage 1 will begin just after Easter and will focus on residential care services and, in particular, costs associated with recommendations on staffing ratios, room sizes and en-suite facilities. Stage 2 of the cost consultation will begin in late summer and will consider the costs associated with implementation of the full set of care standards.<P>The Executive has also allocated £1.26 billion to local authorities for social work this year. This represents a 10% increase on last year. It is for local authorities to decide how best to spend these monies in the light of local priorities.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151493,"EventID":"S1W-14793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make whisky distilleries exempt from abstraction controls given that the Water Framework Directive enables member states to be exempt from abs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make whisky distilleries exempt from abstraction controls given that the Water Framework Directive enables member states to be exempt from abstraction controls or impoundments which have no significant impact on water status.","AnswerText":"The EC Water Framework Directive requires member states to put in place a comprehensive system of controls on the abstraction of water from the environment. Member states can exempt from control abstractions that have no significant impact on the state of the water environment. We are currently developing our proposals for implementing the Directive in Scotland, including on abstraction controls. It is too early to say what form those controls might take. However, there is no scope within the Directive for exempting whole industries from the abstraction control regime.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151494,"EventID":"S1W-14794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated impact will be on the whisky industry of the implementation of abstraction controls on taking water from rivers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated impact will be on the whisky industry of the implementation of abstraction controls on taking water from rivers.","AnswerText":"We are developing our proposals for implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive. Those will include abstraction controls. It is too early to determine the impact on the whisky industry. We will ensure that the effects on business are fully considered as we develop our proposals.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151495,"EventID":"S1W-14795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why abstraction controls have been placed on the whisky industry; whether any evidence exists to show that such controls are necessary and, if so, whether it will detail ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why abstraction controls have been placed on the whisky industry; whether any evidence exists to show that such controls are necessary and, if so, whether it will detail such evidence, and what criteria are applied in deciding whether such controls are necessary.","AnswerText":"No controls on the abstraction of water by the whisky industry are currently in place. However, the EC Water Framework Directive requires the introduction of a comprehensive abstraction control regime. The Executive will bring forward proposals for controls in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151496,"EventID":"S1W-14796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evidence exists of environmental problems or water shortages as a result of water abstraction by whisky distilleries and, if so, whether it will detail such e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evidence exists of environmental problems or water shortages as a result of water abstraction by whisky distilleries and, if so, whether it will detail such evidence and any instances or examples of such problems or shortages.","AnswerText":"In its 1999 report on the state of Scotland's water environment the Scottish Environment Protection Agency identified water abstraction by distilleries as one of the pressures affecting water quantity. We will undertake a thorough assessment of the environmental effects of this and other impacts on the water environment in the implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151497,"EventID":"S1W-14798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Dunoon Pier Project Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Dunoon Pier Project Group.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials met representatives of the Dunoon Pier Project Group on 15 March 2001 to discuss the pier's condition and the measures needed to ensure its continued long-term availability as a berth for ferry services. The Executive agreed to provide the project group with assistance and advice as the group develops proposals for the future of the pier.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151498,"EventID":"S1W-14799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to encourage the use of solar energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to encourage the use of solar energy.","AnswerText":"Research and development with respect to renewable energy technologies is a reserved matter, and is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. A DTI White Paper published earlier this year included a major initiative aimed at expanding the use of solar photovoltaics across the UK, with £10 million committed for the first three years of this programme. We will remain in close contact with DTI colleagues as the details are developed.<P>In addition, since April 2000, a reduction of VAT from 17.5% to 5%, has been available for professionally installed solar panels.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151499,"EventID":"S1W-14800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are being taken to encourage the use of hydrogen as a source of fuel for heating, power generation and transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures are being taken to encourage the use of hydrogen as a source of fuel for heating, power generation and transport.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for policy and funding of research and development into new renewables technologies is a reserved matter. The development and demonstration of fuel cells as a source of heating, in power generation and in transport were included in DTI's most recent call for proposals for support under its New and Renewable Energy Programme. The total funding under the Programme available amounts to £12m.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151500,"EventID":"S1W-14801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is funding, or plans to fund, any projects investigating the viability of hydrogen as a fuel for motor vehicles and, if so, whether it will provide details.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is funding, or plans to fund, any projects investigating the viability of hydrogen as a fuel for motor vehicles and, if so, whether it will provide details.","AnswerText":"Research and development in this area is a reserved matter. The UK Government has allocated £9 million for the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions' new vehicle technology fund, and will be consulting later this year on its strategy to support, facilitate and promote the take-up of such technologies.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151501,"EventID":"S1W-14802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many letters it has received from Scottish Parents for a Public Enquiry into Organ Retention and how many it has replied to.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many letters it has received from Scottish Parents for a Public Enquiry into Organ Retention and how many it has replied to.","AnswerText":"Since publication of the report on the first phase of the work of the independent Review Group on the Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem, four letters have been received from this group. A comprehensive reply was sent on 12 April, and has been copied to those MSPs who had asked to be informed of the terms of the response. The reply crossed with a further reminder from the group.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151502,"EventID":"S1W-14803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount is forecast to be paid to applicants in Shetland under the 2001 Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, and when it is expected that all applicants will rece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount is forecast to be paid to applicants in Shetland under the 2001 Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, and when it is expected that all applicants will receive payments.","AnswerText":"This information is not available. The vast majority of claims will be paid by the end of April.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151503,"EventID":"S1W-14804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total budget was paid to applicants in Shetland under the 2000 Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total budget was paid to applicants in Shetland under the 2000 Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance Scheme.","AnswerText":"The total amount paid to applicants in Shetland under the 2000 HLCA Scheme was £1,978,305.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151504,"EventID":"S1W-14805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in making this year's agricultural payments to farmers and crofters under schemes administered by the Rural Development Department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in making this year's agricultural payments to farmers and crofters under schemes administered by the Rural Development Department.","AnswerText":"Payments are on schedule and the value of payments issued to date is £143.825 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151505,"EventID":"S1W-14806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made in Shetland under (a) the 2000 Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance scheme and (b) the 2001 Less Favoured Area Support scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made in Shetland under (a) the 2000 Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance scheme and (b) the 2001 Less Favoured Area Support scheme.","AnswerText":"(a) There were 1,112 applications made in Shetland under the 2000 HLCA Scheme; and (b) There were 1,094 applications made in Shetland under the 2001 LFASS Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151506,"EventID":"S1W-14807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines exist for schools on administering prescribed medication to pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines exist for schools on administering prescribed medication to pupils.","AnswerText":"A number of local authorities have issued guidance to schools on the administration of medicine including prescribed medication. The Scottish Office also issued guidance for staff who provide intimate care for children and young people with disabilities entitled &quot;Helping Hands&quot; that covers the administration of prescribed medication in school settings. Draft good practice guidance on the administration of medicine in schools is currently being prepared.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151507,"EventID":"S1W-14808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-14079 on 23 March 2001, which ethnic and European languages are being considered for use in making public information about the Parl","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-14079 on 23 March 2001, which ethnic and European languages are being considered for use in making public information about the Parliament available on its website and under which of these language categories information is likely to be made available in Scots.","AnswerText":"The languages under consideration are Urdu, Chinese, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Scots, French, German, Spanish and Italian. For the purposes of presentation of information on the website, there will be no distinction between categories of language. Users will select from a menu of options listing the languages currently available.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151508,"EventID":"S1W-14809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether lottery funding is available from sportscotland to elite athletes who participate in non-Olympic sports or non-Olympic forms of particular sports and, if it is n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether lottery funding is available from sportscotland to elite athletes who participate in non-Olympic sports or non-Olympic forms of particular sports and, if it is not, whether the arrangements disadvantage such sportspeople in comparison (a) with competitors from other countries and (b) with those participating in Olympic sports.","AnswerText":"Awards made by <B>sport</B>scotland under the Lottery Sports Fund are not restricted to Olympic sports. Athletes who are eligible to represent Scotland and the United Kingdom in any sport which is recognised by <B>sport</B>scotland, jointly with the other sports councils within the United Kingdom, and who are not being funded by UKSport under the World Class Performance Programme, may apply to <B>sport</B>scotland for funding under the Talented Athlete Programme. Applications are assessed on their merits against published criteria.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151509,"EventID":"S1W-14810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, if lottery funding from sportscotland for elite athletes is only or mainly available to those participating in Olympic sports, it will instruct sportscotland to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, if lottery funding from sportscotland for elite athletes is only or mainly available to those participating in Olympic sports, it will instruct sportscotland to reconsider this restriction in order that sportspeople participating in non-Olympic sports or non- Olympic forms of particular sports can receive lottery funding.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14809.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151510,"EventID":"S1W-14811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will review the level of public funding available to support Scotland's elite athletes and the criteria used to award such funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will review the level of public funding available to support Scotland's elite athletes and the criteria used to award such funding.","AnswerText":"The division of lottery funds is decided by the UK Government in consultation with the devolved administrations. The Lottery Sports Fund is divided by relative population size amongst Wales, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, with UKSport receiving approximately 8% for UK issues.<B><P>sport</B>scotland has drawn up a strategic plan, after consultation with all relevant interests, for the distribution of the Lottery monies allocated to it to 2003. <B>sport</B>scotland regularly reviews the criteria for funding under the Talented Athlete Programme alongside all of the policies surrounding the programme; and it has been updated and altered in order to keep athletes' interests at the forefront. Further changes following <B>sport</B>scotland's most recent review will be considered once <B>sport</B>scotland are able to take account of the outcome of the Elite Sport Funding Review, led by Dr Jack Cunningham MP.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151511,"EventID":"S1W-14812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to investigate the reasons behind Peter Nicol's decision to play for England rather than Scotland; what conclusions any such investigation has re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to investigate the reasons behind Peter Nicol's decision to play for England rather than Scotland; what conclusions any such investigation has reached and, in particular, to what extent any difference in the level of public funding available was found to be a contributory factor.","AnswerText":"<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2>sport</B>scotland has contacted the Squash Rackets Association (the sport's governing body in England) and sportengland to ascertain what services Peter Nicol would receive from the World Class Performance Programme (WCPP). The results of these enquiries are set out in the answer to question S1W-14814.<P>The WCPP operated by sportengland and UKSport will allow athletes at the top end of sports, which offer potentially high earnings, to receive lottery funded programmes. In Scotland, it is the policy to support athletes who demonstrate financial need and to cease funding athletes when they become self sufficient through earnings from their sport. As Peter Nicol has not contacted <B>sport</B>scotland with regard to any funding opportunities, since he was offered £15,000 in 1997, it is not possible to infer whether this policy difference was material to his decision.</FONT>","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151512,"EventID":"S1W-14813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to the Scottish Commonwealth Games Council and Scottish Squash requesting that they reconsider their reported intention to block Pet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to the Scottish Commonwealth Games Council and Scottish Squash requesting that they reconsider their reported intention to block Peter Nicol's participation in the 2002 Commonwealth Games as an England player.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland and Scottish Squash.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151513,"EventID":"S1W-14814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what support Peter Nicol was receiving from sportscotland prior to his decision to play for England and how any such support compares with any support he is now receivin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what support Peter Nicol was receiving from sportscotland prior to his decision to play for England and how any such support compares with any support he is now receiving from Sport England.","AnswerText":"In 1997, <B>sport</B>scotland offered Peter Nicol an award of up to £15,000 under the Talented Athlete Programme, dependent upon financial need. He did not claim any of that award and has made no application since. Also, in December 2000, the Scottish Institute of Sport invited Peter Nicol onto their programme offering services including sports medicine, sports science and physiotherapy, and resources in London, but to date he has not accepted.<P>The support available from the Squash Rackets Association, funded by sportengland's World Class Performance Programme, includes: travel to six tournaments; accommodation and entry fees to the six tournaments; eight hours coaching fees per week for 30 weeks of the year; rehabilitation bedspace at Lillieshall, if required; physiotherapy, psychology and notational analysis services; and travel and accommodation for a personal coach at one tournament annually and seven training camps annually. Cash awards are means tested and, as in Scotland, Peter Nicol would have to demonstrate financial need to qualify.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151514,"EventID":"S1W-14815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  to what extent the award of lottery funding from sportscotland to elite athletes is tied to Olympic participation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  to what extent the award of lottery funding from sportscotland to elite athletes is tied to Olympic participation.","AnswerText":"The Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) operated by <B>sport</B>scotland is open to all athletes participating in any sport jointly recognised by all of the sports councils within the United Kingdom. One of the aims of the TAP is to place athletes onto the World Class Performance Programme (WCPP) funded by UKSport, which supports Olympic and Paralympic sports. Therefore, if the WCPP gives priority to specific disciplines these are also given priority within TAP.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151515,"EventID":"S1W-14816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the assistance available, and the criteria used to award lottery funding, under sportscotland's Talented Athlete Programme differ from the assistance available a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the assistance available, and the criteria used to award lottery funding, under sportscotland's Talented Athlete Programme differ from the assistance available and criteria used by Sport England in relation to the Athlete Personal Awards element of its World Class Performance Programme.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, athletes are supported directly from <B>sport</B>scotland through the Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) to cover their programme and living costs. The governing bodies are asked to endorse applications, but the funds go directly to the successful athletes. In England, sportengland funds the governing bodies under the World Class Performance Programme for the operation of their programmes. Any cash awards, which cover living costs, are made direct to the athlete from sportengland. Applications for cash awards, like the TAP, are means tested.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151516,"EventID":"S1W-14817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the assistance available, and criteria used to award lottery funding, from sportscotland to national governing bodies of sport to provide assistance to elite ath","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the assistance available, and criteria used to award lottery funding, from sportscotland to national governing bodies of sport to provide assistance to elite athletes differ from the assistance available and criteria used in relation to Sport England's World Class Performance Programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14816.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151517,"EventID":"S1W-14818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether hotels whose rateable values exceed #12,500 are entitled to receive rates relief in respect of hardship as a consequence of the impact of foot and mouth disease ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether hotels whose rateable values exceed #12,500 are entitled to receive rates relief in respect of hardship as a consequence of the impact of foot and mouth disease and whether it will provide urgent direction to local authorities as to whether such hotels should or should not receive any relief.","AnswerText":"Any business occupying a property with a rateable value above £12,000 in Scotland may apply for relief from rates providing it can be demonstrated that the business is suffering hardship. Local authorities are already aware that this relief is available but a reminder has been included in the guidance issued on 10 April. It is for the local authority to consider each case on its merits.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151518,"EventID":"S1W-14819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will consider increasing its estimated contribution of #3.5 million to the cost of meeting a rates relief scheme for businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will consider increasing its estimated contribution of #3.5 million to the cost of meeting a rates relief scheme for businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and, if so, what sum it will make available for such an increase.","AnswerText":"We will meet 95% of the cost of providing hardship relief from rates for businesses affected by the foot and mouth outbreak occupying property with a rateable value up to £12,000 in 17 rural local authority areas. We will also fund 75% of the cost of providing such relief for larger businesses and those in other areas. However, the scheme is not cash limited and its terms will be kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151519,"EventID":"S1W-14820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the rates relief scheme for businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is to be granted by local authorities under the terms of the Local Governm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the rates relief scheme for businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is to be granted by local authorities under the terms of the Local Government Finance Act 1966 and, if not, on what statutory basis the scheme rests.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have the power to remit rates on account of hardship in accordance with section 25A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966 as inserted by section 156 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151520,"EventID":"S1W-14821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hotels there are in the Highland Council area and how many of these have a rateable value of over #12,500.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hotels there are in the Highland Council area and how many of these have a rateable value of over #12,500.","AnswerText":"There were 2,346 hotels, boarding houses etc. on the valuation roll for the Highland Council area as at 1 April 2000. 311 of these had a rateable value of over £12,000.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151521,"EventID":"S1W-14822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will publish all  advice, direction or guidance given to local authorities in respect of the proposed rates relief package for businesses affected by the foot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will publish all  advice, direction or guidance given to local authorities in respect of the proposed rates relief package for businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Guidance was issued to local authorities in Finance Circular No. 1/2001, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 12527).","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151522,"EventID":"S1W-14823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the planned guidance of the working group on the administration of medicines in schools is over one year late.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the planned guidance of the working group on the administration of medicines in schools is over one year late.","AnswerText":"The planned guidance is not one year late. The working group established to develop good practice guidance on the administration of medicine in schools held its first meeting on 30 November 1999. A copy of the draft guidance prepared is in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Comments were sought on the draft guidance by 29 December 2000. The consultation exercise was extremely helpful with over 50 detailed responses. The comments have been considered by the working group and the draft guidance is now being amended in the light of those comments.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151523,"EventID":"S1W-14824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it plans to issue new guidance on the administration of medicines in schools, and whether such guidance will be supported by a scheme to ensure implementation and m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it plans to issue new guidance on the administration of medicines in schools, and whether such guidance will be supported by a scheme to ensure implementation and monitoring of the policy.","AnswerText":"Comments were sought on draft good practice guidance by 29 December 2000. The comments received have been considered and the draft guidance is now being amended in the light of those comments. Revised guidance will be issued once that process is complete. Implementation of the guidance will be a matter for Health Boards in conjunction with Education Authorities and consideration is also being given as to how this can be facilitated.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151524,"EventID":"S1W-14825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance similar to that recently issued to local authorities in England by the Department of Health under section 7 of the Local Authority Social S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance similar to that recently issued to local authorities in England by the Department of Health under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 regarding social care for deafblind children and adults.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to issue guidance similar to that issued recently in England on social care for deafblind children and adults. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14638.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151525,"EventID":"S1W-14826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to investigate Norfolk County Council's Quiet Lanes approach to traffic management to establish whether are any lessons for improving safety on country","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to investigate Norfolk County Council's Quiet Lanes approach to traffic management to establish whether are any lessons for improving safety on country roads.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do this. The Scottish rural road network is different in character to English &quot;quiet lanes&quot;. The Transport (Scotland) Act does not include reference to quiet lanes as it was felt that they were not appropriate in the Scottish situation. However, we will monitor research work that DETR has commissioned on &quot;quiet lanes&quot; to see if there are any lessons which could be learned on improving road safety.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151526,"EventID":"S1W-14827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to assess any health risks associated with the incorporation of organophosphates in shampoos and other personal care products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to assess any health risks associated with the incorporation of organophosphates in shampoos and other personal care products.","AnswerText":"This is not a matter for the Scottish Executive. Matters relating to consumer protection are the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151527,"EventID":"S1W-14828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to civil servants regarding the maintenance of impartiality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to civil servants regarding the maintenance of impartiality.","AnswerText":"The conduct of civil servants is governed by the Civil Service Code which requires that they &quot;conduct themselves with integrity, impartiality and honesty&quot;. The full code is available at:<P>http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/central/1999/cscode.htm.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151528,"EventID":"S1W-14829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to order an investigation into the conduct of the Head of the Fisheries Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to order an investigation into the conduct of the Head of the Fisheries Group.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151529,"EventID":"S1W-14830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Deputy Minister for Rural Development or any other Minister instructed civil servants to solicit correspondence from fishing industry organisations in relati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the Deputy Minister for Rural Development or any other Minister instructed civil servants to solicit correspondence from fishing industry organisations in relation to the recently announced package of assistance for the industry and, if so, whether it will give details of which civil servants were instructed, the instructions issued and the subsequent results, and its reasons for its actions in this matter.","AnswerText":"Officials routinely maintain contact with a wide range of bodies in the subject areas for which they are responsible to ministers and will continue to do so.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151530,"EventID":"S1W-14831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it had prior knowledge of any correspondence it received from fishing industry organisations following the announcement of the recent fisheries aid package and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it had prior knowledge of any correspondence it received from fishing industry organisations following the announcement of the recent fisheries aid package and, if so, how was that knowledge acquired in relation to each letter received.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive received a range of letters from fishing industry organisations following the announcement of the fisheries aid package some of which reflected prior discussions and some putting forward new information and views.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151531,"EventID":"S1W-14832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action is to be taken following recent press allegations concerning contact made by the Head of the Fisheries Group with fishermen's organisations regarding a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action is to be taken following recent press allegations concerning contact made by the Head of the Fisheries Group with fishermen's organisations regarding a letter to be sent from them in relation to the dispute over the fisheries aid package.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151532,"EventID":"S1W-14833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it instructed any of its civil servants to bring to the attention of the media any disagreement within the fishing industry over the content of the recently anno","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it instructed any of its civil servants to bring to the attention of the media any disagreement within the fishing industry over the content of the recently announced fisheries aid package.","AnswerText":"Officials in the Media and Communications Group and relevant Special Advisers regularly explain to the media the Executive's position on current policy issues, and the context in which the Executive's policy has been determined.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151533,"EventID":"S1W-14834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13170 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, how many senior prison chaplains are currently employed within Scottish Prison Service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13170 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, how many senior prison chaplains are currently employed within Scottish Prison Service, which prisons they serve, and which denominations they represent.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>No such posts exist within SPS.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151534,"EventID":"S1W-14835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any communication from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association requesting it to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the impact ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any communication from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association requesting it to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the impact which the current level of VAT, cost of fuel and value of sterling have on the cost of holidays in Scotland and consequently on the tourism industry.","AnswerText":"We have corresponded with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association on a number of occasions and about a range of issues. Alasdair Morrison met the SLTA's Parliamentary Consultant last autumn.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151535,"EventID":"S1W-14836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder in each of the last five years, broken down by health board area, gender and age at diagnosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder in each of the last five years, broken down by health board area, gender and age at diagnosis.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally<FONT SIZE=2>.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151536,"EventID":"S1W-14837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14144 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 27 March 2001, how it will make the results of its discussions with regard to the Carbon Trust avail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14144 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 27 March 2001, how it will make the results of its discussions with regard to the Carbon Trust available to businesses and when these will be available.","AnswerText":"The Carbon Trust was launched on 20 March and only came into being at UK level on 1 April 2001. It has a Chairman, but has not yet appointed a Chief Executive and is currently operating with only a skeleton staff. All discussions to date have been about internal operational issues and there has been little substantive discussion about how the Trust will operate in Scotland. Once decisions on these issues have been taken by ministers, they will be announced in the normal way through the Scottish Executive website and press releases.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151537,"EventID":"S1W-14838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13560 by Angus MacKay on 28 March 2001, whether it will send an official observer to the Promoting Electronic Governance Conference","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13560 by Angus MacKay on 28 March 2001, whether it will send an official observer to the Promoting Electronic Governance Conference and, if so, whether it will make a report from the conference available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive sent an official observer to the Promoting Electronic Government (PEG) Conference held in Birmingham from 21 to 22 March 2001.The Executive has no plans to make available a report from the conference in the Parliament's Information Centre. The PEG website (www.peg.org.uk) provides an information source for much of the work undertaken by PEG.Following the conference Executive officials have discussed with PEG how Scottish local authorities might take advantage of the work that PEG is undertaking. The head of the organisation has accepted an invitation to provide a short presentation to the Central Local 21st Century Government Forum (CLGF) meeting on 1 May. Mr Peacock will chair the meeting.The minutes of the CLGF meeting will be published on the Executive’s 21st Century Government website.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151538,"EventID":"S1W-14839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to the Ministry of Defence to offer Scottish educational qualifications at the proposed Army Foundation College at Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to the Ministry of Defence to offer Scottish educational qualifications at the proposed Army Foundation College at Dundee.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Authority already has close links with the Ministry of Defence through its joint venture company, Awards UK. Should Dundee be confirmed as the site for the new Army Foundation College, Awards UK can offer access to the full SQA portfolio of qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151539,"EventID":"S1W-14840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14254 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 March 2001, whether it will list the dates, places and agendas of its meetings with the Defence D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14254 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 March 2001, whether it will list the dates, places and agendas of its meetings with the Defence Diversification Agency since its inception, and which Ministers or representatives of the Executive were in attendance at such meetings.","AnswerText":"It is not Scottish Executive policy to disclose information of this nature.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151540,"EventID":"S1W-14841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any research into the implications of climate change for Scotland's skiing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any research into the implications of climate change for Scotland's skiing industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive has commissioned research to consider the predicted impact of climate change on snowfall patterns in Scotland. This research, due to be published shortly, will consider the impact of changing snow cover in a number of key areas, including snowsports.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151541,"EventID":"S1W-14842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated value of the skiing industry is to the Scottish economy annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated value of the skiing industry is to the Scottish economy annually.","AnswerText":"The estimated annual value is £18 million.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151542,"EventID":"S1W-14843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people visit Scotland annually because of skiing facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people visit Scotland annually because of skiing facilities.","AnswerText":"The number of skier days recorded at Scotland's five skiing resorts in 1999-2000 was 300,000. This figure includes day trippers as well as UK and overseas tourists.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151543,"EventID":"S1W-14844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce the number of information officers and public relations staff working for it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce the number of information officers and public relations staff working for it.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151544,"EventID":"S1W-14845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the IT project for people with learning disabilities implemented by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council at its Westfield Resource Centre can be implemented by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the IT project for people with learning disabilities implemented by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council at its Westfield Resource Centre can be implemented by Scottish local authorities.","AnswerText":"The West Vale Resource Centre for people with learning disabilities, run by Knowsley Council Social Services, has developed an IT project for around 60 service users who attend the centre. The project has demonstrated significant benefits for people with learning disabilities, including increased self-esteem, improved communication and IT skills and improved employment opportunities. IT training takes place at the resource centre.<P>The review of services for people with learning disabilities, <I>The same as you?</I>, recommends that local authorities and health boards should develop more modern, flexible and responsive day care services which support people in the community through lifelong learning and employment.<P>Many people with learning disabilities already take part in educational activities within day centres and in further education. There are examples already in Scotland of IT skills projects for people with learning disabilities, based in further education colleges.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151545,"EventID":"S1W-14846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the division of Scotland into three 'ones for the purpose of controlling foot-and-mouth disease will affect the prices paid by slaughterhouses for livestock from","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the division of Scotland into three 'ones for the purpose of controlling foot-and-mouth disease will affect the prices paid by slaughterhouses for livestock from each 'one and, if so, whether it will take any steps to prevent any potential variation in prices between 'ones.","AnswerText":"It is too early to say how the zoning might affect livestock prices. The matter will be kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151546,"EventID":"S1W-14847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the source of infection has been in relation to each livestock unit where there has been a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the source of infection has been in relation to each livestock unit where there has been a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"The spread of foot-and-mouth disease between livestock units appears mainly to have been by direct animal to animal contact or through people who have been in contact with animals acting as a conduit. Foot and mouth has been a particular problem in sheep, which have acted as a reservoir for the disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151547,"EventID":"S1W-14848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provision of up to #2,000 for the cost of advice from lawyers and accountants to businesses qualifying for relief under the aid package for businesses affecte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provision of up to #2,000 for the cost of advice from lawyers and accountants to businesses qualifying for relief under the aid package for businesses affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease would be more effectively spent on direct financial assistance to businesses who have suffered total or near total loss of income.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151548,"EventID":"S1W-14849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the total sums which will accrue to (a) lawyers and (b) accountants from the #5 million funding to the Enterprise Network for businesses hit by th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the total sums which will accrue to (a) lawyers and (b) accountants from the #5 million funding to the Enterprise Network for businesses hit by the consequences of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"Where possible, businesses affected by the foot and mouth outbreak will receive advice from the relevant Small Business Gateway and Local Enterprise Company advisers. However, if additional assistance is required, the extra funding for the Enterprise Networks will allow such advice to be provided. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has decided to make discretionary grants of up to £2,000 available to support businesses towards the costs of accessing survival experts. This may involve lawyers and accountants. As support will be demand driven it is too early to say what the relevant costs might be across Scotland as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151549,"EventID":"S1W-14850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when farmers who have lost stock because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will receive compensation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when farmers who have lost stock because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will receive compensation.","AnswerText":"The target for paying farmers compensation for stock which have been compulsorily slaughtered is 21 days.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151550,"EventID":"S1W-14851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in areas where stock has been lost as a result of foot-and-mouth disease, swapping of quotas between sheep and cattle when restocking is under consideration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in areas where stock has been lost as a result of foot-and-mouth disease, swapping of quotas between sheep and cattle when restocking is under consideration.","AnswerText":"While I will bear this suggestion in mind I should point out that this would require changes to be made to EU legislation which in turn would require the approval of the EU Council of Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151551,"EventID":"S1W-14852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review its decision on the use of modulation in order to make available assistance for early retirement schemes for farmers, particularly tenant far","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review its decision on the use of modulation in order to make available assistance for early retirement schemes for farmers, particularly tenant farmers.","AnswerText":"I will be considering a range of options, in liaison with the agricultural industry, to assist with its recovery from the impact of the foot and mouth outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151552,"EventID":"S1W-14853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times the Ministerial Working Group established to examine the recommendations of the Report of the Renewing Local Democracy Working Group has now met and when ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many times the Ministerial Working Group established to examine the recommendations of the Report of the Renewing Local Democracy Working Group has now met and when it expects to be able to inform the Parliament of the outcome of the working group's deliberations.","AnswerText":"The group has met on four occasions. Its work is continuing and it is not possible to give a firm date by which the Executive will announce its conclusions on the recommendations made by the Renewing Local Democracy Working Group.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151553,"EventID":"S1W-14854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant clinical and medical oncologists were employed at each of the five Scottish specialist cancer centres in the year to September 2000 and how many patie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant clinical and medical oncologists were employed at each of the five Scottish specialist cancer centres in the year to September 2000 and how many patients were seen per consultant at each centre during this period.","AnswerText":"The number of consultant clinical and medical oncologists employed at each of the trusts that contain the five Scottish specialist centres, is shown in table 1. These figures do not include the impact of the additional posts I announced on 28 June 2000, which includes four new WTE consultants in the oncology specialties. Oncology services are delivered by teams, and in addition to this increase in the consultant workforce, the number of Specialist Registrars in oncology is increasing substantially.<P>It is not possible to identify the number of patients seen per consultant from the data collected centrally. Information is collected on the number of patient episodes occurring at each centre, and figures for the year ending 30 September 2000 are shown in table 2. The number of patient episodes is not the same as the number of patients seen, as the number of visits by an individual patient varies according to the type and stage of the disease. These figures do not include outreach patients seen outwith the centre, nor do they indicate the contribution made by other members of the oncology team. For these reasons, and as consultant levels at 30 September may not represent staffing present throughout the year, this data cannot be used to provide a robust indicator of the total workload per consultant. <FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Table 1<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Consultant Medical and Clinical Oncologists<P>Whole time equivalent as at 30 September 2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Medical Oncology</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Clinical Oncology</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 10.5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 35.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Totals (5 centres)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 10.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 33.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 2.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"MS Sans Serif\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 4.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 0.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 3.6</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">- </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><FONT FACE=\"MS Sans Serif\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 2.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 3.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 8.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 3.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 16.0</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Notes:<P>1.Source: Medical and Dental Manpower Census, ISD Scotland.<P>2. Data at 30 September 2000 is provisional.<P>3. It is assumed that the medical and clinical oncologists are working at the specialist centres within the trust.<P>4. The difference in the totals for Scotland and the totals for the five trusts is due to some consultants working part-time outside the main cancer centres.<P>5. The two oncologists at Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust give both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Table 2<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Patient Episodes and Attendances<P>Year ending 30 September 2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=559><TR><TD WI","AnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151554,"EventID":"S1W-14855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria will be used to determine the local authorities which will be included in the rates relief scheme to assist businesses during the foot-and-mouth disease ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what criteria will be used to determine the local authorities which will be included in the rates relief scheme to assist businesses during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"All local authorities will be entitled to be reimbursed by the Scottish Executive to the extent of 75% of the cost of granting relief to businesses suffering hardship as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.<P>We will meet 95% of the cost of funding such hardship relief for a period of three months for small businesses in 17 rural local authority areas which have a population density of less than two persons per hectare.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151555,"EventID":"S1W-14856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the additional #5 million for visitscotland for marketing purposes will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the additional #5 million for visitscotland for marketing purposes will be made available.","AnswerText":"The additional funding is available now.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151556,"EventID":"S1W-14857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland on (a) staff, (b) marketing and (c) accommodation in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland on (a) staff, (b) marketing and (c) accommodation in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151557,"EventID":"S1W-14858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hotels and guest houses, have a rateable value of less than #12,000 and what percentage this represents  of the total number of hotels and guest houses, broken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many hotels and guest houses, have a rateable value of less than #12,000 and what percentage this represents  of the total number of hotels and guest houses, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table.<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Hotels, Boarding Houses etc on the Valuation Roll as at 1 April 2000</B><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Local Authority</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number of hotels, boarding houses etc on valuation roll with rateable value of £12,000 or less</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">As a percentage of all hotels, boarding houses on the valuation roll<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">(%)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">SCOTLAND</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6,283</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">113</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Aberdeenshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">128</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Angus</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">167</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">67</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Argyll &amp; Bute</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,014</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Clackmannan</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">194</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">73</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Dundee</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">22</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Ayrshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">30</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">65</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Dunbartonshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">61</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">62</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">East Renfrewshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Edinburgh</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">382</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">75</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Eilean Siar</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">140</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">88</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Falkirk</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">45</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">299</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">57</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">56</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">47</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2,035</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">87</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Inverclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"30%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"31%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">38</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"38%","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151558,"EventID":"S1W-14859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made and to whom to secure new direct flights into Scotland to address the effect of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on the tourism sector","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made and to whom to secure new direct flights into Scotland to address the effect of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on the tourism sector.","AnswerText":"No representations have been made specifically in response to the foot and mouth outbreak. The need is for immediate and practical measures to help affected businesses. On 28 March, I announced additional funding for visitscotland and for the Enterprise Networks, which has enabled them to provide this assistance. I also announced a package of measures to help affected businesses with their rates.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151559,"EventID":"S1W-14860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has given to local enterprise companies regarding the expenditure of the #5 million allocated to the tourist industry as a result of the f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has given to local enterprise companies regarding the expenditure of the #5 million allocated to the tourist industry as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Direction of the local enterprise companies is a matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151560,"EventID":"S1W-14861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local enterprise company will receive from the #5 million allocated for the tourist industry as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local enterprise company will receive from the #5 million allocated for the tourist industry as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to determine.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151561,"EventID":"S1W-14862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed in each tourist information centre in each year since 1995, broken down by area tourist board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed in each tourist information centre in each year since 1995, broken down by area tourist board.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Area Tourist Boards.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151562,"EventID":"S1W-14863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland on marketing in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland on marketing in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728 on 17 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151563,"EventID":"S1W-14864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728 on 17 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151564,"EventID":"S1W-14865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees of the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland attended Tartan Day in the USA in 2000 and how many are attending in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees of the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland attended Tartan Day in the USA in 2000 and how many are attending in 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728 on 17 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151565,"EventID":"S1W-14866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in promoting golfing activities in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the Scottish Tourist Board and visitscotland in promoting golfing activities in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14728 on 17 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151566,"EventID":"S1W-14867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to establish a body with equivalent responsibilities to the Countryside Agency in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to establish a body with equivalent responsibilities to the Countryside Agency in England.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans at present to establish such a body.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151567,"EventID":"S1W-14868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what work has been carried out by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers with the Scottish Public Pensions Agency to develop details of the proposed winding dow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what work has been carried out by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers with the Scottish Public Pensions Agency to develop details of the proposed winding down scheme for teachers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers will consider the arrangements for the introduction of the proposed winding down scheme when it considers its draft workplan at its first meeting on 24 April.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151568,"EventID":"S1W-14869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the timetable is for the introduction of the proposed winding down scheme for teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what the timetable is for the introduction of the proposed winding down scheme for teachers.","AnswerText":"This will be a matter for the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, following consideration of the preliminary work currently being carried out by the Scottish Executive and Scottish Public Pensions Agency.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151569,"EventID":"S1W-14870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the use of mobile incinerators to dispose of animals slaughtered during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the use of mobile incinerators to dispose of animals slaughtered during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"Due to the sheer scale of the number of carcases to be disposed of and the limited number of mobile incinerators that are likely to be available, the use of these is not a practical option.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151570,"EventID":"S1W-14871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what investigations it has made as to whether any European Union funding is available to alleviate any aspect of the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what investigations it has made as to whether any European Union funding is available to alleviate any aspect of the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"We have had constructive discussions with the European Commission on a wide range of issues. Examples of the positive results achieved thus far include:<DIR><DIR><P>(a) the Commission has agreed to consider an EU contribution towards the costs of compensation to livestock producers who have had stock culled;<P>(b) payment of around £46 million in EU livestock subsidies at the earliest date permissible under EU legislation. Payments under the new Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, which also receives EU funding, bring the total of subsidies paid to Scottish producers in the last month to around £100 million;<P>(c) Commission agreement to EU funding towards the costs of agri-monetary compensation, which will be worth around £24 million in total to Scottish producers.</DIR></DIR><P>Other EU funding, such as the Structural Funds and the resources allocated to the Scottish Rural Development Plan, will also bring significant benefits to rural areas affected by the outbreak. However, we have already confirmed with the Commission that these resources could not be redeployed to compensate individuals or businesses for economic losses caused by the foot and mouth emergency.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151571,"EventID":"S1W-14872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assessment it has made of the economic impact of the Climate Change Levy on the business sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what assessment it has made of the economic impact of the Climate Change Levy on the business sector.","AnswerText":"The Climate Change Levy is a reserved matter. However the UK Government's assessment is that its impact on business will be broadly neutral.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151572,"EventID":"S1W-14873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14252 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 March 2001, whether it will name the companies assisted by the Defence Diversification Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14252 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 March 2001, whether it will name the companies assisted by the Defence Diversification Agency.","AnswerText":"As I stated in my previous reply, the Defence Diversification Agency has assisted over 100 companies and details cannot be made public in order to protect the competitive position of the companies concerned. That position remains unchanged.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151573,"EventID":"S1W-14874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14252 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 March 2001, how many of the firms assisted by the Defence Diversification Agency have reduced the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14252 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 March 2001, how many of the firms assisted by the Defence Diversification Agency have reduced their dependence on defence manufacturers as a result of assistance from the agency and what percentage of their total business this reduction represents.","AnswerText":"The role of the Defence Diversification Agency (DDA) is not to reduce the dependence of certain companies on defence, but, inter alia, to facilitate the transfer of technology into and out of the defence sector in order to help ensure UK industry remains competitive in the changing global market place. In so doing in Scotland, the DDA works closely with Scottish Enterprise, in accordance with the regional development strategies of the Scottish Executive. The information requested cannot be made public, as to do so, might harm the competitive position of the companies involved.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151574,"EventID":"S1W-14875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of licensed hotel premises have a rateable value of more than #12,500 in local authority areas with businesses which qualify for the enhanced foot-and-mou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of licensed hotel premises have a rateable value of more than #12,500 in local authority areas with businesses which qualify for the enhanced foot-and-mouth disease related contribution for rates relief of 95%.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of hotels, boarding houses etc. with rateable values of £12,000 or less was given in the answer to question S1W-14858. Data on licensed hotel premises are not held separately.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151575,"EventID":"S1W-14876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the guidance, direction or advice given to (a) visitscotland, (b) Scottish Enterprise and (c) Highlands and Islands Enterprise regarding the way i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the guidance, direction or advice given to (a) visitscotland, (b) Scottish Enterprise and (c) Highlands and Islands Enterprise regarding the way in which the additional funding for businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak can be used and, in particular, whether direct financial aid to businesses has been ruled out other than by way of a refund of the subscriptions to area tourist boards paid by businesses.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-14552 and S1W-14860.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151576,"EventID":"S1W-14877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2864 by Susan Deacon on 1 February 2001, whether a secure supply of BCG vaccinations is now assured for schoolchildren in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2864 by Susan Deacon on 1 February 2001, whether a secure supply of BCG vaccinations is now assured for schoolchildren in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14479 on 6 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151577,"EventID":"S1W-14878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocation of NHS funding has been made to the Medical Research Council or other research bodies to develop preventative and treatment measures in respect of tubercu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocation of NHS funding has been made to the Medical Research Council or other research bodies to develop preventative and treatment measures in respect of tuberculosis.","AnswerText":"The funding of the Medical Research Council is a reserved matter for the UK Government.<P>Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department is aware of 95 recently completed or ongoing studies into tuberculosis in the UK. One of these was carried out in Scotland and received funding of £66,645 from CSO. Details of the projects are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre (SPICe).","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151578,"EventID":"S1W-14879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children in each age cohort have received a BCG vaccination in each of the last two years and what percentage these figures represent of the school population i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many children in each age cohort have received a BCG vaccination in each of the last two years and what percentage these figures represent of the school population in each cohort, broken down by health board.","AnswerText":"This information is not available in the precise form requested. But the following four tables show:<P>the number of children recorded as being vaccinated, by age group, in each health board area for 1998 and 1999; and<P>the percentage of those in each age group who responded to the offer of BCG in these years.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=608><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"75%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=10 HEIGHT=16><P>Age and Number of Pupils Vaccinated at 30 June 1998</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Under 10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Over 16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Total</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>86</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>219</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>205</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>1,551</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>64</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>2,195</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>4,032</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>133</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>22</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>4,201</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>198</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>879</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>47</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>1,135</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>121</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>1,249</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>124</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>1,510</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>576</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>3,296</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>241</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>47</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>32</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>4,196</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"12%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P>0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"5%\" VALIG","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151579,"EventID":"S1W-14880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what figures it has on the level of stress-related absence among its civil servants and what measures it has in place or is planning in relation to such absence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what figures it has on the level of stress-related absence among its civil servants and what measures it has in place or is planning in relation to such absence.","AnswerText":"Provisional figures indicate that last year the total sick absence rate in the whole Executive amounted to an average of 8.51 days per staff member. Stress-related illness, however caused, accounted for 6.76% of the total days lost because of these absences. Training on stress management is available and staff who are experiencing difficulties can obtain support from the Counselling and Welfare Service. There are plans to introduce new policies and procedures aimed at improving the management of all types of sick absences. The possible introduction of further support measures is being discussed with the trade unions.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151580,"EventID":"S1W-14881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help students under 25 with childcare costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help students under 25 with childcare costs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14883.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151581,"EventID":"S1W-14882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to reform the means test for students under 25 with their own children to take into account students' own incomes rather than the income of such","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has any plans to reform the means test for students under 25 with their own children to take into account students' own incomes rather than the income of such students' parents.","AnswerText":"From 2001-02, parental income will not be taken into account for students under 25 if, prior to the start of the relevant academic year, the student is married or has supported him/herself from earnings or benefits for 3&nbsp;years. Students are regarded as self-supporting for any period during which they have care of a dependent child who is under the age of 18.<P>The Scottish Executive will be conducting a review of the means testing arrangements used for assessing contributions from parents, spouses and students towards the financial support provided to higher education students with a view to identifying further changes for academic year 2002/03. While the Executive currently has no plans to change the basis on which students are deemed to be self-supporting, we will clearly wish to consider carefully any representations received on that point.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151582,"EventID":"S1W-14883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to widen access to further and higher education for students under 25 who have their own children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to widen access to further and higher education for students under 25 who have their own children.","AnswerText":"Students in higher education receive help with childcare costs, regardless of their age. Support from the Dependants' Grant and Lone Parent' Grant is available to eligible students in addition to any bursary or loan entitlement. From 2001-02, students who receive a Dependants' Grant for a child at school between the ages of three and 16 will also receive the new School Meals Grant. This will ease the transition from benefits to full-time study and will help all student parents on low incomes.<P>From autumn 2000 funding of £3 million per annum has been made available to FE colleges to assist all FE students, regardless of age, faced with study-related childcare costs. A priority for these funds has been part-time students, particularly those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, this has not meant the exclusion of resources for needy full-time students.<P>Additionally, bursaries provided by FE colleges to students can include a dependants allowance which is given to students who have a legal or financial responsibility for a dependant partner, adult or child.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151583,"EventID":"S1W-14884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to inform general practitioners of the options available under the National Health Service (Personal Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it is taking to inform general practitioners of the options available under the National Health Service (Personal Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/72).","AnswerText":"A variety of initiatives have been undertaken by the Scottish Executive to inform primary care teams about Personal Medical Services: a leaflet explaining PMS has been distributed; a series of roadshows has taken place; information is available on the SHOW website; a PMS network is held quarterly and presentations are provided on request - around 40 have been given over the last four months.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151584,"EventID":"S1W-14885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will publish the financial allocation for the personal medical services pilot and permanent schemes, broken down by (a) health board and (b) local health care","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will publish the financial allocation for the personal medical services pilot and permanent schemes, broken down by (a) health board and (b) local health care co-operative.","AnswerText":"A recurring investment programme of £4.5/6/8 million over the next three years has been agreed for the development of Personal Medical Services (PMS) in Scotland. The allocations were made to health boards, not to Local Health Care Co-operatives. The table shows the breakdown of Personal Medical Services allocations for Year 1 (2001-02).<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Health Board</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">GMS Arbuthnott Allocation (%)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Indicative Allocation (£)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8.51</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£370,283</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£326,970</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2.21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£95,948</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3.24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£141,017</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">6.48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£281,736</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5.31</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£231,151</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.68</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£420,895</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Greater Glasgow</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">19.02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£827,336</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Highland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5.24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£228,078</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lanarkshire</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10.68</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£464,747</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14.12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£614,384</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Orkney</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£50,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Shetland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£50,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Tayside</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7.99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£347,455</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Western Isles</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£50,000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"33%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">100.00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"34%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£4.500.00</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT SIZE=2>","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151585,"EventID":"S1W-14886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what mechanisms are in place to determine the expected health gains arising from each approved personal medical services scheme and how patients will be informed of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what mechanisms are in place to determine the expected health gains arising from each approved personal medical services scheme and how patients will be informed of the targets for such gains.","AnswerText":"Every Personal Medical Services (PMS) scheme will vary according to the local needs of the patient population and the services that are developed to meet those needs. Monitoring arrangements are determined locally. If the PMS scheme is a pilot, it will be reviewed by Scottish Ministers towards the end of its pilot period. Guidance has been issued to Primary Care Trusts and Island Health Boards stating that patients should be involved in the development of PMS proposals.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151586,"EventID":"S1W-14887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12162 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 December 2000, when it will publish the report by the joint Executive/Food Standards Agency Task Fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12162 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 December 2000, when it will publish the report by the joint Executive/Food Standards Agency Task Force which is examining how to minimise the exposure of the public to E.coli 0157.","AnswerText":"The report will be published following receipt, expected by the end of May 2001.<P>The report is also to be made available on the Task Force website:<P>http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/scotland/ecoli","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151587,"EventID":"S1W-14888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to bring forward a national strategy for respiratory disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to bring forward a national strategy for respiratory disease.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to do so. In common with many other diseases and conditions, respiratory diseases in Scotland are tackled through a range of measures, from prevention through primary and acute to tertiary care. However, we monitor the prevalence and impact of diseases and conditions continuously to help us consider whether further developments in strategies are likely to be needed.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151588,"EventID":"S1W-14889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent by local authorities on personal social services, net of any income received from charges made for such services, in (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much was spent by local authorities on personal social services, net of any income received from charges made for such services, in (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 1997-98, (d) 1998-99 and (e) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The information is contained in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><P>Social Work Expenditure</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>£ million</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1995-96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1,031.645</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1,068.976</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1,086.659</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1,135.295</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"50%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1,200.379</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: As reported by local authorities in their Local Financial Returns 1995-2000.<P>Notes: These figures are total Net Expenditure.<P>1999-2000 data are provisional and may be subject to change.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151589,"EventID":"S1W-14890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it intends to take in response to the recommendation in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audits that it should consider ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it intends to take in response to the recommendation in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audits that it should consider how it can assist local authorities to meet recycling targets.","AnswerText":"The Executive is already taking actions to help local authorities improve their waste management. <I>The National Waste Strategy: Scotland</I>, which we adopted in 1999, outlines the ways in which we intend to change the way waste is dealt with in Scotland. 11 Waste Strategy Area Groups have been set up to establish the best practicable environmental option for dealing with waste in each area. These groups are preparing Area Waste Plans, which are planned to be ready by the end of this year.<P>The Executive is committed to a more sustainable future for waste management in Scotland and, as Sarah Boyack explained in answer to question S1W-10588, has made available considerable resources for the implementation of Area Waste Plans by local authorities. This includes the Strategic Waste Fund which has £50.4 million over the three years 2001-02 to 2003-04. The Strategic Waste Fund also provided a £3 million grant to local authorities last year to &quot;kick-start&quot; recycling and composting plans.<P>Sarah Boyack also announced in question S1W-10588 that we are contributing £2.1 million to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) over three years. WRAP will have a business focus and will concentrate initially on market facilitation, promoting investment in recycling, research and information management and the provision of guidance, advice and technical support. In addition, the Executive will continue to fund the Recycled Markets Development (ReMaDe) Scotland programme which takes a hands-on, local approach to identifying and developing markets for recycled materials.<P>The Accounts Commission Overview identified low market prices as one reason why some local authorities had withdrawn separate collections of recyclable materials such as paper. By tackling the barriers to recycling through WRAP and ReMaDe we aim to lay a sound foundation upon which we can improve Scotland's poor recycling record.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151590,"EventID":"S1W-14891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it intends to take to encourage local authorities to address the need identified in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it intends to take to encourage local authorities to address the need identified in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audits to review the management of capital expenditure","AnswerText":"The general capital expenditure section of the Accounts Commission report relates to the use of revenue for capital purposes. While the amount of capital expenditure funded from revenue is a matter for individual local authorities, the Accounts Commission is responsible for ensuring that local authorities observe standard accounting principles when funding capital expenditure from revenue. We would expect local authorities to work with their appointed auditor on accounting issues.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151591,"EventID":"S1W-14892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to assist local authorities to address the need identified in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audits to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to assist local authorities to address the need identified in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audits to improve the quality of performance information in relation to direct labour organisations and direct service organisations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue its partnership approach with the Accounts Commission, local authorities and others to further develop Best Value in local government. Best Value encourages the pursuit of continuous improvement and effective performance management. This includes a greater reliance on effective performance information.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151592,"EventID":"S1W-14893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take in response to the statement in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audits that progress in developing corp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take in response to the statement in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 1999/2000 Local Authority Audits that progress in developing corporate governance arrangements in local authorities has been relatively slow.","AnswerText":"Developing corporate governance arrangements should be seen as an evolutionary process, both as councils develop their performance management systems under Best Value and policy development and decision-making structures following the McIntosh Report. The Leadership Advisory Panel has been working with councils as they have undertaken self-reviews of those structures. The key areas which have formed the basis of councils' reviews and the work of the panel have been openness, accountability and transparency. We look forward to seeing the panel's report.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151593,"EventID":"S1W-14894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to encourage football authorities to progress a bid to host the 2005 World Soccer Club Championships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what action it is taking to encourage football authorities to progress a bid to host the 2005 World Soccer Club Championships.","AnswerText":"A decision on whether to bid is a matter for the Scottish Football Association which has already registered an interest in bidding with FIFA. We understand that bids have to be submitted by the end of May 2001. The Scottish Executive is keeping in close touch with the SFA about this and a possible bid for the 2008 European Nations Championship.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151594,"EventID":"S1W-14895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what receipts were given to Her Majesty's Treasury via the UK Consolidated Fund in respect of fines imposed by Scottish courts and police, for each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what receipts were given to Her Majesty's Treasury via the UK Consolidated Fund in respect of fines imposed by Scottish courts and police, for each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The total of fines income, which was collected by the Scottish Court Service in the sheriff courts and subsequently, paid over to the Consolidated Fund for the financial years 1996-97 to 1999-2000 is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Financial Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value sent to Exchequer (£000)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,708</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,353</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11,598</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"49%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,471</TD></TR></TABLE><P>The total of court-imposed fines (including back-duty), registered fines, compensation orders, police and procurator fiscal conditional offers of fixed penalties<SUP>1</SUP> and police fixed penalty notices collected by district courts in Scotland and subsequently paid to the Exchequer for the financial years 1997-98 to 1999-2000 is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=606><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Financial Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Value sent to Exchequer (£000)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1997-98<SUP>2</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,144</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998-99<SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,502</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999-00<SUP>4</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,363</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Notes:<P>1. Procurator Fiscal penalties account for only a relatively small proportion of the total amount.<P>2. Missing data for North Lanarkshire.<P>3. Missing data for North Lanarkshire and Stirling.<P>4. Missing data for North Lanarkshire and Stirling.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151595,"EventID":"S1W-14896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce legislation or any other measures regarding the placement of non-Roman Catholic pupils at Roman Catholic denominational schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to introduce legislation or any other measures regarding the placement of non-Roman Catholic pupils at Roman Catholic denominational schools.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to change the legislation in this area.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151596,"EventID":"S1W-14897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consideration it has given to the compatibility of the denial of a place at a Roman Catholic denominational school to a non-Roman Catholic on the grounds of faith w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consideration it has given to the compatibility of the denial of a place at a Roman Catholic denominational school to a non-Roman Catholic on the grounds of faith with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"The arrangements for admission to schools, including priority for places in denominational schools are for local authorities to determine, who have responsibility to ensure that their policies comply with ECHR. I understand that a case is expected to be before the courts in the near future and it would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151597,"EventID":"S1W-14898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to include Ministry of Defence police officers within the calculation of police numbers at either a national or local constabulary level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to include Ministry of Defence police officers within the calculation of police numbers at either a national or local constabulary level.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Executive figures count only the number of police officers in forces maintained under the Police (Scotland) Act 1967. Ministry of Defence Police do not fall within that category.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151598,"EventID":"S1W-14899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation exercises on (a) local government and (b) housing have been initiated since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what consultation exercises on (a) local government and (b) housing have been initiated since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Effective consultation is fundamental to good government. The Scottish Executive is committed to providing appropriate opportunities for all those who wish to express their opinions on a proposed area of policy change to do so in ways which will inform and enhance the policy-making process.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The tables detail the consultation exercises undertaken by the Executive on local government and housing since 1 July 1999. In addition to consultation exercises on discrete policy issues, ongoing consultation takes place with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on issues relevant to local government, in particular local government finance matters.<P>(a) Local Government <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=609><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Date</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Consultation Paper</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>April 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Best Value in Local Government: Interim Conclusions of Best Value Task Force </I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>September 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Report of the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament : the Scottish Executive's response </I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>October 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Transitional Arrangements to phase in the effects of the 2000 revaluation of non-domestic property in Scotland</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>November 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Standards in Public Life - Consultation on the Ethical Standards in Public Life (Scotland) Bill </I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>December 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Best Value in Local Government: Final Report of Best Value Task Force</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>June 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Best Value in Local Government - Next Steps </I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>October 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Getting it Right - Performance Information </I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>November 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>A Power of Community Initiative, Community Planning, Political Restrictions on Council Employees</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>January 2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Standards in Public Life: Consultation on the Codes of Conduct for Members of Public Bodies and Councillors </I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>February 2001</TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Rate relief for small businesses</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>March 2001 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"77%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Consultation on the Draft Local Government (Timing of Elections) (Scotland) Bill </I></TD></TR></TABLE><P>(b) Housing <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Date</TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Consultation Paper</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>November 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Draft Houses in Multiple Occupation Order</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>December 19999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Single Secure Tenancy and the Right to Buy</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>December 1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Anti-Social Behaviour</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>February 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Supporting People - Quality and Monitoring </I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>June 2000 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Draft Houses in Multiple Occupation Guidance</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>June 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Supporting People - Towards 2003</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>June 2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"76%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><I><P>Supporting Peo","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151599,"EventID":"S1W-14900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10392 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 October 2000, whether it will publish the criteria to be used for the designation of pressured ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10392 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 30 October 2000, whether it will publish the criteria to be used for the designation of pressured areas in relation to its plans to exempt some areas from right to buy under its Housing (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The criteria are set out in section 39 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill. This will be supplemented by further guidance in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151600,"EventID":"S1W-14901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made and to whom to bring forward the possible introduction of direct flights from Edinburgh to the USA.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made and to whom to bring forward the possible introduction of direct flights from Edinburgh to the USA.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recently met representatives of Continental Airlines and Scottish Airports Ltd when the possibility of the introduction of direct flights from Edinburgh to New York (Newark) was discussed.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151601,"EventID":"S1W-14902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made or plans to make to the Scotland Office to bring forward the commencement of the operation of the Rosyth European Ferry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made or plans to make to the Scotland Office to bring forward the commencement of the operation of the Rosyth European Ferry.","AnswerText":"No specific procedural assistance is required from the Scotland Office in relation to the possible introduction of a Rosyth European Ferry.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151602,"EventID":"S1W-14903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  on what date the report Prison Admission Health Screening as a Measure of Health Needs, published in the Scottish Executive Health Bulletin on 1 March 2001, was first ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  on what date the report Prison Admission Health Screening as a Measure of Health Needs, published in the Scottish Executive Health Bulletin on 1 March 2001, was first approved for publication by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service was not asked to approve the publication of this report in the Health Bulletin.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151603,"EventID":"S1W-14904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the First Minister on 22 March 2001 (Official Report, col. 877) that \"we hope to be able to develop consequential compensation\", whether it w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the First Minister on 22 March 2001 (Official Report, col. 877) that \"we hope to be able to develop consequential compensation\", whether it will list the measures covered by any such consequential compensation and whether this term covers compensation for loss suffered by businesses affected directly or indirectly by the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-14552 on 28 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151604,"EventID":"S1W-14905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many births there were in Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last five years, broken down by location of delivery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many births there were in Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last five years, broken down by location of delivery.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the table.<P>Maternities <SUP>1,2</SUP> delivered in NHS Hospitals in Ayrshire &amp; Arran, 1995-96 to 1999-2000<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=643><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"52%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Year ending 31 March</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\">&nbsp;</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000<SUP>p</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,965</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,916</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,863</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,821</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,529</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Ayrshire Central &amp; Maternity Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,943</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,899</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,843</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,806</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,517</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Isle of Arran War Memorial Hospital</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">16</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"48%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Other <SUP>3</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD></TR></TABLE><SUP><P>p</SUP> Provisional.<P>Source: ISD Scotland, SMR02 (at March 2001).<P>Notes:<P>1. Maternity is a pregnancy resulting in a live or still birth, where multiple births are counted only once.<P>2. Excludes home births and births at non-NHS hospitals.<P>3. Due to the small number involved, hospital details are not shown, although these figures include a small number of births at Crosshouse Hospital, Davidson Cottage Hospital and The Ayr Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151605,"EventID":"S1W-14906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many births in Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last five years followed complex or high-risk pregnancies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many births in Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last five years followed complex or high-risk pregnancies.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally as there is no formal definition of pregnancies which are classed as complex or high risk.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151606,"EventID":"S1W-14907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland, areas with more than approximately 3,000 births per year should be served by more than a consultant led m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland, areas with more than approximately 3,000 births per year should be served by more than a consultant led maternity unit with a full range of services and a tertiary location consultant-led specialist maternity unit.","AnswerText":"The Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland recommends that areas with more than approximately 3,000 births per year should be served by a consultant-led specialist maternity unit with access to neonatal intensive care and access to neonatal surgery and adult intensive care. This will also include midwifery managed care.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151607,"EventID":"S1W-14908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take with regard to any change in maternity provision proposed by a health board which does not fulfil the levels of care model for childbirth set out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take with regard to any change in maternity provision proposed by a health board which does not fulfil the levels of care model for childbirth set out in the Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been asked to test their strategies against the Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland and a National Group will be set up to implement the framework, and this will include developing a performance management framework to be used in assessing implementation. The implementation will also involve the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland who will develop a range of standards flowing from the framework and this will also monitor progress on implementation.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151608,"EventID":"S1W-14909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to collect centrally details of the number of operations which are cancelled for non-medical reasons in the NHSiS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it intends to collect centrally details of the number of operations which are cancelled for non-medical reasons in the NHSiS.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to collect this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151609,"EventID":"S1W-14910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it issues to health boards and NHS Trusts on the collection of data on hospital and clinical activity and, in particular, whether any such guidelines cov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what guidelines it issues to health boards and NHS Trusts on the collection of data on hospital and clinical activity and, in particular, whether any such guidelines cover the collection of data on cancelled appointments and operations.","AnswerText":"Guidance is issued to health boards and NHS Trusts on the collection of data for central returns. Trusts and boards are at liberty to collect additional information locally. This guidance is provided by the Information &amp; Statistics Division (ISD) of the Common Services Agency (CSA).<P>The guidelines cover the collection of data on outpatient appointments cancelled as a result of the patient's failure to attend without notice. No central guidance is given for the recording of outpatient cancellations made by the Trust, or by the patient with advance notice.<P>Guidance is also issued for the recording of cancelled inpatient and day case admissions, where the cancellation is made by the Trust prior to admission. This information does not identify whether the procedure, for which the patient was due to be admitted, was an operation.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151610,"EventID":"S1W-14911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which NHS Trusts currently provide continuous hyperfactionated accelerated radiotherapy and whether this treatment will be made more widely available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  which NHS Trusts currently provide continuous hyperfactionated accelerated radiotherapy and whether this treatment will be made more widely available.","AnswerText":"Continuous hyper-fractionated accelerated radiotherapy (CHART) is not currently available in any of Scotland's five cancer centres.<P>The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been asked to advise on the clinical and cost effectiveness of CHART for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. Their report should be available during 2002.<P>The Scottish Cancer Plan will be published in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151611,"EventID":"S1W-14912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish its review of the Scottish Prison Service chaplaincy service; what level of consultation took place during this review, and which churches were invo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it will publish its review of the Scottish Prison Service chaplaincy service; what level of consultation took place during this review, and which churches were involved in the review.  ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>No formal review of Chaplaincy within the Scottish Prison Service is being undertaken.<P>The provision for Chaplaincy is, like those of other services, continually kept under review by the SPS with the aims of ensuring best service for prisoners and best value for the taxpayer and arrangements are adjusted accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151612,"EventID":"S1W-14913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what level of funding has been provided to the Scottish Prison Service chaplaincy service in each of the last three years, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what level of funding has been provided to the Scottish Prison Service chaplaincy service in each of the last three years, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=546><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Establishment</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9,394.02</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,087.05</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,771.15</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Barlinnie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">50,681.94</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">53,650.88</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">52,436.95</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Castle Huntly</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,072.28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">7,559.12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,555.77</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Cornton Vale </TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,327.56</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,739.71</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,967.30</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Dumfries </TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,427.20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5,830.43</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4,580.72</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Dungavel (Now closed)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">8,937.63</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,473.31</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3,838.06</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Edinburgh </TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">28,604.04</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">31,310.52</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34,016.72</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Friarton (Now closed)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,353.60</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1,552.35</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">0.00</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Glenochil </TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25,400.95</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">35,369.38</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34,220.34</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Greenock </TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12,723.48</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17,556.80</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18,132.13</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Inverness</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,060.19</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14,005.77</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10,133.14</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Longriggend (Now closed)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,499.46</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13,417.51</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">200.46</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P>Low Moss</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20,746.94</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=17><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21,173.28</TD><TD WIDTH=\"23%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151613,"EventID":"S1W-14915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many representations  have been received in support of the policy of removing water rates reliefs for the voluntary sector, and how many against.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many representations  have been received in support of the policy of removing water rates reliefs for the voluntary sector, and how many against.","AnswerText":"Since the beginning of this year, no representations have been received by the Executive in support of the phasing out of reliefs from water charges for the voluntary sector. In the same period, approximately 47 representations have been received against the decision.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151614,"EventID":"S1W-14916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the figures quoted by the Deputy Minister for Rural Development in Parliament on 4 April 2001 (Official Report, col. 1249) in relation to the cost to the voluntary se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the figures quoted by the Deputy Minister for Rural Development in Parliament on 4 April 2001 (Official Report, col. 1249) in relation to the cost to the voluntary sector of the removal of water rates reliefs were calculated, whether any check was made of their accuracy and whether any assessment of the economic impact of the proposals was carried out.","AnswerText":"The figures quoted by the Deputy Minister on 4 April were supplied by the water authorities. They are based on reliefs actually granted to the relevant customer group. Though no assessment of the economic impact of the proposals has been made, the withdrawal of reliefs is being phased over five years to give the affected organisations time to adjust.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151615,"EventID":"S1W-14917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of completed questionnaires returned to the water authorities in connection with the proposed withdrawal of relief for water and sewerage charges for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what percentage of completed questionnaires returned to the water authorities in connection with the proposed withdrawal of relief for water and sewerage charges for the voluntary sector indicated support for the complete withdrawal of relief.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14496 on 9 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151616,"EventID":"S1W-14918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any contact has been made with the European Commission to ascertain the potential for a partial lifting of the export ban currently imposed due to foot-and-mouth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any contact has been made with the European Commission to ascertain the potential for a partial lifting of the export ban currently imposed due to foot-and-mouth disease and, if so, when that contact was made and whether any further contact is planned.","AnswerText":"Steps are in hand to explore the position with the European Commission. My immediate priority is to control and eradicate the disease in the south of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151617,"EventID":"S1W-14919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Ministerial statement on foot-and-mouth disease on 5 April 2001, whether it will detail those restrictions that are to remain in place and those restricti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Ministerial statement on foot-and-mouth disease on 5 April 2001, whether it will detail those restrictions that are to remain in place and those restrictions that are to be lifted within the Provisionally Free Area.","AnswerText":"In view of the outbreaks of foot and mouth south of Jedburgh and in Wigtownshire, I announced on 11 April that the proposed relaxation of restrictions in the Provisionally Free Areas of Scotland would be put on hold until 1 May. The conditions which will apply to any relaxation in movement controls in the PFAs will be set out clearly at the time.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151618,"EventID":"S1W-14920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide details of the wage structure for prison officers within Kilmarnock prison during 2000 and 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide details of the wage structure for prison officers within Kilmarnock prison during 2000 and 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:<P>The contract for HMP Kilmarnock does not require the contractor to provide details of the wage structure for staff and SPS does not therefore hold that information.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151619,"EventID":"S1W-14921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are co-ordinating the promotion of the technical measures for use by the Scottish fishing fleet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are co-ordinating the promotion of the technical measures for use by the Scottish fishing fleet.","AnswerText":"We work closely with MAFF on a range of issues. A co-ordinated approach tends to be the preferable option in fisheries since Scottish fishermen fish off the coast of England and English vessels fish in the Scottish zone. For example, recent proposals for technical measures to protect juvenile haddock will apply to all UK vessels fishing in the Scottish zone of British fishery limits.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151620,"EventID":"S1W-14922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the technical measures described in the Fisheries Research Services' news release of 13 March 2001 are different from those mentioned in the letter of 9 March 2001 fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the technical measures described in the Fisheries Research Services' news release of 13 March 2001 are different from those mentioned in the letter of 9 March 2001 from the Deputy Minister for Rural Development to the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, despite both letters stating that a 70% reduction in discards should be achieved.","AnswerText":"The measures referred to in the Fisheries Research Services' news release of 13 March 2001 were offered as a general piece of advice about changes that fishermen could make to their gear to substantially reduced discards. They did not refer to the Scottish Executive's proposals at that time, as outlined in my letter of 9 March 2001 to the Scottish Fishermen's Federation.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151621,"EventID":"S1W-14923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has obtained any report by the Standing Veterinary Committee on amnesic shellfish poisoning and, if so, when it will publish a response; whether it has any pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it has obtained any report by the Standing Veterinary Committee on amnesic shellfish poisoning and, if so, when it will publish a response; whether it has any plans to introduce a replacement method of tiered testing of scallops and, if so, when any necessary subordinate legislation will be brought forward.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for this issue rests with the Food Standards Agency who have advised me that this matter was discussed by EU scientific experts on 3-4 April. The formal report of the meeting is expected shortly, though it is expected to be generally supportive of the principle of the tiered approach. The agency will consider the scientific report, along with the requirements for an enforcement regime to maintain consumer safety, before making final recommendations. If changes to subordinate legislation are required, these will be brought forward at the earliest opportunity.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151622,"EventID":"S1W-14924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve standards in new house building.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve standards in new house building.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive undertakes continuous review and revision of the building regulations and their associated Technical Standards. As part of this regular updating of standards, the sixth amendment to the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 will be published in September this year. The package of proposed amendments to regulations will include higher thermal insulation standards for all new buildings.<P>More generally, following the issue in April 2000 of an initial consultation paper, <I>Improving Building Standards</I>, a review team has considered all the responses and further evidence provided, and has considered a range of specific issues in detail, including quality in construction and enforcement. I expect to consider the report of the review team in the summer, after which it is expected that a Green Paper will be issued.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151623,"EventID":"S1W-14925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide for independent assessment of snagging problems on completion of new house building.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide for independent assessment of snagging problems on completion of new house building.","AnswerText":"The contractual arrangements between builders and buyers of new houses are the responsibility of the buyer. Most builders will offer purchasers of new homes warranties from insurance bodies such as the National House Building Council (NHBC) or Zurich Building Guarantees.<P>Consumer protection is a reserved matter, and the UK Government has encouraged these organisations to improve their inspection regimes.<P>Building standards are a devolved matter, and I expect that a Green Paper on this matter will be issued later this year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151624,"EventID":"S1W-14926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government requesting that the Executive be represented at the discussions between the USA and the UK on the Bermud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government requesting that the Executive be represented at the discussions between the USA and the UK on the Bermuda II negotiations on international aviation in June 2001 in order to contribute regarding the potential impact on the economic prospects of Scottish airports, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No formal air service talks between the UK and the US are currently scheduled. Officials from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) may, however, meet their US counterparts for informal talks within the next couple of months to discuss how best to make progress with the liberalisation of the UK-US market. Access for the US to all UK airports other than Heathrow and Gatwick has already been liberalised. The Scottish Executive will, nevertheless, be discussing other relevant issues with DETR as part of our ongoing regular contacts with the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151625,"EventID":"S1W-14927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value to the economy of people taking (a) sailing/cruising, (b) nature, (c) geneaology, (d) adventure, (e) golfing, (f) snow sports, (g) mountaineering/climbing,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value to the economy of people taking (a) sailing/cruising, (b) nature, (c) geneaology, (d) adventure, (e) golfing, (f) snow sports, (g) mountaineering/climbing, (h) fishing, (i) hunting/shooting, (j) walking and (k) coach holidays in Scotland was in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"Information for 1995-98 is not available. For 1999, visitscotland estimate that the spend was as follows:<OL TYPE=\"a\"><LI>sailing/cruising - £10 million sailing, £15 million cruising</LI><LI>nature - interpreted as wildlife watching, the figure is £57 million</LI><LI>genealogy - £80 million</LI><LI>adventure - interpreted as activity holidays, the figure is £240 million*</LI><LI>golfing - £100 million</LI><LI>snowsports/skiing - data available combines snowsports with skiing, which is worth £18 million </LI><LI>mountaineering/climbing - £25 million </LI><LI>fishing - £80 million</LI><LI>hunting/shooting - data available is for all blood sports, which are worth £53 million</LI><LI>walking - £40 million</LI><LI>coach holidays - £170 million</LI></OL><P>*1998 figure","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151626,"EventID":"S1W-14928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people took (a) sailing/cruising, (b) nature, (c) geneaology, (d) adventure, (e) golfing, (f) snow sports, (g) mountaineering/climbing, (h) fishing, (i) hunting/","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people took (a) sailing/cruising, (b) nature, (c) geneaology, (d) adventure, (e) golfing, (f) snow sports, (g) mountaineering/climbing, (h) fishing, (i) hunting/shooting, (j) walking and (k) coach holidays in Scotland in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"Exact details of the numbers of visitors who participated in these activities are not available. Visitscotland's estimates of the numbers participating annually are as follows:<OL TYPE=\"a\"><LI>sailing/cruising - sailing 300,000, cruising 90,000</LI><LI>nature - interpreted as wildlife watching, the number of participants is 100,000</LI><LI>genealogy - 400,000</LI><LI>adventure - interpreted as activity holidays. the number of participants is 2,000,000</LI><LI>golfing - 260,000</LI><LI>snowsports - number of skier days in 1999-2000 is 300,000</LI><LI>mountaineering/climbing - 100,000</LI><LI>fishing - 200,000</LI><LI>hunting/shooting - the data held is for all field sports, the number of participants is 210,000</LI><LI>walking - 1,500,000</LI></OL><P>coach holidays - 700,000","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151627,"EventID":"S1W-14929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to questions S1W-12571, S1W-12983, S1W-13517 and S1W-13716 lodged on 18 January, 1 February, 16 February and 27 February 2001 re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to questions S1W-12571, S1W-12983, S1W-13517 and S1W-13716 lodged on 18 January, 1 February, 16 February and 27 February 2001 respectively.","AnswerText":"Substantive answers for these questions were provided on the following dates:<P>S1W-12571&#9;&#9;18 April 2001<P>S1W-12983&#9;&#9;20 April 2001<P>S1W-13517&#9;&#9;10 April 2001<P>S1W-13716&#9;&#9;19 April 2001","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151628,"EventID":"S1W-14930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it intends to prepare, and circulate to all of the young people who attended, a report on the Youth Summit held in June 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it intends to prepare, and circulate to all of the young people who attended, a report on the Youth Summit held in June 2000.","AnswerText":"The report of the Scottish Youth Summit is in the final stages of preparation and will be circulated and made available shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151629,"EventID":"S1W-14931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a quality mark scheme for public bodies as part of its 21st Century Government programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a quality mark scheme for public bodies as part of its 21st Century Government programme.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to make any particular quality scheme mandatory; but we believe that the various schemes available which are aimed at raising service and quality standards (including Chartermark, Investors in People, EFQM the business excellence model, BS 5750, ISO 9000 and the Quality Scotland Awards) are all of value in pursuing our objective for 21st Century Government. We intend therefore to continue to promote their use in the public sector in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151630,"EventID":"S1W-14932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it has not yet prepared, and circulated to all of the young people who attended, a report on the Youth Summit held in June 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why it has not yet prepared, and circulated to all of the young people who attended, a report on the Youth Summit held in June 2000.","AnswerText":"A report is in the final stages of preparation and should be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151631,"EventID":"S1W-14933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invitations to meet representatives of Scottish Ballet the Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture has (a) received and (b) accepted since his appointmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invitations to meet representatives of Scottish Ballet the Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture has (a) received and (b) accepted since his appointment.","AnswerText":"I have received two invitations to performances, one of which I have accepted.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151632,"EventID":"S1W-14934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of businesses in Dumfries and Galloway have a rateable value below #12,000 and whether all such businesses will qualify for 95% reduction of rates under t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of businesses in Dumfries and Galloway have a rateable value below #12,000 and whether all such businesses will qualify for 95% reduction of rates under the rates relief package announced on 28 March 2001.","AnswerText":"As at 1 April 2000 around 86% of businesses in Dumfries and Galloway had a rateable value of £12,000 or less. <P>All businesses are eligible to apply for rates relief of up 100% if they can demonstrate that they are suffering hardship as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak. The Scottish Executive contribution to the cost of such relief will be 95% for businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or less, and 75% for other businesses, the council making up the remainder of the cost.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151633,"EventID":"S1W-14935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of its staff are dedicated specifically to tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of its staff are dedicated specifically to tourism.","AnswerText":"The are a number of officials in my Department with a wide range of duties including tourism policy.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151634,"EventID":"S1W-14936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in what ways it informs itself of the requirements of gypsies and travellers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in what ways it informs itself of the requirements of gypsies and travellers.","AnswerText":"The Executive aims in all its work to ensure that the particular needs, circumstances and choices of all Scotland's communities including travelling people are taken into account. To further that aim, work is in hand, under the Executive's Equality Strategy, published in November 2000, to develop a communication strategy and to improve consultative mechanisms with specific communities of interest such as travelling people. The Scottish Executive/Scottish Homes commissioned a specific survey of travellers in 1999 and local authorities have the power to undertake their own surveys for example in connection with Best Value reviews. The Executive's Memorandum to the Equal Opportunities Committee's Inquiry into Travelling People describes policies being pursued across the Executive which deal with issues of key concern for travelling people.<P>In these circumstances, the Executive has no plans to establish a specific forum for the consideration of issues relating to travelling people. This is in line with the views of the former Advisory Committee on Scotland's Travelling People which, during its final term of office, examined options for the future. Following consultation, the committee concluded that a successor organisation with executive powers would be counter-productive, potentially divisive and could in fact inhibit the objective of travellers becoming fully accepted as part of the Scottish community.<P>There are no plans to review all existing legislation to assess its impact on any particular group. However, all Executive Bills must be accompanied by a statement of their potential impact on equal opportunities. In addition, the process of mainstreaming will move us towards integrating equality considerations into legislation, policy development, service design and delivery.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151635,"EventID":"S1W-14937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its policies on social inclusion include provision for gypsies and travellers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether its policies on social inclusion include provision for gypsies and travellers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14936.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151636,"EventID":"S1W-14938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that all local authorities act in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to gypsies and travellers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that all local authorities act in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to gypsies and travellers.","AnswerText":"Under the Human Rights Act 1998, all public authorities, including local authorities, are required by law to act compatibly with the European Convention on Human Rights. If they fail to do so, action may be taken against them in the courts.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151637,"EventID":"S1W-14939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will establish an inclusive forum for consideration of issues relating to travelling people which would invite participation from gypsies and travellers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will establish an inclusive forum for consideration of issues relating to travelling people which would invite participation from gypsies and travellers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14936.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151638,"EventID":"S1W-14940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that gypsies and travellers are included in all future discussions, and in the drafting of legislation, relevant to their situation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how it will ensure that gypsies and travellers are included in all future discussions, and in the drafting of legislation, relevant to their situation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14936.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151639,"EventID":"S1W-14941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any current legislation contributes to any discrimination experienced by gypsies and travellers and, if so, what plans it has to amend any such legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether any current legislation contributes to any discrimination experienced by gypsies and travellers and, if so, what plans it has to amend any such legislation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14936.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151640,"EventID":"S1W-14942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will communicate with and seek the advice of bodies such as the Scottish Gypsy/Traveller Association in relation to any future policy decisions regarding trav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will communicate with and seek the advice of bodies such as the Scottish Gypsy/Traveller Association in relation to any future policy decisions regarding travelling people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14936.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151641,"EventID":"S1W-14943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to introduce universal neonatal hearing screening to detect hearing loss in newly born babies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it plans to introduce universal neonatal hearing screening to detect hearing loss in newly born babies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the advice of the UK National Screening Committee on Neonatal Hearing Screening. The Executive has commissioned a comprehensive review of the implications associated with implementing a phased screening programme from the National Co-ordinator of the Scottish Screening Programmes and the Medical Director of the National Services Division, and the Scottish Executive will respond to its recommendations in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151642,"EventID":"S1W-14944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to assist voluntary organisations and charities who will lose anticipated income from fund-raising events scheduled to be held in the countrys","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what measures it is taking to assist voluntary organisations and charities who will lose anticipated income from fund-raising events scheduled to be held in the countryside which are cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Voluntary Issues Unit is aware of the possible effect on some voluntary organisations in Scotland of the restrictions resulting from the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and is monitoring the position.<P>The Executive recognises that the voluntary sector is playing an important role in helping those most affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The Minister for Environment and Rural Development therefore announced to Parliament on 5 April that there would be a scheme in Scotland to match donations by members of the public to voluntary organisations engaged in alleviating distress caused by foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151643,"EventID":"S1W-14945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what level of funding will be made available for the development of any new hospital facility in Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what level of funding will be made available for the development of any new hospital facility in Angus.","AnswerText":"The level of funding which will be made available for the development of a new hospital facility in Angus will be determined by the business case which NHS Tayside will submit to the Health Department in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151644,"EventID":"S1W-14946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the cost of the artifical fluoridation of water compares with fluoridated drinks or tablets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the cost of the artifical fluoridation of water compares with fluoridated drinks or tablets.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-14947, which gives initial estimates of the cost of fluoridating public water supplies. Directly comparable costs for fluoridated milk or tablets are not available, since such schemes would normally focus only on particular population groups, especially children.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151645,"EventID":"S1W-14947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimated cost of the artificial fluoridation of water throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimated cost of the artificial fluoridation of water throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"Initial estimates by the Scottish water authorities suggest that fluoridating the water supplies where it is possible to do so, serving the majority of the population, would imply capital expenditure in the order of £29 million and annual running costs of £4 million. It is not practical technically to fluoridate some 15 per cent of public water supplies in Scotland. Some 2-3 per cent of the population is served by private water supplies. These costs might vary considerably if fluoridation schemes were introduced at local level at different times.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151646,"EventID":"S1W-14948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to ensure that money is available to fund nicotine replacement therapies as outlined in its announcement on 14 March 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what steps it has taken to ensure that money is available to fund nicotine replacement therapies as outlined in its announcement on 14 March 2001.","AnswerText":"Health Boards received an average increase in Unified Budgets of 6.5% for 2001-02 to meet the healthcare needs of their local populations.  This uplift is considered to be adequate to cover in year pressures on prescribing expenditure including those arising from the introduction of new therapies.  Spending decisions are for Boards to make in the light of local needs, within a framework of national standards and priorities set by Ministers.<P>An additional £3 million was allocated over 3 years to Health Boards in April 1999 for smoking cessation services, including the provision of one week's free NRT to smokers least able to afford to buy these products.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151647,"EventID":"S1W-14949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what actions it is taking to make nicotine replacement therapies available free of charge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what actions it is taking to make nicotine replacement therapies available free of charge.","AnswerText":"A Statutory Instrument to amend Schedule&nbsp;10 of the National Health Service (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995 has been laid in Parliament to come into force on 30&nbsp;April 2001. This will allow GPs to prescribe nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) on the NHS.<P>Patients who are exempt from prescription charges will not be expected to pay for this treatment. At present, around 90% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge. Pre-payment certificates are available to help non-exempt patients.<P>In line with the measures in <I>Smoking Kills</I>, health boards were issued in April 1999 with guidance about extending and developing NHS efforts to help people stop smoking. £3 million was allocated over three years to health boards for smoking cessation services, including the provision of one week's free NRT to smokers least able to afford to buy these products.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151648,"EventID":"S1W-14950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13248 by Ross Finnie on 30 March 2001, whether, given its involvement with Her Majesty's Government on the liberalisation of Europe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13248 by Ross Finnie on 30 March 2001, whether, given its involvement with Her Majesty's Government on the liberalisation of European postal services and its commitment to the maintenance of universal services throughout Scotland, it will be attending the 2,340th meeting of the Council of the European Union (Transport and Communications) when the issue of amending EC Directive 96/97/EC on the competition of postal services within the European Community will be considered and, if so, what position it will take and who will attend.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is closely involved in discussions on the UK position in European negotiations which impact on Scottish interests. The UK was represented at the 2,340th Council meeting on Transport and Telecommunications, held on 4-5 April, by Patricia Hewitt, Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry and Keith Hill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The UK position is designed to support the maintenance of the universal service at a uniform tariff.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151649,"EventID":"S1W-14951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made regarding any economic effect on tourist and business flights to Scotland from the USA of the Civil Aviation Authority's \"sum of sector\"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what representations it has made regarding any economic effect on tourist and business flights to Scotland from the USA of the Civil Aviation Authority's \"sum of sector\" policy; when and to whom any such representations were made; whether any such representations have requested an abandonment of this policy, and, if no such representations have been made, what plans it has to make any such representations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, through its ongoing regular contacts with the UK Government, will relay its support for policies which are to the advantage of the United Kingdom and which would be of direct benefit for Scottish travellers.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151650,"EventID":"S1W-14952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14015 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, which careers service companies have been asked to co-ordinate the multi-agency bids ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14015 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, which careers service companies have been asked to co-ordinate the multi-agency bids for projects to improve the transition from school to employment for those diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.","AnswerText":"All the 17 careers service companies in Scotland were asked to co-ordinate multi-agency bids for inclusiveness projects to improve transition from school to further education, training and employment for Scotland's most vulnerable young people.<P>The additional resources of £15.1 millon will underpin key worker support, improved assessment and tracking for young people who face a wide range of barriers. This could include young people with Asperger's Syndrome.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151651,"EventID":"S1W-14953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14015 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, who the four voluntary organisations in receipt of funding from its Innovation Grants","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14015 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 22 March 2001, who the four voluntary organisations in receipt of funding from its Innovation Grants Programme are and whether it will detail the six projects aimed at supporting children and their families with autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Society for Autism runs two projects a) the Social Inclusion Partnership Project - a pro-active service to address difficulties causing school exclusion and family breakdown and b) Video Interaction Positively - use of video technology to promote positive interaction between parent and child (concluded March 2001).<P>The National Autistic Society also operates two projects a) Developing Social Skills and Understanding - an interactive programme to enhance social skills and to produce a training pack for local authorities to develop good practice and b) Accreditation Scotland - to improve practice and standards in schools in relation to autism.<P>The Parent to Parent Tayside initiative, Promoting Good Practice for Parents (autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia) Project, is piloting partnerships between parents, voluntary organisations, local authorities and health boards.<P>The Scottish Society for Autism, in partnership with the Highlands and Islands Autism Group - Caithness Branch, is providing outreach and advice services in a rural area through the Co-ordination of Services for Children with Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Project.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151652,"EventID":"S1W-14954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the group set up to examine the wider impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak intends to examine the effect of the outbreak on the dairy industry in the so","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether the group set up to examine the wider impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak intends to examine the effect of the outbreak on the dairy industry in the south west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Impact Assessment Group has been established to assess the impact of foot-and-mouth disease across all sectors and areas. As such the group will pick up on the wider effects the outbreak is having on a wide range of sectors including dairying. Regionally specific analysis from the Dumfries and Galloway local Impact Assessment Group is feeding into the national assessment.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151653,"EventID":"S1W-14955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is investigating the possibility of council tax relief for businesses run from home affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  whether it is investigating the possibility of council tax relief for businesses run from home affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"There is a comprehensive council tax rebate system available to everyone who might have difficulty in meeting their council tax liability. Overall responsibility for the scheme lies with the Department of Social Security and is a reserved matter.<P>Businesses which are run from home and are liable for non-domestic rates may apply for relief from rates providing it can be demonstrated that the business is suffering hardship.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151654,"EventID":"S1W-14956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the term \"boundary\" is defined when determining whether a farm is contiguous to one where an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been identified and whether inter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how the term \"boundary\" is defined when determining whether a farm is contiguous to one where an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been identified and whether intervening water, woods or wasteland are disregarded.","AnswerText":"The first step is to consult detailed local maps which set out individual farm boundaries and identify those farms which are next to infected premises. All the local factors, including separation distances due to intervening water, woods and wasteland are then considered before a decision is taken on whether or not animals on contiguous premises need to be culled.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151655,"EventID":"S1W-14957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether businesses in Dumfries and Galloway with a rateable value greater than #12,000 are entitled to any form of rates reduction if they have been adversely affected by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether businesses in Dumfries and Galloway with a rateable value greater than #12,000 are entitled to any form of rates reduction if they have been adversely affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and, if so, what criteria are used to determine whether the outbreak has been responsible for a decline in business.","AnswerText":"All businesses in Scotland are eligible to apply to their local authorities for rates relief if they suffer hardship as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak. Authorities are expected to fund 25% of the cost of the relief, as usual, for businesses with a rateable value of over £12,000.<P>Authorities are also able to offer support to affected businesses in a range of other ways, for example by deferring payments or granting relief for property that is not in use as a result of the outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151656,"EventID":"S1W-14958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14288 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, what the status is of the proposal for a centre for the languages of Scotland put forward by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14288 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, what the status is of the proposal for a centre for the languages of Scotland put forward by the group chaired by Professor Ron Asher and how the proposal is to be taken forward.","AnswerText":"The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland has awarded a grant to Dr Victor Skretkowicz of Dundee University for a pilot study on the languages of Scotland. Taking the proposal forward would be a matter for the proponents of the proposal.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151657,"EventID":"S1W-14959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14288 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, what the source would be of any public funding required in connection with the proposal for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14288 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, what the source would be of any public funding required in connection with the proposal for a centre for the languages of Scotland.","AnswerText":"No public funding has been identified for the proposal.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151658,"EventID":"S1W-14960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14288 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, which of the actions referred to in Creating our Future, Minding our Past relate to cultural","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14288 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, which of the actions referred to in Creating our Future, Minding our Past relate to cultural projects for which it would not in general provide direct support and in relation to which actions it has funding available.","AnswerText":"The actions identified in <I>Creating our Future, Minding our Past</I> depend on a wide range of bodies, both in the public sector and elsewhere, working together within the general framework of the strategy. Overall funding for the strategy and the national cultural bodies was announced by Sam Galbraith in the course of the parliamentary debate on the strategy on 2 November last year.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151659,"EventID":"S1W-14961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research into genetically-modified fish it has funded and what the purpose, length and cost of any such research was and which institution undertook it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what research into genetically-modified fish it has funded and what the purpose, length and cost of any such research was and which institution undertook it.","AnswerText":"No scientific projects on genetically modified or transgenic fish have been directly funded by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151660,"EventID":"S1W-14962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from A/F Protein Inc. or from any other company involved in the genetic modification of fish and, if so, when and what issues ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from A/F Protein Inc. or from any other company involved in the genetic modification of fish and, if so, when and what issues have been discussed.","AnswerText":"No such representations have been received by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151661,"EventID":"S1W-14963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact subjecting mobile telephone masts less than 15 metres in height to full planning controls will have on the number of planning appeals submitted to local auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact subjecting mobile telephone masts less than 15 metres in height to full planning controls will have on the number of planning appeals submitted to local authorities.","AnswerText":"This proposal is expected to lead to an increase in the number of planning applications made to local authorities.<P>We also intend to issue planning guidance which would encourage system operators and planning authorities to build up informed working relationships and should create an environment of trust. We believe developing effective working relationships should minimise the number of planning appeals to the Scottish Ministers if full planning permission were required for all ground based masts. Generally speaking it is not in the interests of applicants or planning authorities to take cases as far as appeal, if they can be resolved by other means.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151662,"EventID":"S1W-14964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what preparations it is making to ensure the planning system will continue to run smoothly in the event that mobile telephone masts less than 15 metres in height become ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what preparations it is making to ensure the planning system will continue to run smoothly in the event that mobile telephone masts less than 15 metres in height become subject to full planning controls.","AnswerText":"The Executive is:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">finalising national planning policy by revising, in the light of the recent consultation exercise, its draft National Planning Policy Guideline on Planning and Radio Telecommunications which encourages planning authorities to make arrangements for dealing with applications expeditiously;<P>preparing a Planning Advice Note on best practice for both planning authorities and telecommunications operators in dealing constructively with the development of telecommunications infrastructure;<P>preparing a guidance Circular to accompany and explain the future legislative provisions.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151663,"EventID":"S1W-14965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact subjecting mobile telephone masts less than 15 metres in height to full planning controls will have on the speed with which third generation mobile telephone","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what impact subjecting mobile telephone masts less than 15 metres in height to full planning controls will have on the speed with which third generation mobile telephone technology will be deployed.","AnswerText":"The introduction of full planning control for masts less than 15 metres (49 ft) in height would have the potential to affect the speed of development. However, we would also issue associated planning guidance which would encourage system operators to share their plans with planning authorities to process applications quickly. If planning authorities and operators were to follow the guidance, then , in practice, delays would, we, believe, be minimised.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151664,"EventID":"S1W-14966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the recommendation in the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network publication Hypertension in Older People that all people over 75 who have an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the recommendation in the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network publication Hypertension in Older People that all people over 75 who have an annual health check should have a blood pressure check is implemented.","AnswerText":"The objective of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical care for patients in Scotland by developing, publishing and disseminating guidelines which identify and promote good clinical practice on the basis of the best evidence we have. SIGN guidelines are distributed widely and all doctors are expected to comply with Good Practice advice.<P>Under the statutory terms of service for general practitioners, a GP is required to invite each patient aged 75 and over for an annual health check. The purpose of the consultation is to assess whether the GP needs to render personal medical services to the patient. Although any action is determined by the clinical judgement of the GP, it is likely that this will involve measuring a patient's blood pressure.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151665,"EventID":"S1W-14967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that GPs conduct an annual health check on all people over the age of 75.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that GPs conduct an annual health check on all people over the age of 75.","AnswerText":"The statutory terms of service for general practitioners require that each patient over the age of 75 is invited each year to participate in a consultation. Any breach of the terms of service is a matter for the relevant Primary Care Trust or Island Health Board.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151666,"EventID":"S1W-14968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a screening system for chlamydia in young women in response to recent research carried out by the University of Edinburgh which found that 8","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a screening system for chlamydia in young women in response to recent research carried out by the University of Edinburgh which found that 8% of women under 20 were infected.","AnswerText":"The UK National Screening Committee (on which the Executive is represented) is due to consider the final Report of the evaluation of a chlamydia screening pilot project in England in summer 2001. On the basis of the conclusions reached by the evaluation, the Committee will make a recommendation on the merits or otherwise of a national screening programme for chlamydia. The research by Edinburgh University will also help inform decisions about the introduction of such a programme in Scotland.<P>The national health demonstration project, Healthy Respect, will pilot chlamydia testing in a range of settings to help achieve its headline targets to increase the reported cases of chlamydia amongst young people by 2003 through raised awareness. The will be followed by the long term target of a 50% decrease in reported prevalence by 2010.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151667,"EventID":"S1W-14969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it gave to St Mary's Music School in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 1999-2000, and what assistance it will give in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it gave to St Mary's Music School in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 1999-2000, and what assistance it will give in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive gave St Mary's Music School £610,900 in the 1999-2000 school session through the aided places scheme. The cost of the scheme in the 2000-01 school session is estimated at £626,700 (the final claim has yet to be received and the final amount will depend on the level of parental contribution). We do not yet know what the allocation will be for 2001-02 school session because decisions about the level of fee-capping have not yet been taken (the final amount will also depend on the level of parental contribution made).","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151668,"EventID":"S1W-14970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue support for St Mary's Music School as a centre of excellence in musical education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue support for St Mary's Music School as a centre of excellence in musical education.","AnswerText":"We support the work the school does in promoting and nurturing musical excellence in our young people and plan to continue to provide it with substantial investment.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151669,"EventID":"S1W-14971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with St Mary's Music School about the number of places it supports at the school and what response it will make to its request for additional ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with St Mary's Music School about the number of places it supports at the school and what response it will make to its request for additional places in 2001 and in subsequent years.","AnswerText":"Officials have had two meetings with St Mary's Music School at which this issue was discussed. Ministers decided, after full consideration of the school's case, that an increase in the number of aided places at the school was not a priority for funding at this time.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151670,"EventID":"S1W-14972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the markers recruited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority will receive the scripts from the 2001 examination diet for marking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the markers recruited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority will receive the scripts from the 2001 examination diet for marking.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chairman to write to Mr Monteith.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151671,"EventID":"S1W-14973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when markers are due to return the examination scripts from the 2001 examination diet to the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when markers are due to return the examination scripts from the 2001 examination diet to the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chairman to write to Mr Monteith.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151672,"EventID":"S1W-14974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the NHS 24 (Scotland) Order 2001 (SSI 2001/137) was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 3 April 2001 and came into force on 6 April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  why the NHS 24 (Scotland) Order 2001 (SSI 2001/137) was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 3 April 2001 and came into force on 6 April 2001.","AnswerText":"The case for establishing NHS24 as a special health board was considered as part of the review of non-departmental public bodies. This delayed the date on which the Order could be laid before Parliament and, to avoid delay to essential project work, the Order had to be brought into force as quickly as possible. A letter of explanation was submitted to the Presiding Officer when the Order was laid.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151673,"EventID":"S1W-14975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a review of primary care, in particular general practice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a review of primary care, in particular general practice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has embarked on a wide range of initiatives in primary care. These include the development of LHCCs, the launch of NHS24, Personal Medical Services schemes and an action plan for primary care dental services. Plans have also been announced in <I>Caring for Scotland</I> the Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery for Scotland to pilot the WHO Family Health Nursing model as a way of strengthening primary care services in remote and rural areas. Malcolm Chisholm and I have recently met with the leaders of all the professional groups involved in primary care including general medical practice. The Executive recognises the valuable work of general medical practitioners throughout Scotland in the delivery of primary care. There are no plans for a separate review of general medical practice in Scotland. The Executive is, however, committed to bringing forward proposals for the development of LHCCs in the coming months.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151674,"EventID":"S1W-14976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage the use of reusable nappies in order to reduce the volume of disposable nappies sent to landfill sites in household waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage the use of reusable nappies in order to reduce the volume of disposable nappies sent to landfill sites in household waste.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive encourages waste minimisation which forms a key objective of the <I>National Waste Strategy: Scotland</I>. The Waste Minimisation Act (1998) gives local authorities the powers to address the minimisation of waste in their area. This provides them with the opportunity to play a more active role in promoting and financing local waste minimisation initiatives such as reusable nappy schemes.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151675,"EventID":"S1W-14977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated time period is for the decomposition of disposable nappies on landfill sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated time period is for the decomposition of disposable nappies on landfill sites.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. <P>There are a number of websites with information on the environmental impact of disposable nappies:<P>www.wen.org.uk/nappies.htm<P>www.realnappy.com<P>www.nappies-uk.co.uk/environmental.htm","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151676,"EventID":"S1W-14978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support Real Nappy Week 2001 on 23 to 29 April and what its position is in relation to the call for the NHS to adopt a real nappy policy in order to reduc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support Real Nappy Week 2001 on 23 to 29 April and what its position is in relation to the call for the NHS to adopt a real nappy policy in order to reduce the volume of waste being landfilled or incinerated.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports waste minimisation initiatives such as Real Nappy Week as waste minimisation is one of the key objectives of the <I>National Waste Strategy: Scotland</I>.<P>As with all waste producers, the National Health Service would be encouraged to look at ways in which they can minimise waste as this brings not only environmental benefits but cost savings too.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151677,"EventID":"S1W-14979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it plans to report on hutters following consultation on its research paper, Huts and Hutting in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when it plans to report on hutters following consultation on its research paper, Huts and Hutting in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive published its consultation paper on 15 December 2000, inviting views on whether, in principle, the Executive should seek to promote legislation to give greater protection to hutters and the detailed provisions required if legislation were to be introduced.<P>The consultation closed on 9 March and we received a total of 326 responses, some of which after the closing date. Officials are currently analysing the responses to the consultation and once we have considered all the views of interested parties, we will announce our decision on whether to proceed with legislation.","AnswerDate":"2001-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151678,"EventID":"S1W-14980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first animals were slaughtered under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first animals were slaughtered under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme is operated on behalf of the Agriculture Departments by the Intervention Board Executive Agency. Slaughter under the scheme began at Brechin abattoir on 6 April and at Arran abattoir on 10 April.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151679,"EventID":"S1W-14981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to clear the backlog of animals waiting to be culled under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to clear the backlog of animals waiting to be culled under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme.","AnswerText":"I am aware that producers who have entered stock into the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme have experienced delays in their applications being processed and, consequently, their stock have not been slaughtered as quickly as they hoped. Having overcome initial problems with this new scheme, stock are now being processed in approved abattoirs in Scotland. The Intervention Board advise me that animals are being dealt with in order of welfare priority.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151680,"EventID":"S1W-14982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were vaccinated against tuberculosis in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were vaccinated against tuberculosis in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Figures are available centrally for the routine immunisation programme for school children only. The number of such children reported as vaccinated against tuberculosis in the years ending 30 June 1995 to 1999 were:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=453><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Year</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1995</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Scotland</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">31,119</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">62,174</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">47,786</TD><TD WIDTH=\"17%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">48,754</TD><TD WIDTH=\"19%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">46,389</TD></TR></TABLE><P>Source: Common Services Agency, Information and Statistics Division.<P>A national shortage of BCG vaccine and the measles/rubella campaign resulted in a limited school BCG programme throughout Scotland in 1995.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151681,"EventID":"S1W-14983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase vaccinations against tuberculosis in light of the recent outbreak in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  what plans it has to increase vaccinations against tuberculosis in light of the recent outbreak in England.","AnswerText":"On 24 March, I announced, through Scottish Executive News Release SE0786, the resumption of the schools BCG vaccination programme in Scotland. We have now received details of vaccine requirements from boards and will be writing out to them shortly asking them to restart this element of the schools programme, giving priority to S4 pupils due to leave school in 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151682,"EventID":"S1W-14984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have put in place a strategy to deal with contaminated land, including landfill sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have put in place a strategy to deal with contaminated land, including landfill sites.","AnswerText":"None. Under the terms of the new statutory contaminated land regime, which came into force on 14 July 2000, local authorities have until October 2001 to produce and publish strategies for inspecting their areas to identify contaminated land.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151683,"EventID":"S1W-14985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to carry out investigations into the content of landfill sites which were used prior to the introduction in 1974 of a requirement for records to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to carry out investigations into the content of landfill sites which were used prior to the introduction in 1974 of a requirement for records to be kept.","AnswerText":"There are none. However, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14984 on 26 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151684,"EventID":"S1W-14986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to decontaminate any landfill sites affected by chemical pollution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to decontaminate any landfill sites affected by chemical pollution.","AnswerText":"There are none. At present landfill sites are regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (WMLR) 1994 which ensures that landfill sites do not pollute the environment.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151685,"EventID":"S1W-14987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Glasg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Glasgow City Council area and how it plans to further publicise the scheme in this area.","AnswerText":"The leaflet concerned has been sent to a large number of organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors throughout Scotland who have been asked to make it widely available. Thousands of copies have been distributed across Scotland and additional supplies have been arranged to meet the high level of interest in the scheme. The central heating programme will continue to be publicised through the organisations described and the Managing Agent who will deliver the programme in the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151686,"EventID":"S1W-14988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Scottish Borders Council area and how it plans to further publicise the scheme in this area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14987.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151687,"EventID":"S1W-14989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Orkne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Orkney Islands Council area and how it plans to further publicise the scheme in this area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14987.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151688,"EventID":"S1W-14990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Aberd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Aberdeen City Council area and how it plans to further publicise the scheme in this area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14987.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151689,"EventID":"S1W-14991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Shetl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Shetland Islands Council area and how it plans to further publicise the scheme in this area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14987.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151690,"EventID":"S1W-14992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Dumfr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3221 by Jackie Baillie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Dumfries and Galloway Council area and how it plans to further publicise the scheme in this area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14987.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151691,"EventID":"S1W-14993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any disability awareness training is available to its staff and, if so, whether this includes any specific training on epilepsy awareness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any disability awareness training is available to its staff and, if so, whether this includes any specific training on epilepsy awareness.","AnswerText":"Disability awareness training is available to all staff within the Scottish Executive. The Corporate Induction programme includes training in equal opportunities, including disability awareness. In addition we provide disability awareness training on a regular basis, have a wide range of material relating to disability in the learning resource centres and provide guidance on disability issues on the Scottish Executive intranet. Detailed training on epilepsy awareness has not been provided but issues relating to epilepsy may be raised within the wider disability awareness training.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151692,"EventID":"S1W-14994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what disability awareness training is available to Scottish Parliament staff, in particular on epilepsy awareness.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what disability awareness training is available to Scottish Parliament staff, in particular on epilepsy awareness.","AnswerText":"The SPCB has commissioned work to produce an Equality Framework for the Scottish Parliament. The SPCB will shortly be considering the recommendations contained in the report but I understand that the framework will provide for a programme of training, including disability awareness training. We shall ensure that epilepsy awareness is included in any training programme. Officials are already considering running a series of short workshops for staff through our occupational health contract. It is envisaged that these will cover specific health conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes as well as more general topics such as stress management.<P>The First Aid training provided to Parliament staff includes epilepsy awareness and how to deal with someone experiencing a seizure. In addition to ensuring that we have trained First Aiders in each of the Parliament buildings, we also provide this training to everyone who expresses a wish to undertake it. We currently have 71 staff qualified as First Aiders covering the majority of the Offices of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151693,"EventID":"S1W-14995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether epilepsy awareness training is provided to all members of Scottish Parliament staff who are employed in the education service, the visitor centre and the security ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether epilepsy awareness training is provided to all members of Scottish Parliament staff who are employed in the education service, the visitor centre and the security service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to his previous question, reference S1W-14994. I can confirm that the specific offices to which you refer each currently have qualified First Aiders among their staff and that all the staff will be included in the proposed programme of training, which will include disability awareness.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151694,"EventID":"S1W-14996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12583 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, what type of assistance it, its agencies or sportscotland are providing to the Scottish Foot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12583 by Allan Wilson on 4 April 2001, what type of assistance it, its agencies or sportscotland are providing to the Scottish Football Association in relation to the feasibility study into the possible staging of the 2008 European Nations Football Championships in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Contributions towards the costs of the feasibility study were provided by Scottish Enterprise, <B>visit</B>scotland, <B>sport</B>scotland and UK Sport.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151695,"EventID":"S1W-14997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9725 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 September 2000 and the answer to question S1W-14308 by Mr Jack McConnell on 3 April 2001, which loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9725 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 22 September 2000 and the answer to question S1W-14308 by Mr Jack McConnell on 3 April 2001, which local authorities had submitted claims for additional costs incurred as a result of the 2000 examinations diet prior to the decision to make ex gratia payments to all local authorities in respect of such costs.","AnswerText":"The following local authorities submitted claims for compensation in respect of additional costs incurred as a result of the 2000 examinations diet:<P>Aberdeenshire<P>East Ayrshire<P>East Renfrewshire<P>Edinburgh City<P>Fife<P>Midlothian<P>West Lothian","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151696,"EventID":"S1W-14998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the review of the tariff rebate subsidy scheme for livestock shipments to and from the Northern Isles and when this review will be complete","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the review of the tariff rebate subsidy scheme for livestock shipments to and from the Northern Isles and when this review will be completed.","AnswerText":"The Executive received recently the report of an evaluation of the Tariff Rebate Subsidy Scheme for bulk and livestock shipping conducted by EKOS consultants. The evaluation report is being considered in detail. Ministers will announce their conclusions on the review in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151697,"EventID":"S1W-14999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a statutory instrument is required to allow payments to be made under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and, if so, when such an instrument will be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a statutory instrument is required to allow payments to be made under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and, if so, when such an instrument will be laid before the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"A Scottish order is required to provide for the implementation of our FIFG plans.<P>The Fisheries and Aquaculture Structures (Grants) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001 No 140) was laid before the Parliament on 5 April 2001. An entry to this effect can be found in Business Bulletin 61/2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151698,"EventID":"S1W-15000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the social and economic impact which would result in the event of Migdale Hospital, Sutherland closing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the social and economic impact which would result in the event of Migdale Hospital, Sutherland closing.","AnswerText":"The provision of community health services in Sutherland is a matter for Highland Health Board and the Highland Primary Care Trust. There is at present no suggestion that Migdale Hospital will close.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151699,"EventID":"S1W-15001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to strengthen the law in order to enable stray animals to be disposed of more quickly during the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to strengthen the law in order to enable stray animals to be disposed of more quickly during the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"New legislation came into force on 21 April 2001 (The Foot and Mouth Disease (Scotland) (Declaratory and Controlled Area) Amendment (No.4) Order 2001). This allows an inspector, on finding a stray animal, to detain it and if the owner cannot be ascertained after reasonable enquiries, arrangements can be made to have the animal destroyed.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151700,"EventID":"S1W-15002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S1O-3221 by Jackie Ballie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Aberdeenshire C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S1O-3221 by Jackie Ballie on 29 March 2001, how many interim leaflets on its central heating scheme have been distributed in the Aberdeenshire Council area and how it plans to further publicise the scheme in this area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-14987 on 30 April 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151701,"EventID":"S1W-15003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from the tapestry workshop, Dovecot Studios, following the withdrawal of financial support by the Bute family.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from the tapestry workshop, Dovecot Studios, following the withdrawal of financial support by the Bute family.","AnswerText":"None directly. A constituent's letter on the matter has been forwarded to me by her MSP.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151702,"EventID":"S1W-15004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic and cultural assessment it has made of the work of Dovecot Studios and what plans it has to assist the studio to prevent its closure following the withdrawa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic and cultural assessment it has made of the work of Dovecot Studios and what plans it has to assist the studio to prevent its closure following the withdrawal of financial support from the Bute family.","AnswerText":"None. Support for small private enterprises and artistic or cultural projects should be sought from Local Enterprise Companies and the Scottish Arts Council respectively.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151703,"EventID":"S1W-15005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Qualifications Authority has spent since 1 August 2000 on employing external consultants in (a) IT, (b) management accountancy, (c) management revie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Qualifications Authority has spent since 1 August 2000 on employing external consultants in (a) IT, (b) management accountancy, (c) management review and structural review, (d) internal audit, (e) external audit, and (f) other matters.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to write to Mr Russell.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151704,"EventID":"S1W-15006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid both by (a) it and (b) the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) since 1 August 2000 to (i) Deloitte & Touche and (ii) PricewaterhouseCoopers for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid both by (a) it and (b) the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) since 1 August 2000 to (i) Deloitte & Touche and (ii) PricewaterhouseCoopers for their work in connection with the SQA and what known or anticipated costs are still to be paid to, or billed by, each of these firms.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive commissioned Deloitte and Touche to carry out a review into the exam results issues concerning the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and I refer Mr Russell to the answer to PQ S1W-09374 answered on 28 September 2000. The Scottish Executive has also commissioned Deloitte and Touche to work with the SQA on detailed project planning and expects to make a payment in the region of £80,000 for that work. <P>Work carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the SQA is a matter for the SQA and I have asked the Chair to write to Mr Russell about this.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151705,"EventID":"S1W-15007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools offer (a) Latin and (b) classical studies as examinable subjects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools offer (a) Latin and (b) classical studies as examinable subjects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Authority's Annual Statistical Report for 1999 reported that 70 centres offered Latin and 45 centres offered classical studies.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151706,"EventID":"S1W-15008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified teachers of (a) Latin and (b) classical studies are currently employed in secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified teachers of (a) Latin and (b) classical studies are currently employed in secondary schools.","AnswerText":"The latest information available at September 1998, shows there were an estimated 61 (FTE) teachers recording Latin as their main subject qualification, and a further 107 (FTE) teachers recording Latin as a supplementary qualification, in publicly funded secondary schools. Similarly, there were 60 (FTE) teachers recording Classics as their main subject qualification, and another 37 recording Classics as a supplementary qualification.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151707,"EventID":"S1W-15009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils will sit exams in (a) Latin and (b) classical studies at the spring 2001 examination diet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils will sit exams in (a) Latin and (b) classical studies at the spring 2001 examination diet.","AnswerText":"Entries for the 2001 diet are still being submitted by centres and as a result the information requested is not yet available. I have asked the Chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority to write to Mr Russell once the information is available.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151708,"EventID":"S1W-15010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in which local authority areas pupils who have taken the relevant course at school rather than elsewhere are being presented by their school for Scottish Qualifications ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  in which local authority areas pupils who have taken the relevant course at school rather than elsewhere are being presented by their school for Scottish Qualifications Authority examinations in (a) Latin and (b) classical studies.","AnswerText":"Entries for the 2001 diet are still being submitted by centres and as a result the information requested is not yet available. I have asked the Chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority to write to Mr Russell once the information is available.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151709,"EventID":"S1W-15011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the higher incidence of multiple sclerosis in Scotland, regarding the implicati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the higher incidence of multiple sclerosis in Scotland, regarding the implications for multiple sclerosis sufferers of any delay by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in assessing drugs and technologies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.","AnswerText":"Regular meetings take place between the Scottish Executive, the Department of Health, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the Health Technology Board for Scotland. Progress on the assessment of technologies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis is reviewed at these meetings.<P>The recent decision to develop a new economic model for the assessment of beta interferon is part of a process to ensure that the advice to be made available later this year is the product of the most objective and scientifically robust methodology possible.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151710,"EventID":"S1W-15012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was informed that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) board wished to include in the terms and conditions packages for senior SQA staff performance bonus ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was informed that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) board wished to include in the terms and conditions packages for senior SQA staff performance bonus payments and what consultation it undertook during its consideration of this matter.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Scottish Qualification Authority's (SQA) Management Statement and Financial Memorandum, the Scottish Qualifications Authority is responsible for the development of its management and staffing structures and for human resource management. I have asked the Chair to write to Mr Russell.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151711,"EventID":"S1W-15013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dicussions it held with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) board on the proposal to include performance bonus payments in the terms and conditions packages ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dicussions it held with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) board on the proposal to include performance bonus payments in the terms and conditions packages for senior SQA staff.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Scottish Qualifications Authority's (SQA) Management Statement and Financial Memorandum, the Scottish Qualifications Authority is responsible for the development of its management and staffing structures and for human resource management. I have asked the Chair to write to Mr Russell.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151712,"EventID":"S1W-15014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria for the payment of performance bonuses to senior staff at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) were proposed by the SQA board and whether it approved","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria for the payment of performance bonuses to senior staff at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) were proposed by the SQA board and whether it approved any such criteria and payments.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Scottish Qualification Authority's (SQA) Management Statement and Financial Memorandum, the Scottish Qualifications Authority is responsible for the development of its management and staffing structures and for human resource management. I have asked the Chair to write to Mr Russell.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151713,"EventID":"S1W-15015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the salary costs of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is paid to (a) senior managers, (b) junior managers, (c) clerical and administrative st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the salary costs of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is paid to (a) senior managers, (b) junior managers, (c) clerical and administrative staff, (d) professional staff, (e) other staff, and (f) part-time staff not included in the above; what the current total staffing complement of the SQA is, broken down by each of these categories, and how many staff in each category have terms and conditions that include performance bonus payments.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to write to Mr Russell.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151714,"EventID":"S1W-15016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had over the past twelve months with trade unions which have members working in the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had over the past twelve months with trade unions which have members working in the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"There have been no meetings discussing SQA issues between the Scottish Executive and trade unions representing Scottish Qualifications Authority staff over the past twelve months. <P>Employment related issues are a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I have asked the Chair to write to Mr Russell.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151715,"EventID":"S1W-15017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total financial impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will be on the economy of Dumfries and Galloway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total financial impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will be on the economy of Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has established an Impact Assessment Group to identify the impact foot-and-mouth disease is having across sectors and areas. A local impact assessment group in Dumfries and Galloway - which includes Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, the council, the area tourist board, and other local organisations - is feeding into the national group. To date the complexities involved in estimating the impact mean this remains work in progress. The final impact will depend on the ultimate scale and duration of the outbreak and for this reason the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease remains the Executive's highest priority.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151716,"EventID":"S1W-15018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will have on the tourist industry of Dumfries and Galloway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will have on the tourist industry of Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has established an Impact Assessment Group to identify the impact foot-and-mouth disease is having across sectors and areas. Given the complexities involved in making impact assessments this remains work in progress. Initial results illustrate that many tourism businesses in Dumfries and Galloway have been affected with cancellations and reduced enquiries.<P>However, the final impact will be dependent on the eventual scale and duration of the disease and for this reason, eradication of FMD remains the highest priority for the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151717,"EventID":"S1W-15019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into any risks to human health posed by the smoke from animals being burned due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into any risks to human health posed by the smoke from animals being burned due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"Monitoring of local air quality is a local authority responsibility. Dumfries and Galloway Council, with technical support from the Scottish Executive, are carrying out such monitoring in their area, related to the emissions from pyres.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151718,"EventID":"S1W-15020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that businesses in Dumfries and Galloway are aware of, and able to take advantage of, any assistance available to them from the projects","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that businesses in Dumfries and Galloway are aware of, and able to take advantage of, any assistance available to them from the projects in the south of Scotland receiving the European Structural Fund grants announced on 5 April 2001.","AnswerText":"Businesses benefit from the structural funds through participation in projects and schemes operated by partner bodies, rather than by applying directly.<P>The South of Scotland European Partnership is working closely with partner bodies, including the local enterprise companies and the local authorities, who have responsibility for developing, implementing and promoting programmes and schemes appropriate to the needs of businesses in the south of Scotland, including Dumfries and Galloway, and in accordance with the rules governing the Structural Funds.<P>The Programme Complement, which sets out the detail of the programme, includes a comprehensive Communications Action Plan, which provides for the Programme Management Executive to publicise the benefits of structural funds to a range of bodies including trade organisations and businesses.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151719,"EventID":"S1W-15021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to ensure that the 2001 Census goes ahead in areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to ensure that the 2001 Census goes ahead in areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"It is essential that rural residents are fully counted in the Census alongside those from urban areas because very substantial resources are allocated on the basis of Census statistics. The Registrar General for Scotland has made arrangements for postal delivery of Census forms to households, where normal delivery by Enumerators is not possible because the area is infected or where access is limited.<P>In infected areas Enumerators are instructed not to hand deliver forms to any livestock holding premises or to any rural premises where the approach would involve driving off a metalled road.<P>In all areas Enumerators are instructed to observe scrupulously any signs restricting access and will comply at all times with any local disinfecting arrangements in place at the time.<P>The arrangements made by the Registrar General, in consultation with the Government Veterinary Service, have the support of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, the Scottish Landowners Federation and the Scottish Crofters Union. A copy of the News Release issued by the Registrar General on 20 March is held on the Scottish Executive website pages covering foot-and-mouth disease:<P>www.scotland.gov.uk/agri/footandmouth/news.asp","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151720,"EventID":"S1W-15022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much National Lottery Charities Board funding has been allocated to each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency, and what percentage of the total","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much National Lottery Charities Board funding has been allocated to each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency, and what percentage of the total monies allocated by the Board in Scotland each of these figures represents. ","AnswerText":"These are matters for the lottery distributor concerned and I have asked them to respond to the member directly and a copy of the reply will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151721,"EventID":"S1W-15023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the food consumed in Scotland in each of the last 50 years was (a) produced in Scotland and (b) imported.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the food consumed in Scotland in each of the last 50 years was (a) produced in Scotland and (b) imported.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151722,"EventID":"S1W-15024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in controlling and eliminating infectious salmon anaemia and whether any further policy measures are being formulated in this connection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in controlling and eliminating infectious salmon anaemia and whether any further policy measures are being formulated in this connection.","AnswerText":"All of the 11 confirmed farms and most of the 24 suspect farms have been restocked following clearance, disinfection and fallowing. There have been no confirmed cases since May 1998 and no suspect cases since November 1999.<P>If further confirmed cases arise, the changes we have secured to EC and domestic legislation will enable us to vary the rate at which farms are cleared of fish according to the level of disease present and the threat to other farms. Also, at the request of the Commission, we have drafted proposals for the statutory diagnosis of ISA which includes a new provision for lifting suspicion from farms.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151723,"EventID":"S1W-15025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies have been born with a drug addiction in each health board area in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies have been born with a drug addiction in each health board area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information available is shown in the following table. Discharges Recording Drug Misuse. It shows cases in which the foetus and new born baby is affected by maternal use of drugs of addiction and there are neonatal withdrawal symptoms from maternal use of drugs of addiction.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=644><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=27 HEIGHT=16><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Neonatal discharges<SUP>1</SUP> - Scotland:</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=27 HEIGHT=11><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>By health board and local council area of residence; year ending 31 March 2001</I></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=12><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"35%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=10 ROWSPAN=3 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">All Discharges</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=9 ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Discharges Recording Drug Misuse<SUP>3</SUP></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 ROWSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><P></TD></TR><TR></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=9 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=7 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Rate per 1,000 Discharges</FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Area of Residence</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999<SUP>r</SUP></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000<SUP>p,4</SUP></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999<SUP>r</SUP></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000<SUP>p,4</SUP></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999<SUP>r</SUP></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000<SUP>p,4</SUP></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Scotland</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 17 351</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 17 322</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 17 893</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"9%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 16 832</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 161</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 217</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 246</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=11><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\"> 220</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9.3</I></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=11><I><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12.5</I></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151724,"EventID":"S1W-15026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for Millennium Commission funding there have been from each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency, specifying the percentage o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for Millennium Commission funding there have been from each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency, specifying the percentage of successful applications in each case.","AnswerText":"The Millennium Commission's database cannot provide applications data in the format requested.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151725,"EventID":"S1W-15027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for National Lottery Charities Board funding there have been from each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency, specifying the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for National Lottery Charities Board funding there have been from each (a) parliamentary region and (b) parliamentary constituency, specifying the percentage of successful applications in each case.","AnswerText":"These are matters for the lottery distributor concerned and I have asked them to respond to the member directly and a copy of the reply will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151726,"EventID":"S1W-15028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the first round of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance has closed for applications; if so, when, and how many applications were received by this date,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the first round of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance has closed for applications; if so, when, and how many applications were received by this date, broken down by sector, and what progress is being made to ensure that payments are made to applicants when originally programmed.","AnswerText":"In the Highlands and Islands, the schemes for all measures except processing and marketing closed for the first round of applications on 28 February. The deadline for processing and marketing applications was extended to 20 April.<P>The number of applications submitted under each of the Highlands and Islands schemes is:<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Processing and marketing&#9;&#9;7 (as at 12 April)<P>Vessel modernisations&#9;&#9;11<P>Aquaculture&#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;17<P>Port facilities&#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;3<P>Operations by members of the trade&#9;4<P>Innovative measures&#9;&#9;5<P>For the non-Highlands and Islands area of Scotland, the closing date for applications under each of the schemes is 20 April. As at 12 April, nine applications had been received, in addition to those identified above: eight for support under processing and marketing and one under the port facilities scheme. The department has also received a bid for support (not included above) which covers activities across both the Highlands and Islands area and the rest of Scotland.<P>Consideration and appraisal of applications received is under way and awards will be announced as soon as possible. Payment of grants to successful applicants can only be made after claims have been received and appropriate financial etc diligence has been undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151727,"EventID":"S1W-15029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the initiative on the future of the fisheries sector and its affiliated industries announced on 20 December 2000 and when this ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the initiative on the future of the fisheries sector and its affiliated industries announced on 20 December 2000 and when this work will be completed.","AnswerText":"A group comprising representatives of the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Enterprise Network and the Seafish Industry Authority has been established. We intend that there should be initial consultation with the industry beginning this month. I would expect the work to be finished early next year.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151728,"EventID":"S1W-15030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when its cancer plan will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when its cancer plan will be published.","AnswerText":"The plan is currently being finalised and will be published in due course.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151729,"EventID":"S1W-15031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when statistics on forecast cancer trends to 2015 will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  when statistics on forecast cancer trends to 2015 will be published.","AnswerText":"20 pre-publication copies of <I>Cancer Scenarios - An aid to planning cancer services in Scotland in the next decade</I> were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre on 4 April.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151730,"EventID":"S1W-15032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many intravenous drug users were diagnosed with hepatitis B in each of the last five years, showing any percentage increase or decrease in each year, broken down by h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many intravenous drug users were diagnosed with hepatitis B in each of the last five years, showing any percentage increase or decrease in each year, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table: <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=682><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=13 HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Hepatitis B infected drug users : 1996-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=18><P>health board<SUP>1</SUP></TD><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Number</TD><TD WIDTH=\"44%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=5 HEIGHT=18><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Percentage change<SUP>2</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=16><P>Hepatitis B (Drug misuse cases)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996-97</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1999-00</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996-00<SUP>3</SUP></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=16><P>Argyll &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">15</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">11</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">275</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-35</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-73</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-25</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=16><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=16><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-100</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=16><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"7%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"6%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">-</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">n/a</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=16><P ALI","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151731,"EventID":"S1W-15033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was allocated to hypodermic needle exchange programmes in each of the last five years, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was allocated to hypodermic needle exchange programmes in each of the last five years, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"There is no funding exclusively set aside for the provision of needle exchange facilities.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The table sets out the funding specifically provided to boards over the last five years to assist their work in preventing the transmission of bloodborne viruses. Such work can, where appropriate, include the provision of needle exchange facilities:<P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\"><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=555><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1996-97<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997-98<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998-99<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999-2000<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=33><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">2000-01<P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">£m</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Argyle &amp; Clyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.387</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.387</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.387</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.341</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.363</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Ayrshire &amp; Arran</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.414</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.414</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.414</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.309</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.303</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.113</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.116</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.116</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.102</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.106</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Dumfries &amp; Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.178</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.180</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.180</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.132</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.106</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.204</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.151</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.152</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.225</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.358</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"29%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P>Forth Valley</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.427</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.466</TD><TD WIDTH=\"14%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.466</TD><TD WIDTH=\"15%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=1><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">0.380</TD><","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151732,"EventID":"S1W-15034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nursing vacancies there were in each of the last three years, how many there are currently, and what percentage of (a) the total number of nursing posts and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how many nursing vacancies there were in each of the last three years, how many there are currently, and what percentage of (a) the total number of nursing posts and (b) the number of whole-time equivalent nursing posts each of these figures represents, broken down by health board area in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15496 on 10 July 2001.","AnswerDate":"2001-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151733,"EventID":"S1W-15035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many discarded hypodermic needles were collected in public places in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area, and what percentage of the num","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many discarded hypodermic needles were collected in public places in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area, and what percentage of the number collected nationally each of these figures represents.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151734,"EventID":"S1W-15036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for paediatric orthodontic treatment was in each of the last three years, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for paediatric orthodontic treatment was in each of the last three years, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"Most paediatric orthodontic treatments carried out within hospital and community health service settings are undertaken on an outpatient basis and information on waiting times for such treatments is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151735,"EventID":"S1W-15037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much overtime each police force paid to police officers in each of the last three years and what percentage of the total salary budget of each force each of these fig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much overtime each police force paid to police officers in each of the last three years and what percentage of the total salary budget of each force each of these figures represents.","AnswerText":"This is set out in the table for the latest 3 years for which information is available.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=583><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"> </TD><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1997-98</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1998-99</TD><TD WIDTH=\"26%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=2><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1999-2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Force</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Overtime £m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As % of salary budget</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Overtime £m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As % of salary budget</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Overtime £m</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>As % of salary budget</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Central</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>10.7</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Dumfries and Galloway</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>8.6</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>0.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>8.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>9.2</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>6.4 </TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>5.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>8.4</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Grampian</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>8.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>2.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>9.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3.3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>9.9</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Lothian and Borders</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>5.0</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.7</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>3.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>4.8</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.0</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Northern</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"11%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>7.1</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>1.9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>10.5</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"24%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>Strathclyde</TD><TD WIDTH=\"13%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>13.1</TD><","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151736,"EventID":"S1W-15038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the core contractual hours for police officers were in each police force in each of the last three years; how many and what percentage of officers in each force exce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the core contractual hours for police officers were in each police force in each of the last three years; how many and what percentage of officers in each force exceeded these core hours in each of these years, and what the average number of hours worked per week per officer was in each force in each year.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151737,"EventID":"S1W-15039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of police officers worked more than 48 hours per week averaged over any 17 week period in each of the last three years, broken down by police","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of police officers worked more than 48 hours per week averaged over any 17 week period in each of the last three years, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151738,"EventID":"S1W-15040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases involving a breach of bail conditions did not result in the Procurator Fiscal requesting that the accused be retained in custody in each of the last three ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases involving a breach of bail conditions did not result in the Procurator Fiscal requesting that the accused be retained in custody in each of the last three years, broken down by court.","AnswerText":"The statistical information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151739,"EventID":"S1W-15041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the establishment of a drug court in the north east, what the reasons are for its position on this matter and, if such a court is to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the establishment of a drug court in the north east, what the reasons are for its position on this matter and, if such a court is to be established, where it will be sited and what the timetable is for its establishment.","AnswerText":"I expect to receive the proposals from the steering group considering the model for a drug court within Glasgow Sheriff Court shortly. This will inform my decision on the piloting of other drug courts. Meantime work is underway to introduce Drug Treatment and Testing Orders to sheriff courts in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151740,"EventID":"S1W-15042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much and what percentage of the budget made available to (a) Grampian Health Board and (b) Tayside Health Board for drug detoxification treatment was spent outwith th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much and what percentage of the budget made available to (a) Grampian Health Board and (b) Tayside Health Board for drug detoxification treatment was spent outwith the Grampian and Tayside areas in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Figures available for the year 1998-1999 show that, for residential rehabilitation only, the spend outwith the area was for (a) Grampian Health Board £110,000 or some 66%, and for (b) Tayside Health Board, 100%. <P>Figures are not available for 1997-98.<P>The Drug Action Teams within both Health Board areas are working to establish local residential drug rehabilitation services in addition to the range of other treatment and other care services available for drug misusers.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151741,"EventID":"S1W-15043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of crime has been estimated as drug-related in each of the last five years, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of crime has been estimated as drug-related in each of the last five years, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime statistics in Scotland distinguish crimes involving drugs, such as cultivation, importation, possession and supply. They do not identify all drug-related crimes, such as those committed to fund a drugs habit. This more general information is not collected nationally or at police force level, and is only available from criminal justice research, such as the reports listed:<B><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Interviewing and Drug Testing of Arrestees in Scotland: A Pilot Study of the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) Methodology.</B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Published by the Scottish Executive Central Research Unit in 2000<B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">The Criminal Histories of 372 Suspected Drug Offenders.</B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Published by the Scottish Executive Central Research Unit in 2001<B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Recreational Drugs and Driving: Prevalence Survey.</B><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Published by the Scottish Executive Central Research Unit in 2001<P>Copies of these reports are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib numbers 7209, 12860 and 11659 respectively).","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151742,"EventID":"S1W-15044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of cases involving dealing in class A drugs did not result in a custodial sentence in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) parlia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of cases involving dealing in class A drugs did not result in a custodial sentence in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) parliamentary region and (b) court.","AnswerText":"Figures on the number of non-custodial convictions for dealing in Class A drugs cannot, from the information held centrally, be separately identified within the total number of convictions where the main offence was the supply or possession with intent to supply drugs. The available information relates to convictions by court and is given in the table.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">Persons with a charge proved for supply of drugs (main offence), 1997-99<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=2 WIDTH=597><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P></TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Total number of persons with a charge proved</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Persons receiving a non-custodial sentence (number)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"27%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">Persons receiving a non-custodial sentence (% of total)</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P>Court type</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1997</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=12><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">1999</TD></TR><TR><TD VALIGN=\"TOP\" COLSPAN=10 HEIGHT=13><P>Sheriff court</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Aberdeen</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">74</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">96</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">83</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">63</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">58</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">78</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">66</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">70</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Airdrie</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">34</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">33</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">20</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">21</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">13</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">59</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">64</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">39</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Alloa</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">14</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">18</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">25</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">3</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">12</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">64</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">17</I></TD><TD WIDTH=\"10%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><I><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">48</I></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"22%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P>Arbroath</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">10</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">5</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">9</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">4</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"8%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\" HEIGHT=13><P ALIGN=\"RIG","AnswerDate":"2001-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151743,"EventID":"S1W-15045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure places for young offenders there were in each of the last three years, broken down by parliamentary region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure places for young offenders there were in each of the last three years, broken down by parliamentary region.","AnswerText":"Any child or young person may be placed in secure accommodation either following a children's hearing, or by a local authority chief social work officer, with the agreement of the person in charge of the secure establishment, or by a court.<FONT SIZE=2> <P>The number of secure places located in residential establishments available for children and young people as at 31 December in each of the last 3 years by parliamentary region is as follows:<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=347><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Parliamentary Region</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1998</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>1999</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2000</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Lothian </TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>12*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>12*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>12*</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Mid-Scotland and Fife</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>2</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Nil</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>North-East</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>25*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>25*</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>29**</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Southern</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>West </TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>24</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>30</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"51%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Total</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>87</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>87</TD><TD WIDTH=\"16%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>95</TD></TR></TABLE><FONT FACE=\"Arial\"><P ALIGN=\"JUSTIFY\">*&#9;Includes one emergency bed<B><FONT SIZE=2><P>**&#9;Includes two emergency beds</B>","AnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151744,"EventID":"S1W-15047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the cases reported to each procurator fiscal in the north east Scotland parliamentary region (a) were marked \"no proceedings\" and (b) fail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the cases reported to each procurator fiscal in the north east Scotland parliamentary region (a) were marked \"no proceedings\" and (b) failed to reach court in each of the last three years, and how many and what percentage of the charges taken forward were reduced by the Procurator Fiscal in each of these years.","AnswerText":"The statistical information requested is not available.<P>Information is available in relation to the number of reports received, solemn and summary court disposals and non-court disposals. The latter not only includes and specifies cases marked no proceedings but also those cases disposed of by warning, conditional offer, fiscal fine, diversion or referral to the Reporter. This information is recorded for each Procurator Fiscal's Office. It is also collated and published each year in the Annual Report of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service which provides both national and regional statistics. The regional statistics relate to the six regions within the Procurator Fiscal Service, which correspond to the Sheriffdoms in Scotland. Statistics are not recorded with reference to parliamentary regions. The information collated in relation to court disposals relates to the number of cases and not charges.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151745,"EventID":"S1W-15048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #15 million funding package to expand the use of information and communication technology each further and higher education institution will receive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #15 million funding package to expand the use of information and communication technology each further and higher education institution will receive.","AnswerText":"The allocation to further and higher education institutions of the £15 million being made available over the next three years is a matter for the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils.<FONT FACE=\"Arial\" SIZE=2><P>The specific allocations to Higher Education institutions for the academic year <P>2001-02 were announced by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on 6 April 2001 and details are available on their website.<P>The Scottish Further Education Funding Council intends to announce the specific allocations to further education institutions for the forthcoming academic year at the end of April.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151746,"EventID":"S1W-15049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much and what proportion of Scotland's municipal waste is currently recycled within Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much and what proportion of Scotland's municipal waste is currently recycled within Scotland.","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally on the proportion of municipal waste collected in Scotland which is currently recycled into new material within Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151747,"EventID":"S1W-15050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much revenue is currently generated from the recycling of municipal waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much revenue is currently generated from the recycling of municipal waste.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151748,"EventID":"S1W-15051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are available for the recycling of municipal waste; what amounts are involved, and what the source is of each subsidy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are available for the recycling of municipal waste; what amounts are involved, and what the source is of each subsidy.","AnswerText":"Details of grants and subsidies available for the recycling of municipal waste are given in the table.<TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=1 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=616><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">GRANT / SUBSIDY</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">AMOUNT</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">SOURCE</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"CENTER\">PAYMENT DATES</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Strategic Waste Fund<P>(for local authority recycling &amp; composting initiatives)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£3 million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2000 - 2001</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Strategic Waste Fund (for local authorities to implement Area Waste Plans)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£50.4 million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2001 - 2004</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Strategic Waste Fund<P>(other waste initiatives)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£400,000</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Scottish Executive</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">2002 - 2004</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Landfill Tax Credits<P>(grants to recycling initiatives)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Information not held centrally</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Landfill Operators</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1996 onward</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>Recycling Credits<P>(subsidy to third parties to recycle municipal waste)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Information not held centrally</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Local Authorities</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">1992 onward</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=\"32%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P>New Opportunities Fund (community sector waste reuse, recycling and composting)</TD><TD WIDTH=\"18%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">£5.25 million</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">Lottery Funding</TD><TD WIDTH=\"25%\" VALIGN=\"TOP\"><P ALIGN=\"RIGHT\">by March 2004</TD></TR></TABLE><P>In addition, the Scottish Executive has increased the Grant Aided Expenditure to local authorities for Environmental Services by £50 million over the next 3 years. However, it is for the authorities to decide how much they allocate towards recycling.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151749,"EventID":"S1W-15052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set for the recycling of municipal waste over the next (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 15 years and who is responsible for setting and monitoring these ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set for the recycling of municipal waste over the next (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 15 years and who is responsible for setting and monitoring these targets.","AnswerText":"Recycling targets have not been set. However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has established a Recycling Targets Working Group consisting of representatives from the Scottish Executive, CoSLA, local authorities and Recycling Market Development (ReMaDe) Scotland to advise on recycling targets.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151750,"EventID":"S1W-15053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that any new UK investment in recycling infrastructure benefits Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that any new UK investment in recycling infrastructure benefits Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive is a joint contributor to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). One of WRAP's key priorities is to stimulate a significant increase in reprocessing capacity in the UK. Specifically, WRAP's programme includes a target to attract at least another £10 million investment a year in reprocessing capacity. Our participation in WRAP is to ensure that the work and benefits of the programme also apply to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151751,"EventID":"S1W-15054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs the recycling industry directly supports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs the recycling industry directly supports.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151752,"EventID":"S1W-15055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations and individuals have been sent copies of its Consultation on the draft Local Government (Timing of Elections) (Scotland) (Bill).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations and individuals have been sent copies of its Consultation on the draft Local Government (Timing of Elections) (Scotland) (Bill).","AnswerText":"Copies of the consultation documents were sent to:<P>Leaders of Scottish Local Authorities<P>Chief Executives of Scottish Local Authorities<P>Convention of Scottish Local Authorities<P>SOLACE<P>SOLAR<P>MSPs<P>Local Government Committee<P>Scottish Parliament Information Centre<P>Scottish Labour Party<P>Scottish Liberal Democrats<P>Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party<P>Scottish National Party<P>Scottish Green Party<P>Accounts Commission<P>Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland<P>Scottish Local Government Information Unit<P>Faculty of Advocates<P>Signet Library<P>Other Government Departments<P>The distribution was completed by e-mail and the documents have also been placed on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151753,"EventID":"S1W-15056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget has been set aside to cover the costs of its consultation on the draft Local Government (Timing of Elections) (Scotland) Bill, broken down by staff, publicity","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget has been set aside to cover the costs of its consultation on the draft Local Government (Timing of Elections) (Scotland) Bill, broken down by staff, publicity, printing and any other categories of expenditure.","AnswerText":"This type of consultation is part of the normal workload of Scottish Executive staff as the Government is committed to, wherever practicable, pre-legislative consultation on draft bills. There were no publicity or printing costs as the consultation documents were issued by e-mail and also placed on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151754,"EventID":"S1W-15057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not issue a press release announcing the launch of its consultation on the draft Local Government (Timing of Elections) (Scotand) (Bill).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not issue a press release announcing the launch of its consultation on the draft Local Government (Timing of Elections) (Scotand) (Bill).","AnswerText":"Press releases are not routinely issued to draw attention to technical consultations such as this.","AnswerDate":"2001-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151755,"EventID":"S1W-15058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11507 by Angus MacKay on 23 November 2000, which of the organisations and individuals who responded to its consultation in response","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11507 by Angus MacKay on 23 November 2000, which of the organisations and individuals who responded to its consultation in response to the recommendations contained in the report of the McIntosh Commission were in favour of combined local authority and Scottish parliamentary elections.","AnswerText":"A copy of the detailed responses to this consultation is held centrally for public inspection at the Scottish Executive Library. In general terms of those who responded to this question, 29, including CoSLA, were in favour of combined elections whilst 22 were in favour of mid-term elections. Of the local authorities who responded, 16 were in favour of combined elections and 11 were in favour of mid-term elections.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151756,"EventID":"S1W-15060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full cost was of publishing, launching and distributing its Review of Funding for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups in the Voluntary Sector document.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full cost was of publishing, launching and distributing its Review of Funding for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups in the Voluntary Sector document.","AnswerText":"The consultant's final report on the <I>Review of Funding for Black and</I> <I>Minority Ethnic Groups in the Voluntary Sector</I> was published by the Executive on 26 March for consultation until 31 July. 5,000 copies of the report have been printed. Printing costs were £13,470 and £7,500 has been set aside for distribution costs.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151757,"EventID":"S1W-15061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its legal advice is that it would be possible for the water authorities to be exempted from the Competition Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its legal advice is that it would be possible for the water authorities to be exempted from the Competition Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The Executive's assessment of the scope for exempting the water authorities from the provisions of the Competition Act 1998 is set out in Annex B of its consultation paper on the Water Services Bill, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib number 12181).","AnswerDate":"2001-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151758,"EventID":"S1W-15062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Rev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy and Funding, will have on the research base.","AnswerText":"SHEFC is now considering the responses to its consultation process, and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage. I have asked SHEFC to discuss its proposals with the Executive at the conclusion of the review; and to provide appropriate policy advice.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151759,"EventID":"S1W-15063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Rev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy and Funding, will have on the regeneration of the economy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15062.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151760,"EventID":"S1W-15064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, to what extent, the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of resea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, to what extent, the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy and Funding, favour the more traditional subjects such as law at older universities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15062.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151761,"EventID":"S1W-15065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy and Funding, the funding levels of more traditional subjects such as law will be maintained at the expense of new, developing and emerging subjects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15062.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151762,"EventID":"S1W-15066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made or plans to make to the proposal in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of resear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made or plans to make to the proposal in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy and Funding, that those areas of research that receive a quality rating in the Research Assessment Exercise of three or less will not be funded.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15062.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151763,"EventID":"S1W-15067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way the proposals contained in the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's consultation paper on future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy and Funding, promote an inclusive approach to public policy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15062.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151764,"EventID":"S1W-15068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation on the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation on the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's paper on the future recurrent funding of research in universities, Review of Research Policy and Funding, has been held at a time which maximises institutions' ability to respond and whether the dissemination of the outcomes of this consultation is planned for a time which suits institutions and academic staff.","AnswerText":"The council's intention to carry out a fundamental review of its policies and methods of funding research was announced in March 1999. The early announcement was intended to give higher education institutions and other interested parties an opportunity to plan ahead for the review. The overall timetable for the review was published in the initial consultation document in February 2000 which included details of the timing of the second stage consultation.<P>The timing of the review was designed to ensure that the council was able to undertake a fundamental review of its policies and methods of funding research and to consult a wide range of stakeholders including, but not limited to, higher education institutions. The timing of the second stage consultation was also designed to ensure that proposals for new funding methods could be published and consulted upon well in advance of their introduction.","AnswerDate":"2001-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":151765,"EventID":"S1W-15069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2001-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12876 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 February 2001, whether the number of Catholic prisoners is proportionate to the number of Catholics in","ItemText":"To ask the Scot